Outdoor fabrics taken inside highlighted at Showtime

By Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 8/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Weatherwize Maui

Fabrics for use indoors or out were the hot item at Showtime last month, in High Point, N.C. Bright colors still reign in the casual market, with fun, geometrical patterns emerging and floral and palm designs holding their own.

According to The Trend Curve, prints that mimicked woven naturals were a top item at Showtime, while shades of green — pear and celadon — appeared across more fabrics than aqua. Gray crept into the mix, along with sun-faded colors rather than brights.

"We are trying to steer away from hunter green and the traditional colors," said Roger Berkley, president of Weave Corporation.

Weatherwize Georgette

Weave's outdoor line, Weatherwize, debuted in March, with a second collection introduced at Showtime. A jacquard weave, Weatherwize fabrics possess antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics to protect against moisture, heat and humidity.

"We originally designed Weatherwize as an outdoor fabric, but since it's the only outdoor fabric made from 100% enhanced polyester, it carries an elegant look and soft feel, making it more attractive to the high-end consumer who's looking to take luxury and comfort of the indoors outside," Berkley said.

Altizer Summer Stripe

Altizer & Co. also introduced a line of indoor/outdoor fabric, called the Sunblock Collection. Fabrics in the line feature easy cleanability and are marketed for high traffic areas inside the home as well as the outdoors.

Altizer Red Funky Paisley

Elegance Fabrics, traditionally known for its line of linen and linen blends in upholstery and multipurpose constructions, debuted a line of indoor/outdoor acrylic and cotton polydyed fabrics as well.

In related news, Glen Raven, celebrating its 125th anniversary, also was selected by Textile World magazine as the winner of its 2005 Innovation Award.

Altizer Polka Dot

"We could not ask for a better way to begin our 125th anniversary celebration than receiving this award," President and CEO Allen E. Grant Jr. said.

The award comes on the heels of Glen Raven's recent launch of an internal

Big Kahuna Fern

program that is challenging employees to offer innovative ideas for new product and other company improvements.

Ralph Lauren recently introduced The American Outdoors Collection, presenting Glen Raven's Sunbrella fabrics in chic wovens and prints in a variety of vibrant colors. The collection includes solid twill canvas and summer-classic patterns in navy, sky blue, hunter green, apple green, canary yellow, bright red, ivory and black.

Other introductions included Al Fresco by Bomar Trimming, a solution-dyed Sunbrella yarn designed for manufacturers marketing the indoor-outdoor concept and Bella Dura from Wearbest Sil-Tex Mills, a collection of seven fabrics for the indoors and out.