• Tropical print offerings are increasingly prevalent for summer collections
• Lush palm leaves, hibiscus flowers and tropical floral graphics offer a natural, exotic mood
• New directions are created by adding appliqués or re-colouring in a dark palette

Animal hybrid

• Animal prints take new dimension with multiple ideas fused together
• Zebra, leopard, reptile, and feather prints blend or overlap for a new, exciting direction
• Other fabrics combine technique and print trends together such as ikat done in a leopard pattern

Funky-coloured fur

• Artificial fur, ranging from poodle textures to shaggy-dog fur, is wildly coloured
• Following Prada’s recent collections, this nostalgic swinging 60s trend is back
• We see this used sparingly as trim on collars and cuffs

Lilac

• Inspired by the red carpet colour trend, pale purple hues are the new “it” colour for romantic palettes
• Influencing eveningwear to casual sportswear, this versatile colour will have a strong impact on spring/summer 2012 collections
• Soft purples range from dusty grey to youthful, pink-cast hues

Fluttery trims

• Fluttery clusters of petals will be a leading trim trend for next spring
• Soft, fanciful and romantic themes will be a strong focus
• These shapes are perfect for accenting necklines

Fancy fine gauge knits

• Pattern and texture exploration are key
• Semi-sheer combines with opaque for a peek-a-boo contrast
• Playful textures enhance fine gauge knits

TREND GALLERY
WGSN analyses the key spring/summer 2012 trends from the LA Textile Show's Trend Gallery.

Spring themes
Dark floral

• Floral themes move towards sober, monochromatic colours
• Creates a dark, romantic mood that is currently on-trend
• Bursts of red add vibrancy

Abstract watercolour

• Watercolour prints in abstract designs offer bright colours in sophisticated patterns
• Designs range from ikat-inspired to mottled splotches
• Seen in hand-illustrated and digitised effects

Tribal

• Tribal continues as a strong print trend
• Inspiration ranges from African to Aztec
• Wood-block-style prints in bold colour combinations are key

Indian boho

• Indian textiles with a distinctly boho flair will be a significant trend for s/s 2012
• Detailed embroideries, graphic jacquards and paisley prints are key
• These statement fabrics are often created with large scale prints and patterns

Print
Animal hybrid

• Classic animal prints are layered with other elements to create a new animal hybrid
• Combine with other trends including floral, plaid, abstract shapes
• Juxtapose patterns and textures for a playful take on the classic print

Checks and plaids

• New check trends explore layering of graphics such as floral overlay
• Gradient checks in blue hues have a soft, gradient appearance
• Madras plaids are a spring staple, seen in shirting and silks

Digitized

• Digital, photographic prints channel natural elements for inspiration
• Macro, enlarged scales create an artful and textural statement
• Primarily a print trend on silks and polyester

Kitchen prints

• Clean, graphic prints make a modern statement for interiors
• Linear, bold elements are key
• Inspired by retro kitchen interiors and accessories

Surface
Reptilian

• Raised, reptilian surfaces are key for S/S 2012
• Knits, woven jacquards, even fur explore the use of reptilian texture
• Tactile, animal elements have an on-trend faux-real look

Mixed media

• Contrast textures and mixed media are a key focus for trim and embellishments
• We love the unexpected combinations of slick prints on furry fabric and wood combined with softer elements
• New embellishment trends focus on material experimentation

Fur

• Fur continues to be a key look, in increasingly novel surfaces
• Trending for spring are curly furs resembling poodles and longer shaggy-dog styles
• Faux fur becomes increasingly realistic, with new advances in synthetic textiles

Embellishments
Nostalgic

• Nostalgic embroidery reminiscent of fabrics in granny’s attic are on-trend
• Refined, romantic and delicate details are important elements to this vintage-inspired trend
• Old world embroidered handkerchief and table linens are a great source of inspiration

Jewelled

• Neckline trims are going chunky with an overstated luxury appeal
• Opulent neckline trims mimic real jewellery
• Combine with lace, tulle or silk trim for a delicate contrast

Bib trims

• Delicate embroidered bib trims are on-trend for vintage-inspired pieces
• Antiqued lace qualities are key
• Laser-cut leathers offer a unique and modern version of the bib embellishment

Fluttery embellishments

• Dramatic layers of petals are a key trend for evening
• Floral-inspired ruffles are full, lush and ultra-feminine
• Floaty, fluttery movement create maximum impact