Shanghai, 17 July 2024. Intertextile has led the textile sector for thirty years, developing with the constantly shifting fashion scene. The Intertextile Directions Trend Committee was founded in 1998 with the goal of identifying the newest trends in fabrics and accessories. The inaugural Intertextile Directions Trend Forum was introduced at the show two years later. A favorite spot for stylish shoppers, the Trend Forum, will present must-have materials for Autumn/Winter 2025–2026 as the fair marks its 30th year. From August 27 to 29, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, four major trends—UTILITY, CALM, PLURALISM, and PROJECTION—will be examined under the broad topic of Human Intelligence.
The Committee, which forecasts trends for the upcoming year, is made up of specialists from NellyRodiTM Agency (Paris), Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo), Elementi Moda (Milan), and DONEGER | TOBE (New York), representing several global fashion capitals. Sachiko Inoue, the organizer of this year’s Intertextile Directions Trend Forum, will bring the four trends to life around the central concept of H.I., or human intelligence.
It is crucial to keep in mind the value of human intelligence in a time when machines either help us or tend to replace us. Four human values—the need for durable, useful products; the need to refuel and regain control; the need for self-expression and acceptance of uniqueness; and the urge to learn from the past to shape the future—will help us imagine the future this season.
UTILITY
This theme’s key idea is adaptability, which was inspired by urban uniforms. The coat serves as the primary piece of utility in an ensemble that combines a sophisticated and practical wardrobe with high-quality craftsmanship and technical materials.
The clothing is simple and multipurpose, yet the chilly, gray color scheme is energizing and full of vibrant contrasts, color blocking, positivism, and energy. High-end textiles with a graphic and “UP-timistic” style draw inspiration from vintage ’50s wallpaper, Bauhaus archives, and modernist architectural prints.
CALM
This motif, which encourages wearing clothing in natural hues, highlights the need of protecting the environment and ourselves by providing enough of material to wrap or drape. Japan is a source of inspiration because of its careful woodworking, origami methods, and emphasis on both internal and outward well-being.
The color scheme echoes with moss, lichen, fresh seeds, wild berries, Asian chrysanthemums, smokey soil, and natural wood from dense to fading in order to replicate the natural world. This earthy design is recreated with magnificent handmade or handmade-like textiles and patterns inspired by Asian wall hangings, engravings, and tapestries with floral bouquets and animal themes.
PLURALISM
A modern, historical twist of sophistication, featuring couture volumes in an ‘80s bold spirit, sumptuous ornamental materials, XXL jewels, “Art Deco” touches, Oriental jacquards, and a hint of nocturnal Memphis.
A range of gem-inspired dark colours (sapphire, emerald, ruby) form powerful contrasts with new golds (from bronze, to amber red and winter yellow). In this cultural patchwork of East-West influences, maxi patterns are a must. Art Deco influences are also revisited with new colours, sometimes infused with sensual vegetal elements and fractal pictorial treatments.
PROJECTION
This Avant-gardism theme represents a new digital dawn. A frozen range of wintry aquatics inspired by raw, iced Nordic landscapes reflect bright, digital, chemical hues.
A variety of fantastic worlds also provide inspiration for protective or embellished garments, featuring enchanting pastel colours on a matte or iridescent base. Favouring vegetable-based ink, sinuous, water-coloured 3D effects create a digital abstraction, to be interpreted on a micro / macro scale.
“Fabric to Fashion” to inspire buyers searching for latest vogues
The Intertextile Directions Trend Forum will feature a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing their fashionable textiles. The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) and the expo will work together on the “Fabric to Fashion” project for this occasion. The Trend Committee will select fabrics and turn them into 2D and 3D ensembles that will be shown on screen at the Trend Forum. This process will help buyers better understand the fashion possibilities of textiles.
