Exhibitors accentuate evolving strengths

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 9/23/2002 12:00:00 AM

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM —

It was not a year for dramatic change — and the exhibitors at both Decosit/DecoContract and Textiles d'Interieur Premiere did not try to buck the world economy, and the many other factors with major changes in design, pattern and color.

Instead, the shows here earlier this month focused on the strengths of the exhibitors with evolution rather than revolution the significant direction.

Despite the sagging global economies, there was an abundance of silks — both from Europe and Asia — as well as creatively constructed fabrics that could easily move from the non-residential to residential markets.

Key color statements were familiar reds and purples and a toned-down version of the bold oranges of the past that segued into coral or burnt orange.

Traditional florals and classic French motifs were among the more frequently seen design statements, especially in prints.