From 25 to 27 September, trade buyers can visit the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum for Autumn/Winter 2020-21 inspiration. The season’s trend theme is Human Tech with four trends: SENSE-ABILITY, ELECTRO-TONIC, KNOW-HOW and RE-MAKE. The theme reflects on today’s transformative era. It considers ways to rediscover a sense of self, whilst also connecting to the future.

Textile inspiration from the SENSE-ABILITY trend

Vitally, the trend theme discusses fashion’s responsibility to cut waste and create a sustainable future. Eco-friendly fabrics and natural textures with modern functionalities are mentioned throughout the Intertextile Directions Trend Guide, suggesting that sustainability is becoming an integral ‘norm’ of fashion’s future.

Sensual fabrics that fuse chemistry and nature, combining technology with ecology. Textures in this trend are coarser, archaic materials with a natural look, such as pile, fairy wool, velour, velvet and organic silk in subdued, delicate pale tones and medium-neutrals.

ELECTRO-TONIC

Bold and enchanting designs, encapsulating a luxurious feel infused with rich nature. Fabrics in this trend are dynamic and technical – triacetate, cupro, eco-nylon, organic wool – paired with a palette of vivid tones, neon, and black and white.

Materials are diverse and expressive, demanding both comfort and functionality. Fabrics are sustainable, recycled or re-used, nostalgia-inspired and handcrafted: felted wool, jersey jacquard, eco-suede, yarn-dyed and soft tweed. A vintage pastel palette will subtly incorporate autumnal tones.

RE-MAKE

Practical, functional and sportive – an evolved version of traditional materials. Recycled wool, organic cotton, mixed feel on tweed, corduroy, functional stretch fabrics and bulky home-spun fabrics are key to this trend. Chic, earthy greens and basic brights will pair modern and retro palettes.

Intertextile Directions Trend Forum

At the fair, the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum is a valuable opportunity for exhibitors to submit on-trend fabric samples, which in turn direct trade buyers to their booths. Often a first visit for major trade buyers, the Trend Forum is a key example of how the fair’s fringe programme supports and enables new business connections.

Mr James Tang, Marketing Manager of Südwolle Group at last year’s Autumn Edition:

“Our products are quite expensive, so we target the high-end market, and many visitors at the fair are from this sector. Victoria’s Secret saw our product in the Trend Forum and came to our booth. We’ve also had buyers from Icebreaker and other luxury brands visit us.”

A database of exhibitors offering

To meet flexible sourcing needs, the fair will offer a database of exhibitors offering small-order and product-in-stock services. The Business Matching Programme will also arrange onsite meetings between exhibitors and VIP buyers, with interpreters available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2019 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.