Heimtextil is viewed as a leading trendsetter in the textile industry, and this year’s expo was no exception. An undoubtable highlight of the show was the Trend Forum. An inspired installation showcased exhibitors’ products in a dynamic way to illustrate the trends for next season as dictated by guru Gunnar Frank who called on designers to ‘Show your true Colours!’ The renowned textile engineer and fashion designer from Amsterdam has been outlining the trends for the past ten years. This year he pays homage to a variety of artistic directions and uses colour to link modernism and tradition in his ‘Trend Book’ for 2007 / 2008.
Gunnar Frank told CID: “We live in a completely chaotic world, politically, socially, technologically, there are so many crazy things around us. In the early 1900’s the world was also chaotic, it was an abstract way of thinking. I have used the art of those times as an inspiration. For the new season’s trends the way is towards modern and clean and also tradition — both of these go together. We are witnessing a rebirth of the Renaissance, which is contrasted with the art styles of the early 20th Century. Each theme displays an antagonism between the modern and the classic. The contrasts reflect the chaos.”
Designers take note: “Baroque is on the way out,” says Frank. “We are moving towards a trend for simplicity.
The trend for patterns will quieten down.” And in terms of colour: “Black is over — we are going towards clean, open transparent colours, in the world of creativity browns are the new colour.”
Frank predicts four distinct themes for next season:
Constructive Power:
Combining the intensity of primary colours, coupled with the starkness of constructivism to create spaces that demonstrate modernity and clear lines. References are to Modrian. The intensity and power of the colour combinations is emotive, and expresses clarity and passion. Materials feature stripes, dots and geometric designs.
Cubism Monochrome:
Neutral colours are combined with the character of Cubism. ‘Non-colours’, serve as projection surfaces, providing a focus of calm and a basis for reorientation. Stirring motifs from previous centuries create a new tension. Modernity is contrasted with an ethnic feel. Silver is an important material and colour. Fabrics are textured, sculptured, formable and structured.
Surreal Sunny:
Brilliant shades of yellow and red are warmed by Surrealism. The brightness of the sun is combined with emotions to fashion a world of warmth. A mood is created here that pleasantly illuminates the space. The mystery of Surrealism contrasts with classical motifs to generate additional creative energy. This interior world is a rousing, fascinating and imaginative interplay of modern and romantic aspects. Dali provides inspiration for materials (references are to the artist’s ‘Elephants on Stilts’) and fantastical animal prints feature heavily, as well as bright gold leaf and yellows.
Futurism Dawn:
This theme focuses on the strong uses of the cool blue spectrum, enhanced with the boldness of Futurism. The fascinating contrast of fairytale accessories meeting rationality creates an overall impression of mystery and mystic charm. The mood is one of distant playfulness that is forward looking and signals the progressive character of this design style. Modernism and romanticism find equal expression. Materials are ultra modern, featuring the idea of movement and velocity with horizontal, stretched, distorted patterns and pixels, laser-cut plastics and shimmer and glimmer effect fabrics.
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