A cut above

Nicole Crews -- Casual Living, 6/4/2012 6:55:00 AM

Showtime in High Point, NC, June 3-6, is all about design and fashion as it applies to textiles. Increasingly, fashion trends apply to the casual industry as the outdoor room becomes an extension of the home's interior.

As deep-seating, sectionals, conversation seating, full-upholstered and slip-covered pieces step into the sun, the fabric choices available for those frames are rising to the occasion. We've come a long way, baby.

Summer Classics Taking its design cue from ikat and its colorway from today’s romantic hues, Tie Dye Blush adds ethnic punch to preppy pastels.Abercrombie Textiles The Outdoor Honeycomb is made with Crypton Super Fabric technology and lets nature take its course when it comes to design.Belladura Template, Summer Tide and Aloha take on the patterns reminiscent of basket weave, embroidery and tossed tropical leaves.Beacon Hill Trending on both ikat design and the nautical stripe, the Ibi Ikat in Lagoon Blue is outdoor ready.Brentano A Japanese stencil-inspired, botanical pattern makes up Zinnia. Woven from 100% high energy-dyed polyester, Zinnia meets contract performance standards at 30,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek).Sunbrella Ignite is highlighted by fiery reds, hot pinks and bright oranges.Silver State The Alaxi Kabloom is an explosion of modern color in regal hues of purple and grassy green.TriOcean The Taiwan Textile federation will be showcasing several of its members during Showtime. TriOcean will be there representing the outdoor fabric manufacturers.