To uncover the latest fabrics and accessories trends, the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee was established in 1998. Two years later, the first Intertextile Directions Trend Forum was launched at the fair. As the fair celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Trend Forum, a popular destination for in-vogue buyers, will unveil must-have fabrics for Autumn / Winter 2025-26. Under the overarching theme Human Intelligence, four key trends will be explored – UTILITY, CALM, PLURALISM, and PROJECTION – from 27 – 29 August at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
Representing various global fashion capitals, the Committee is comprised of experts from NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris), Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo), Elementi Moda (Milan), and DONEGER | TOBE (New York), collaborating to forecast next year’s trends. This year’s Intertextile Directions Trend Forum is led by Sachiko Inoue, who will bring the four trends to life under the main theme of H.I. – Human Intelligence.
In an age when machines assist us or tend to replace us, it becomes essential to remember the importance of Human Intelligence. This season, four human values will enable us to envision the future: the need for functional, long-lasting products; the desire to recharge our batteries and regain control; the need for self-expression and the acceptance of singularities; and the desire to draw on the past to design the future.
UTILITY
Inspired by urban uniforms, versatility is the heart of this theme. Among a combination of pragmatic and premium wardrobe, and fine craftsmanship and technical materials, the coat is the main utility piece.
While the garments are easy and multi-functional, the cold and greyish colour palette is a tonic full of strong contrasts, colour blocking, positivity and pep. Premium fabrics with a graphic and “UP-timistic” aesthetic are inspired by modernist architectural prints, Bauhaus archives and retro '50s wallpapers.
CALM
With calls for garments in natural colours, this theme awakens our need to protect ourselves and the environment by generous volumes in which to wrap or drape. Inspiration comes from Japan, with meticulous woodwork, origami techniques and a philosophy of internal and external well-being.
In order to reproduce the nature, the colour palette resonates with moss, lichen, fresh seeds, wild berries, Asian chrysanthemums, smoky earth, and natural wood from dense to faded. The exquisite handmade or handmade-like fabrics recreate this earthy style along with patterns borrowed from Asian wall hangings, engravings and tapestries that feature floral bouquets and animal motifs.
PLURALISM
A modern, historical twist of sophistication, featuring couture volumes in an ‘80s bold spirit, sumptuous ornamental materials, XXL jewels, “Art Deco” touches, Oriental jacquards, and a hint of nocturnal Memphis.
A range of gem-inspired dark colours (sapphire, emerald, ruby) form powerful contrasts with new golds (from bronze, to amber red and winter yellow). In this cultural patchwork of East-West influences, maxi patterns are a must. Art Deco influences are also revisited with new colours, sometimes infused with sensual vegetal elements and fractal pictorial treatments.
PROJECTION
This Avant-gardism theme represents a new digital dawn. A frozen range of wintry aquatics inspired by raw, iced Nordic landscapes reflect bright, digital, chemical hues.
A variety of fantastic worlds also provide inspiration for protective or embellished garments, featuring enchanting pastel colours on a matte or iridescent base. Favouring vegetable-based ink, sinuous, water-coloured 3D effects create a digital abstraction, to be interpreted on a micro / macro scale.
“Fabric to Fashion” to Inspire Buyers Searching for Latest Vogues
A wide range of exhibitors will showcase their on-trend fabrics at the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum. At this edition, the fair will collaborate with the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) for the “Fabric to Fashion” project. Fabrics handpicked by the Trend Committee will be transformed into 2D and 3D outfits, which will be displayed on screen at the Trend Forum, enabling buyers to better visualise textiles’ fashion potential.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held from 27 – 29 August 2024.
Background Information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,300 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 28 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2023 were around € 609 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
