Colors saturate Showtime fabrics

Coastal looks appear in response to requests

Lindsey Hughes -- Casual Living, 6/11/2009 4:03:00 PM

The latest color trends, textures and fabric patterns were unfolded at Showtime June 7-10. The color scale ranged from the brightest of brights to scaled back, sophisticated neutrals. New patterns and lifestyles were on display as well.
Bella-Dura by Wearbest is working on two new lifestyles, said Sarah Keelen, Wearbest designer. The first focuses on a traditional grouping with a global influence, she said. Ikat, medallions and paisley are all in the pattern mix. In terms of color, this grouping is ablaze with golds, reds, spicy tones and warm chocolate browns, Keelen said.
The second lifestyle is a collection of resort inspired hues and motifs. The group exudes airy coastal vibes with spa blues, greens and light neutrals splashed in maritime fashion. “This lifestyle features textures, solids and stripes,” Keelen said.
 Altizer also expanded its nautical-inspired collection. Stripes and anchors were prevalent themes in holiday red and navy in the Al Fresco Collection. Requests also have been widespread for solid, cream-colored fabrics, Altizer Vice President Todd H. Nifong said.
 Terrazzo by Victor also showcased nautical inspired collections as well as strong geometrics in hexagonal patterns and deco circles, ikat and ethnic-influenced motifs, botanical patterns and animal prints.
 Glen Raven showcased solids, linens, textures, velvets and canvas. The collection embraced the theme where the outdoors meet the indoors, revealing a more focused line with tighter SKUs.
 Many of the trends spotted at Showtime harmoniously correlated to the Design Options 2010 Color & Lifestyle Trends for the Home Markets seminar presented during the show by Maria Money, Design Options’ sales executive.
 Money discussed how color can make a world of difference between selling and not selling. “When times are good, you should invest in the tools needed to succeed,” Money said. “When times are bad, you must invest.”
 Expect to see deeper tones in the neutral palette, and look for pastels to go dusty, Money said. Rose tones, soft yellow and the like will be anchored by brown. Ethnic-influenced colors and patterns will continue to have a heavy footing. Saffron and spicy tones will intermingle with other mid-tone brights. “We will see a transition of blues into plums and dusty mauves,” Money said. A fascination with the luxe life will result in total exploration of jewel tones, she said.
 Right now there is inter-industry collaboration of apparel and home, Money said. Instead of the traditional lag time in one influencing the other, the trends co-exist between the two realms. “People want to live in what they love,” Money said. “People want their clothing to coordinate with their home.”
 Money discussed six lifestyle trends for the fall and winter of 2010. The first, titled Tribal Quest showcases tribal going modern. It follows the transition of influences from India to Africa to American tribal.
 Next is the Royal Statement lifestyle, which revolves around the idea that people want to surround themselves with items that seem rich despite the economic times. Terms associated with this group include majesty for the masses, gilded glam and dungeon chic.
 Graphic forms and artistic touches populate the Art of Living lifestyle, which is about surrounding yourself with the things you love. “It is where art goes mainstream,” Money said.
 The Power Palette heats things up a bit with a focus on all things red. This lifestyle includes orange cast reds as well as stoplight red. Following is the Gentlemen’s Club recalling a sophisticated smoking lounge style, Money said. Think tattered books, aged busts, menswear prints, plaids and stripes.
 The lifestyle trends round out with the Luxe Life, which is a bit more feminine that Royal Statement. “Luxe Life is a return to Victorian sensibilities,” Money said. The group is more monotone with influences such as crystal brooches and corsets.
 Eco-conscious lifestyles will continue to influence the color wheel, she said. Expect sustainability to reflect more comfort and luxury as consumers realize “they don’t have to compromise style for green,” Money said.