Intertextile Unveils ‘A Quest for Essence’ as A/W 2027-28 Trend Theme
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2027-28 Intertextile Directions Trends, titled “A Quest for Essence,” presenting a forward-looking vision that blends emotional wellbeing, craftsmanship, technology and sensory experiences to shape the future of fashion and textiles.
Taking place from 25 to 27 August 2026, the exhibition’s Intertextile Directions Trend Forum will showcase curated fabric and accessory collections inspired by three key themes: Feel Your Serenity, Live Your Emotions, and Play Your Role. The installation has been curated by MUSEATIVE and developed in collaboration with ELEMENTI MODA (Milan), NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris) and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo).
For the first time, the Trend Forum will introduce an immersive scent-infused experience through a collaboration with Notes Shanghai, using fragrances created by dsm-firmenich to complement fabric textures and colour palettes, creating a multi-sensory environment that combines sight, touch and scent.
Feel Your Serenity
This trend focuses on wellbeing, comfort and balanced living, featuring soft whites, muted neutrals and calming tones. Key materials include second-skin stretch jerseys, rubberised peach skin fabrics, techno taffetas, iridescent nylon, plush fleece and blanket fabrics. The theme is paired with the fragrance Peach Fuzz, blending peachy musks with creamy florals.
Live Your Emotions
Inspired by the beauty of everyday life, this direction embraces timeless colours, nostalgia and functional design. Featured materials include felted worsted wool, Shetland wool, tweeds, corduroy, workwear denim, coated canvas and performance jersey. The accompanying fragrance, Nanaland, combines banana, spices and gourmand notes to evoke youthful optimism.
Play Your Role
Exploring theatricality, luxury and self-expression, this theme introduces couture-inspired colours and richly textured fabrics including suiting twills, cashmere-silk blends, organza, brocades, voile, plumetis and tapestry-inspired jacquards. The scent Sandal Whisper, featuring saffron, oud, florals and sandalwood, enhances the luxurious atmosphere.
The Trend Forum is designed to help buyers and designers identify emerging textile directions while connecting directly with exhibitors showcasing trend-led fabrics and accessories.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value, bringing together the global textile, apparel, knitwear and fashion industries under one roof at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
