TRENDS // TRENDSTOP - WOMEN'S KEY MATERIAL TRENDS . SS 2018

The Trendstop catwalk team brings you a behind-the-scenes look at the latest shows and most influential designers from New York, London, Milan and Paris. Their expertly curated and inspirational seasonal reports identify and develop the key catwalk directions, evaluating each individual trend’s commercial value and longevity over the coming seasons and ensuring optimum analysis for informed decision making.

Women's Key Material Trends Spring/Summer 2018

Here is an insight into three materials themes inspiring Spring/Summer 2018 apparel direction. Soft Comforts taps into the transseasonal trend and the growth of loungewear as cosy comforting textures are reworked for summer. Primary Games introduces sportswear influenced hybrids with an emphasise performance and innovation while Forest Blooms looks to the natural world as organic textures are refined and refreshed by spring foliage motifs.

Forest Blooms

SS18 materials get closer to nature with a concept that embraces tangled organic textures, earthy undergrowth qualities and foliage green tones.

• Organic shades are refreshed with faded mint or summer forest tones.
• Sheer embroideries take inspiration from forest foliage.
• Densely tangled lace formations mix heavy and delicate feels.

Soft Comforts

Soft to the touch fabrications lend a comforting aspect to the summer wardrobe enhanced by inflated volumes and cosy handles.

• Rustic textures are softened with towelling and piling techniques.
• Double-knit textures and smooth yarns create clean scuba finishes.
• Soft padding mimics corduroy ribbing for added surface interest.

Primary Games

Fabrics take inspiration from the sportswear market with a focus on high performance aspects, technical features and hybrid innovations.

• High-shine and liquid gloss coatings add dimension to flat colour.
• Bonded mesh lends lightweight and breathable qualities to activewear.
• Waffle and pique textures reference retro sportswear looks. 

All images courtesy of Trendstop.