The fabric trends that will be dominating the summer to come are a perfect blend of summer and light winter; they are extremely directional based on the three-month long Resort 2016 collections, which hint at the main season and our S/S ’16 forecast. As each line brought around uniqueness in some way or the other, there were several fabrics that were reoccurring to contemporary fashion which contributed to the main commonalities that are present every season. FFT has shortlisted five trends for you that will cover everything – from the delicate flowy dresses to the must-have knits to the power suits – that will be defining the spring wardrobes…
Pleasant Fierceness

This trend entails gentle and soothing patterns on hard surfaces; it involves the usage of garden motifs on tough fabrics by bringing opposites together – romantic blooms, jungle botanicals, birds and flowers being incorporated on silk dresses and smocked shirts, as well as on denim. There would be denim dresses, blouses, pants, jumpsuits printed to appear like indigo. Mink appliqué was used on cashmere tops and the other key fabrics include leather, satin and even shearling.
Bold Geometry

The beauty of the 1970’s prints lay in the fact that they were bold and made a strong statement. The fabrics that are perfect for such a theme include mink in intarsia, suede, silk jersey and jacquard. There were brown oversized coats and sequin filled geometric midi dresses, in addition to shirtdresses constructed in cotton and silk, fitted blazers, skirts adoring pleats and cropped flares, covered in hexagons – small and big – even colour blocked in earthy tones.
The Unconventional

The eccentricity of this theme involves a range of contrasting textures and materials that result in a very modern utilitarian look. Floral patchwork made way in psychedelic colours, paint splatter prints were seen on cottons, sequins in black, silver and gold, glitter was met with soft pleats and silks. Stiff and hardened fabrics aligned with delicate summer ones for a duality. Opposing textures were brought together to create third-dimensionality with faux leather, synthetic shearling, cotton drill and jersey.
Ultra Sleek

This trend belongs to the workwear category that makes use of powerful suits and clean, uncomplicated finishes that look sleek. The palette revolves around cool greys, muted blacks, whites that are borderline beige. Impeccable tailoring came into play with wool blazers, jacquard knit dresses, long wrap skirts in crepe. The aesthetic was structured and simple with fabrics being used that have higher count yarns, smooth and polished ones. The key fabrics comprise of wool crepe, cotton, leather and silk.
Upper Side Class

Post World War-II, Britain would be the perfect referencing for this trend as it brings back the richness of the most famous streets and their street style. Cloaks with pinstripes, culottes constructed in leather, mink headgear in pastel shades as well as neutrals all aligned with East London as the pink hued loose suits in silk embodied the Central London vibe which was more sophisticated. The key fabrics include wool, cashmere, silk, coated cotton, fleece, fur, crushed silk, metallic fabric, double face, wool crepe and silk georgette.