Design – whether it be for fashion, home or any lifestyle vertical – is built upon FORECASTING. As a result, we’ve built multi-million dollar businesses upon the ability to predict and tell designers, companies, and marketers what people want, before they consciously realize they want it.
Forecasting is FUTURECASTING and, as futurecasters, we’re interpreting and anticipating what consumers will want to purchase. We scan tens of thousands of images, look at historical purchase data and patterns, as well as look for predictive indicators of what’s coming next. It’s why every six months, we have fashion weeks and trades shows. Every six months, we show what’s coming next – though we have ideas of what’s coming two, three and even five years out.
There are still those who ask, “Where does it all start? Where is the source of inspiration for what comes down the runways and is available in your favorite department stores?”
This season, SOURCING at MAGIC partnered with WHY THIS WAY and Woodbury University's Fashion Marketing Department to research consumer behavior and its influence on textiles. From this collaboration, we’ve created a first of its kind trend report that highlights of what finished products will be comprised. We look at the elements that make up finished designs and trends aligned to current consumer purchase behavior to paint a picture of what’s coming next.
So, if you see how Mad Men has impacted consumers’ need for heritage and CRAFTSMANSHIP or how The Hunger Games is driving MODERN, don’t worry, that’s exactly what you’re supposed to see.
This concept report focuses on consumer interest for the next year (2014 – 2015). We not only highlight the materials (textiles, trims, treatments, but highlight the consumer needs and interests. We’ve introduced ‘Sources’ from vendors found at SOURCING at MAGIC that are offering the best of the materials to create these concepts for multiple markets. So whether you’re a car manufacturer, menswear designer or interior design company, this is applicable to you. We you enjoy the creative insights found within this CONCEPT REPORT.
For more information on SOURCING at MAGIC, visit: http://www.magiconline.com/sourcing-at-magic
2. Fall/Winter 2014 – 2015 Concept Report
Design – whether it be for fashion, home or any lifestyle vertical – is built upon FORECASTING. As a result, we‟ve built multi-million dollar
businesses upon the ability to predict and tell designers, companies, and marketers what people want, before they consciously realize they
want it.
Forecasting is FUTURECASTING and, as futurecasters, we‟re interpreting and anticipating what consumers will want to purchase. We scan
tens of thousands of images, look at historical purchase data and patterns, as well as look for predictive indicators of what‟s coming next. It‟s
why every six months, we have fashion weeks and trades shows. Every six months, we show what‟s coming next – though we have ideas of
what‟s coming two, three and even five years out.
There are still those who ask, “Where does it all start? Where is the source of inspiration for what comes down the runways and is available in
your favorite department stores?”
This season, SOURCING at MAGIC partnered with WHY THIS WAY and Woodbury University's Fashion Marketing Department to research
consumer behavior and its influence on textiles. From this collaboration, we‟ve created a first of its kind trend report that highlights of what
finished products will be comprised. We look at the elements that make up finished designs and trends aligned to current consumer purchase
behavior to paint a picture of what‟s coming next.
So, if you see how Mad Men has impacted consumers‟ need for heritage and CRAFTSMANSHIP or how The Hunger Games is driving
MODERN, don‟t worry, that‟s exactly what you‟re supposed to see.
This concept report focuses on consumer interest for the next year (2014 – 2015). We not only highlight the materials (textiles, trims,
treatments, but highlight the consumer needs and interests. We‟ve introduced „Sources‟ from vendors found at SOURCING at MAGIC that are
offering the best of the materials to create these concepts for multiple markets. So whether you‟re a car manufacturer, menswear designer or
interior design company, this is applicable to you. We you enjoy the creative insights found within this CONCEPT REPORT.
3. The Countries
and Trends of
Interest
In February 2014, we surveyed 175
buyers, designers, media and press
writers, and brand representatives to
discover the trends and countries
found within this report.
5. // CONSUMER ANALYSIS //
The modern + organic concept is
based on consumers‟ desire to
balance technology and ecology; it
represents cultural reactions of
moving into the modern lifestyle
while building multiple aspect of
sustainability into it.
This trend highlights the ideals of
modern living by connecting them
with the emotional aspects of the
environment around them. It also
represents the development of an
aesthetic perception as a part of the
reaction to organic influence in art
and design.
Organic in shape and form as
opposed to organic materials. The
modern component can be
presented by experimenting with
pleats (as seen with Issey Miyake).
This concept is also based around
irregular effects of a material that
add organic (botany, flowers, vines)
inspiration around the human body.
6. This new way of introducing
minimalists comes from the
organic approach to design. The
folds, darts, and pleats add points
and angles to provide a new
surface give a new geometry to the
design. The organic materials are
now being simulated into the
design elements.
Intangible Elements tied to
Emotional Purpose:
Modern Line Theory: one with
nature and/or reclaiming materials
Generation of innovators
Elements that blur the lines
between nature and modern
design
Space theory; Image-makers
collaborate with multiple disciplines
Convergence of sustainability
Aware of the geometry of the
human frame; use of geometry
helps to generate forms and create
a unique structure that can be
transformed into a shape that
mimics nature.
7. Tangible Elements tied to Product
Development:
o Hollow airy yarns
o Natural fiber (e.g. cork materials)
o Cashmere – purity
o Twist of vegetable fibers
(organic in designs)
o Rustic, Geometric, Organic
o Geometrics - digital printing and
micro-patterning
o Pleats, Ruffles and Memory
Folds
Countries Sourced From:
TAIWAN
Coneco Pleats, LINK
CHINA
Pan-Think Footwear Co Ltd. Weiliang
Zeng, info-pan-think@163.com
Shanghai Qianzheli Clothing Co
Limited, Elyson Wong, LINK
MEXICO
Aztex Trading, Patricia Medina, LINK
9. // Consumer Analysis //
Consumers are looking for the
chance to reconnect with
themselves. The concept of
comfort is based around the design
elements that allow consumers to
escape reality and transform not
only their state of mind, but their
surrounds with ease. Calming
colors and serene elements of
„touch‟ (tactile perception) are key.
The design components are kept
humble and give the consumer
mobility to create a living design
based on comfort and wellbeing.
There are even international
comfort zone movements such as
the “Silence Room” by Selfridges in
London, England. When founder
Harry Gordon Selfridge opened the
store in 1909, it included a “Silence
Room” where customer could find
respite. “No Noise” by agency 18
Feet and Rising and “The Quiet
Shop” by architect Alex Cochrane
is a translation of this into other
retail settings.
10. There are also ties to the
movement in people becoming
more mindful in the world through
conscious thinking and actions.
Comfort Zones links the desire for
luxurious leisurewear and the
ability to nestle up to indulge in
comfort of leisure time. It is said
that the greatest luxury of all is
time and that is something that
most consumers are lacking.
Intangible Elements tied to
Emotional Purpose:
o Nesting / Cocooning
o Holistic / Purist
o Innocence
o Sanctuary
o Quiet, Gentle, Tender
o Taking time for oneself
o Comfort with the ability to
offer it “To Go”
o Stress & Hassle Free /
Undisturbed
o Overall emphasis on comfort
11. Tangible Elements tied to
Product Development:
o SMART fabrics that are
engineered around
wearability (comfort)
o Soft washes, tactile
(surface texture)
o Ultra pluh feel / handle
o Multi-layering
o Handspun yarns
o Rust dyes
o Fluid movement
o Performance fabrics
(breathability)
12. Materials:
Felts + Exaggerated Chunky
Knits created with oversized
gauge needles
Natural whites without using
optical bleach
Non-chemical processing, greige
goods (raw materials in their
natural state)
Slow dying process to preserve
softness
Tencel that ideal for sensitive
skin
Countries Sourced For
Concept
PERU
Perumoda, LINK
MONGOLIA
Buyan Cashmere LLC, LINK
Uguuj Shim LLC,
www.uguujshim.com
MEXICO
Aztex Trading, Patricia Medina
14. //CONSUMER ANALYSIS//
Consumers are focusing on
heritage of traditional
handcraftsmanship. They are
becoming more conscious of the
„story of behind the brand‟ and
also participating in the brand's
ethos with their own experiences
and reflection (intrinsic
motivations).
Consumers feel the need to
communicate their integrity of
design appreciation through their
valued purchases.
Craftsmanship and its unique
attributes contribute to this
motivation of purchase as
consumers love to discover new
artisans sharing their innovation
through their design skillsets. The
Craftsmanship trend is based on
exploring cultural elements of
heritage with which consumers
connect.
15. Intangible Elements tied to
Emotional Purpose:
o Handcrafted
o One-Of-A-Kind
o Integrity of design
o Products with a story
behind it
o The idea of not
compromising quality
o Technically stimulating
o Conceptually and
visually inviting
o Communicate its long-
term loyalty and
commitment to rare and
unique
o Appreciation by
influential personalities
and designers
16. Tangible Elements tied to
Product Development:
o Details on products appear
custom
o Each and every detail is a
tribute to our roots in
traditional
o Products with a Heritage
Story
o Unique attributes
o "BESPOKE" describes a
high degree of
CUSTOMISATION, and
involvement of the end-
user, in the production of
the goods.
17. NOTES:
Countries Sourced for Concept
INDONESIA
Leginayba, Sarah Beekmans,
sarahdewi@leginayba.com
Baguda Wear, LINK
COLUMBIA
Articulos De Cuero, Alejandro
Mesa, iventas@articur.com
MEXICO
Aztex Trading, Patricia Medina,
LINK
18. 5 Countries and Vendors To Note
As part of our first report, we‟ve included companies and manufacturers that enable
designers to produce quality products from our trends. As an extension, we also like to
highlight five manufacturers who deliver superior quality products and processes that can
help designers produce products consumers will want.
19. MEXICO
Aztex Trading, Vallejo, Mexico, www.aztex.net
Aztex Trading manufactures with “authenticity” for a one-of-a-kind appeal. They are
known for their hand-stitched appliques made from scraps of fabric left behind and
hand knitted knitwear. Each piece is made by a group of ladies who are sourced in the
small town of Queretero, Mexico. Most of these women are working to support their
families and this may be their only source of income.
Aztex strives to bring manufacturing back to the Western Hemisphere and their
“authenticity” and one-of-a-kind detailing is the best way to compete with competitors in
Asia. They also are a part of Mexmakers: Concept to Consumer “Mexmakers is a
coordinated specialized supply chain. A cluster of companies that create, develop and
manufacture different types of products in order to offer creativity, variety, availability
and flexibility.” Creating a sense of community really sets them apart from the rest and
offers a unique approach to manufacturing that truly “tells a story.”
USA
Vapor Apparel, Charleston, SC,
www.vaporapparel.com
Vapor Apparel is the manufacturer of high quality performance apparel engineered for
mass customization with sublimation. Founded in 2004, Vapor Apparel is the industry
leader in Sublimation Certified™ blank and decorated apparel. As part the company‟s
mission to protect the environment and reduce our carbon footprint, they operate in
100% efficient LEED certified facilities and support local environmental sustainability
initiatives.
About Sublimation: Sublimation printing is a form of digital printing that works only with
polyester fabric and is like a “tattoo on the garment.” The dyes are infused directly into
the fibers when the right amount of heat is added which makes a virtually permanent
full color, high-resolution print that will not crack, fade or peel EVER!
20. CHINA
Merry Trade Limited, NINGBO, China, www.leapfashion.com
Merry Trade offers a unique approach to dyeing their textiles. The company‟s process allows
for dye application while still enabling fabrics (shirts) a soft, chambray style. Their specialty
materials are colorfast organic and non-organic cotton. They have multiple dye processes that
can include enzyme wash, over-dye, and pigment dyeing. They are currently experimenting
with a new process called Snow Wash Dyeing, a process of adding the chemicals to give the
textile shape, structure, and form while washing the shirt as a plain shirt. The dye spreads and
allows for the style to be different for each one.
INDIA
NC John & Sons Pvt Ltd, www.ncjohn.com
Founded in 1943 as a family business, this manufacturer is known for their 100% natural, eco-
friendly fabrics and vegetable dyes derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. Some of the
colorants include iron rust, alizarin, turmeric, harda, alum, and indigo. This company is also
known in the home industry as a leader in natural fiber good. N.C. John and Sons Pvt. Ltd. is
one of the premier exporters of natural floor coverings from Kerala.
PERU
Perumoda, www.perumoda.com
The company represents Peru as a whole. They promote direct contact between themselves
and buyers nationwide. Peru‟s specialty is their cotton. Using two different types of cotton
“Pima and Tanguis cotton” provides the fabric with the perfect essentials to make the garment
more delightful for the consumer. What is a memorable Peruvian equality is that they use
alpaca fur. Alpaca is considered to be “Gods‟ fiber”, which Peru contains “80% of the alpaca‟s
word production”. The alpaca fur is highly seen in the fashion industry for its coziness, and its
ability to contain dye.
21. Report Editorial Credits
Editorial: Macala Wright, WHY THIS WAY
Layout: Carlo Soriano, @HandDrawnLife
Illustration: Carlo Soriano & Macala Wright
Forecasting & Analysis: Professor Wendy Bendoni, Forecaster
Woodbury University, Fashion Marketing
Department
Jennifer Olmscheid, Textile Consultant
Photography: David Rayside, Australia
Maryfaith Soriano & Ben Barbin, San
Diego, California
For more information on the tradeshow, visit:
http://www.magiconline.com/sourcing-at-magic