Expofil backs broad blend

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

Expofil, an organization that produces an annual yarn fair as well as forecasts colors, has divided the emerging colors for spring/summer 2003 into five groups. The colors are broad in range, from almost white to almost black tones, natural to artificial tints and neutral to sparkling tones.

The Photogenic group consists of luminous and cool whites. The Fluorescent group contains acid brights that are slightly whitened. Grays enlightened by an aluminum gray are the basis for the Daguerreotype palette. The Phototype group contains dense and dark colors, similar to the color of negatives. Lastly, the Autochrome palette is reminiscent of old colored photographs that are slightly faded.

In addition, Expofil also sees fabrics becoming more ornamental for summer 2003, in four specific trends. Sylvie Tastermain, fashion director, said, "This is not intended purely as a visual effect applied to a finished product, but rather as a quest that begins at the time the product is developed."

Corrosion is a theme inspired by the uncertain and ever-changing shapes of sand dunes, highlighted by delicate and sensual materials. These fabrics will include crepe yarns, gimp or slubbed but always very fine, to give knits and fabrics a sanded surface.

Transformation focuses on reprocessing and recycling and results in fancy yarns that are often colorful and original.

The Imitation theme reconnects with nature, especially with the world of plants and insects. The dry aspect of plant fibers contrasts with silky fibers and the lacquered surfaces of synthetics.

Construction brings an urban feeling of strict and modern classicism: a rhythmic and highly graphical world with no other embellishments than those inspired by materials from contemporary architecture such as concrete, steel, glass and asphalt. The sophistication and technical nature of the material is highlighted by matte/gloss contrasts on sometimes slightly irregular twisted yarns.