Consumers clamoring for more color

NEW YORK — "People want color," said Liz Hough, senior director, fashion marketing, home fabrics, Cotton Inc.

And the new color palette that Hough developed certainly acknowledges that trend. "Greens are important — big-time."

Under the umbrella theme of "A Novel Approach to Home," Hough points to "A Tale of One City" as the fashion-forward color statement for 2004, with two greens interplaying, as well as "Suns & Lovers," a color family that features lavenders and purples mixed with mint green.

An important element in the color statement, Hough explained, "is that these colors lend to the shine that is so important in mercerized threads."

Across the board, yellows are still important, "but they have faded back some" — to buttercup, a golden tonality, a pale version and a light straw shade.

Blues, she added, "are taking a tone down in the dominance they have had."

From a design perspective, Hough sees the home market "zeroing in on a geometric and menswear tailored look" as portrayed in the Philosophy segment of her forecast. "It shows cotton in a formal light — in sateen, in stripes, in mercerized yarns that are polished and sophisticated."

"Fairy Tales," another of the Cotton Inc. "Novel" themes, takes its inspiration from classic children's storybooks with playful and energetic fabric designs. "The looks really pop. It's wholesome and keyed to the youth market with fabrics that are playful and bursting with energy." Hand embroidery, tapestries and whimsical terry prints are the basics of this group.

Faraway places are the theme of Adventure, the third of four trend statements, and the fabrics focus on rich chenilles, jacquards and interpretations of crewelwork.

The fourth theme is Romance, a trend that is feminine without being little-girl frilly, Hough explained. Fabrics were inspired by heirloom-quality christening gowns, puckered fabrics, directional toiles, delicate embroidery and dressmaker details.