Fabric:
All The Glitters and Blooms

Christine Hanwick

It seems opposites really do attract as the two main fabric trends that have emerged in 2008 are on different ends of the spectrum. On one side, as seen on this year's catwalk, metallics are still visually prevalent throughout interior decor. On the other are the organics-the eco-friendly and green offerings that are no longer bland, but all the rage. Now add bright accent colors, a little texture, and voila! But it's not just about the modern-classic patterns, like Chintz (an oldie, but goodie), are also making a big comeback this season, as well as classic materials such as silk and linen. In addition, window-fashion fabrics continue to become more high-tech and eco-savvy.

TREND: METALLIC AND ORGANIC
All that glitters is gold, silver, brass, or bronze-this year many fabrics are either metallic in appearance or interwoven with metallic or glitter yarns.

"I have just returned from Heimtextil, where glitter, sheen, and metallic looks abound. There is a rich opulence but very subtle variance in color. The colors are metallic, silver and soft grays, bronze, and platinum," says Jozien Vet, design director, DeBall Inc.

In contrast-green is out there and making an equally strong statement. The materials are not only eco-friendly and/or organic in appearance-such as linen, woven woods, and hemp-but in composition as well. Green is not only a trend, but a necessity, and many manufacturers are now making green an easy choice with offerings that include organic cottons, PVC-free vinyls, and 100% recyclable materials.

"Sustainable green is a long-term necessity," says Dennis Scully, director of sales and marketing, Twill Textiles.

COLORS: SUPPORTING CONTRAST
This year, bright colors are in, as well as contrasting combinations. For example, dark colors, such as browns are juxtaposed with brighter colors, like mandarin or turquoise, and dark background colors support colorful designs.

"You'll see high contrast color combinations such as robin-egg blue set against dark cocoa or white and black," says Leanna K. Samples, soft fashions business unit manager of Lafayette Interior Fashions. Ramon and Karen Hardy, co-owners of Accent Draperys Inc., agree but are also seeing contrasts of burnt orange and chocolates.

TEXTURE: CRUSHED SILK AND LAYERED FABRICS
"The complexity and depth given to a fabric though its texture can transform an entire room while complementing existing décor," says Corina McRee, product manager, Comfortex Window Fashions.

Slubbed and crushed silk and silk look-alikes, woven vertical stripes, and multi-colored linens top the list in popularity, says McRee, although any subtly patterned fabric that transforms 2D to 3D will sell well.

DESIGN: CLASSIC-WITH A TWIST
In addition to the sparkle factor, large scale images such as flowers, Baroque-style designs, and whimsical and exotic motifs are making an appearance this year.

MATERIALS: GOT SILK?
Although there are a plethora of materials on the market, the ever-popular, classic silk tops them all this year-popular with both designers and manufacturers alike.

Rebecca Creal, managing director of Trend, says silk continues to be an important fabric this year. Ronald Redding, vice president of design for York, says their customer "can't seem to get enough of silks." He also points out the more natural looking linen/cotton blends are also very popular.

WINDOW FASHION FABRIC: HIGH TECH AND GREEN
The eco-friendly trend is forcing the window fashions industry to become more conscious of the environment and to respond to consumers' demands. Many fabrics have become eco-friendly because of their recyclability or composition-but now window fabrics are also helping the eco-conscious designer by increasing energy efficiency in homes, and providing UV protection and glare control, while allowing natural inward light filtration.

"The demand for fabrics that have a positive environmental impact has never been stronger," says Bill Strickland, corporate market manager, sun control products, Phifer Inc.

WF