Digital Fashion
AW 22/23 Trend Radically Hopeful
AW 22/23 Trend Radically Hopeful
The guiding theme and dedicated focus for Autumn.Winter 22/23 at MUNICH FABRIC START celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.
New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection. To get started, let us briefly introduce you to the 5 trend themes, which are also represented in the DIGITAL TREND SPACE as 5 distinct exhibition rooms:
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT – We are becoming inclusive, while entirely new design possibilities open up – functionally, socially and aesthetically.
MIXED REALITIES – As we travel and use the World Wide Web more and more intensively, “IRL” and “virtual” merge into a new phygital world.
FIRESTARTER – Design inspiration from gloomy techno clubs ignite protests in the mainstream.
COUNTRY PARTY – Luxury and design are travelling in the luggage for the weekend in the countryside.
RADICALLY HOPEFUL – When we think “eco” instead of “economy”, we can achieve a holistic, sustainable goal together.
RISE Trend Theme: RADICALLY HOPEFUL
There is no choice but to rethink, feel, plan, define and implement the system anew. Optimistic realists, scientists and doers who radically improve the environment. In the world and in the collections, there is plenty of room for circular and holistic sustainability through radicalism. Supply chains and product transparency become ambassadors to raising awareness and education. Global contexts are turned around with joy, enthusiasm and other people. Designing for multi-function is one of the goals; fabrics, fixings, styles and collections are repurposed and made more modular. Less is more, reusable is more and conscious consumption is more.
MOOD
Designers are radically adding more and more space in their collections to circular, sustainable and holistic solutions. Half-thought-out concepts or greenwashing no longer meet the demands of customers (and many brands). It doesn’t matter whether up-and-coming designers work with passion on upcycling ideas or large corporations develop alternative materials, what brings them together is their common goal.
COLOUR
Warm honey and amber colours are at the centre of this calm and balanced colour palette. Whether matt or glossy, they are not only used as accent colours but also play the main role in large pieces. Next to it sits light purple as an accent and shirt colour. The palette is softened by timeless tones such as rough olive and grey as well as a classic navy blue.
FASHION
Patching is one of the most direct and transparent ways of upcycling. Here, second-hand pieces are cut up and lovingly reassembled into unique pieces. Other designers take on collection surpluses and create entire ranges of new trousers, jackets or skirts from them. In any case, it is an elaborate process that produces exclusively unique pieces. But hasn’t exclusivity always been allowed to have its price?
MATERIALS
Classic, hard-wearing winter fabrics such as gabardines, herringbone, tricot and denim get an upgrade. By making supply chains and the origin of materials transparent, they turn into ambassadors for raising awareness and for education. At the same time, timeless designs such as English checks, Scottish tweeds and traditional Norwegian knits gain importance in a theme focused on longevity.
Prints and graphics reflect the optimism of the theme in hand-drawn illustrations and cheerful slogans. They work particularly well on high-quality, structured fabrics made from natural materials or recycled canvas. Cork, dried grass and low-quality cotton waste emphasise the strength and stability of natural fibres and they are absolutely sufficient future alternatives for hangtags & co.
Impressions from the AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23 TREND FORUM at MUNICH FABRIC START
ENTER AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23
There is an enormous need for real contact again and we now meet in a ‘phygital’ space which exists between the physical and digital worlds. We strive to come together again, to see each other and use our tactile senses. With this, we find new ways to connect and pave the way for positive, hopetimistic progress, because this is the only way forward.
To bridge the gap between physical and digital interaction we have created this 3D digital trend space for you to explore.
AW 22/23 Trend Country Party
AW 22/23 Trend Country (P)arty
The guiding theme and dedicated focus for Autumn.Winter 22/23 at MUNICH FABRIC START celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.
New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection. To get started, let us briefly introduce you to the 5 trend themes, which are also represented in the DIGITAL TREND SPACE as 5 distinct exhibition rooms:
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT – We are becoming inclusive, while entirely new design possibilities open up – functionally, socially and aesthetically.
MIXED REALITIES – As we travel and use the World Wide Web more and more intensively, “IRL” and “virtual” merge into a new phygital world.
FIRESTARTER – Design inspiration from gloomy techno clubs ignite protests in the mainstream.
COUNTRY PARTY – Luxury and design are travelling in the luggage for the weekend in the countryside.
RADICALLY HOPEFUL – When we think “eco” instead of “economy”, we can achieve a holistic, sustainable goal together.
RISE Trend Theme: COUNTRY (P)ARTY
The land here is more than pure recreation, it serves as a source of inspiration. Not so much nature itself, but the open space. The city has lost its appeal in the short term and the longing to party, dance and dress up is easier to do outdoors with lots of people here. Crystal glasses are packed as well as the openness, creative expression and power. Elegant fabrics, sequins, decorative ribbons and ornate ingredients meet farmhouse baggies and impromptu floral tablecloth dresses. Energetic colours with a touch of retro charm and patterns with theatrical expressions come into their own in a new and humorous way in rural settings.
MOOD
It is no longer the rustic, simple houses in the countryside that fascinate. Luxury and design have long been part of the luggage transported to the countryside on weekends. Old cottages, farmhouses or chateaux are lovingly restored and renovated to a high standard. Between nostalgia, decadence and landscape, one thing, in particular, found a new home here: an innovative and creative lust for the countryside.
COLOUR
Lust for life, lust for the countryside, that doesn’t just mean lust for celebration, it also means lust for colour. The colour card is inspired by hypnotic sunsets and lush flower fields. Intense pink, yellow and rich dark red reflect these floral colours. Pastel accents are set by ripe peach tones; old pink berry colours mattify the palette. Grey tones in melanges, as well as strong cobalt blue and duck green, are used as a wintry base.
FASHION
Who says there can’t be sparkles in the countryside? When the sequin skirt meets the checked shirt, a whole new idea of glamour emerges. Celebrating fashion means putting it into new, creative contexts. Expressive outfits rise from particularly surprising combinations that combine urban chic with an antique check. That’s what we celebrate!
MATERIALS
Why can’t it be fur sometimes, like our ancestors wore? It can be lush, ironic and definitely made of artificial fibres that can be used to create a wonderful play of colours. And why not give a quilted jacket a glam update with shiny satin? But avoid an overload: Small patterned wool jacquards and checks keep suits and coats stylish. There’s no skimping on woven ribbons and playful borders when it comes to accessories.
When the floral power of the 60s and 70s meets the clean geometric lines of Art Deco, the results are striking floral prints that remind one a little of vintage collector’s cups. From macro blossoms to millefleurs prints, patterns bloom on dark or coloured fonts on façonné. Voluminous ajourés, crepe satin and wild silk in calm tones go beautifully with this.
Impressions from the AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23 TREND FORUM at MUNICH FABRIC START
ENTER AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23
There is an enormous need for real contact again and we now meet in a ‘phygital’ space which exists between the physical and digital worlds. We strive to come together again, to see each other and use our tactile senses. With this, we find new ways to connect and pave the way for positive, hopetimistic progress, because this is the only way forward.
To bridge the gap between physical and digital interaction we have created this 3D digital trend space for you to explore.
AW 22/23 Trend Firestarter
AW 22/23 Trend Firestarter
The guiding theme and dedicated focus for Autumn.Winter 22/23 at MUNICH FABRIC START celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.
New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection. To get started, let us briefly introduce you to the 5 trend themes, which are also represented in the DIGITAL TREND SPACE as 5 distinct exhibition rooms:
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT – We are becoming inclusive, while entirely new design possibilities open up – functionally, socially and aesthetically.
MIXED REALITIES – As we travel and use the World Wide Web more and more intensively, “IRL” and “virtual” merge into a new phygital world.
FIRESTARTER – Design inspiration from gloomy techno clubs ignite protests in the mainstream.
COUNTRY PARTY – Luxury and design are travelling in the luggage for the weekend in the countryside.
RADICALLY HOPEFUL – When we think “eco” instead of “economy”, we can achieve a holistic, sustainable goal together.
RISE Trend Theme: FIRESTARTER
Rebelliously standing up for what is good with the courage to confront – fashionable as well as ideologically – motivated to act. Protective clothing in a new understanding – against external influences, both climatic and emotional are visibly flaunted by stylised power and oversized looks. Fashion incendiaries ignite with provocative chic and super loud bling-bling trimmings and accessories. Ego and community celebrate a rebellious bond together with aggressive statements and prints. Black and grey are fired up by loud reds and purples.
MOOD
Fashionable incendiaries find their inspiration in the worlds between. Memories of parties in the underground, visiting a virtual rave space or streaming a DJ set are enough to ignite visions of provocative outfits with super loud glitter trimmings and accessories. With minimal lighting, their expressive bling-bling sparkles even louder. What is worn and shown here is a little bit posh and very exclusive.
COLOUR
Warm and cold shades of grey are lost in the shadows of the underground, as if they like camouflage colours. Black in particular, which has lost nothing of its popularity, plays with the ambivalence between disappearing into the crowd and aggressive provocation. The non-colours black, grey and white are fired up with loud red and purple. Smoky blue and dark brown add softness to the palette and combine it into a chic colour range.
FASHION
Spacious outfits, in which several layers of oversized pieces are worn on top of each other, provide a lot of space and a safe distance from the outside world. Sometimes so many layers, that the limits of the ban on concealment are reached. Long, loose coats and ultra-thick down are only the outer shell of a multilayered outfit.
MATERIALS
The bigger the arc of suspense, the stronger the tension? Here, this assertion is put to the test when classic outer fabrics like pepita, glen check or vintage vichy are combined with high-tech stretch. A truly exciting combination, bursting with power. Heavily washed-out denim and sweatshirt fabrics are combined to form a casual base for young protesters.
Have a look again? Whether strategically placed holes, fake destruction effects or mesh qualities: The game of concealing and revealing is used to great effect here. What happens to a luxury bag when it is “decorated” with large holes? Does it become worthless? More valuable? In any case, it becomes accessible to a target group that has outgrown luxury in the classic sense.
Impressions from the AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23 TREND FORUM at MUNICH FABRIC START
ENTER AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23
There is an enormous need for real contact again and we now meet in a ‘phygital’ space which exists between the physical and digital worlds. We strive to come together again, to see each other and use our tactile senses. With this, we find new ways to connect and pave the way for positive, hopetimistic progress, because this is the only way forward.
To bridge the gap between physical and digital interaction we have created this 3D digital trend space for you to explore.
AW 22/23 Trend Mixed Realities
AW 22/23 Trend Mixed Realities
The guiding theme and dedicated focus for Autumn.Winter 22/23 at MUNICH FABRIC START celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.
New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection. To get started, let us briefly introduce you to the 5 trend themes, which are also represented in the DIGITAL TREND SPACE as 5 distinct exhibition rooms:
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT – We are becoming inclusive, while entirely new design possibilities open up – functionally, socially and aesthetically.
MIXED REALITIES – As we travel and use the World Wide Web more and more intensively, “IRL” and “virtual” merge into a new phygital world.
FIRESTARTER – Design inspiration from gloomy techno clubs ignite protests in the mainstream.
COUNTRY PARTY – Luxury and design are travelling in the luggage for the weekend in the countryside.
RADICALLY HOPEFUL – When we think “eco” instead of “economy”, we can achieve a holistic, sustainable goal together.
RISE Trend Theme: MIXED REALITIES
The future is now! Artificial intelligence, 3D shops, 3D art, 3D textiles, 3D printing, augmented reality and its phygital spaces are becoming the new basis to explore and reflect. Aesthetic perceptions of digital styles, outfits and surfaces influence design and haptics in the real world. Digitalisation and especially digital gaming is awakening a strong trend towards a wide variety of technical surfaces and looks. The standard of faster and faster moving images and videos mixes with the longing for real technical materials and surfaces.
MOOD
Many meetings, fashion shows or even dates that we used to plan IRL (in real life) now take place online. But even without gathering hundreds of people, we meet, watch and stream amazing shows. Technology has stepped up to find solutions. We have modified large parts of our daily lives to now take place online. We have travelled the web intensively and feel more and more at home in virtual spaces
COLOUR
The iridescent colours of Mixed Realities condense between two worlds. Digital pastels appear light, exuding a technical softness. These soft, light tones define the colourfulness of the theme with a nebulous greyish pink, inductive silver, warm gold and a sulfur tone. Two sporty tones juxtapose the palette: technical turquoise and metallic jade. Depth and shade are added to the palette through a warm, dark smoky green.
FASHION
Like game characters who are not bound to physical limits, we are also longing for shapes that are not natural for a human body. But paddings, volume, avantgarde cuts and intelligent constructions will raise the illusion of a body that no longer follows its given restrictions. A choice and combination of digital colours and shiny surfaces add to the impression that human and avatar are merging.
MATERIALS
The desire for animated images and videos is reflected in new technical materials, among others. Holographic finishes and iridescent motifs create fluid surfaces and flowing qualities that dazzle and catch the eye. Gradients from technical pastels to pure white reflect the infinity of virtual worlds. They are inspired by digital gaming, a strong trend that connects online and offline.
Colourful, abstract prints are perfect expressions to merge the real and digital world. They work best on voluminous downs, fleeces and paddings. Instead of classic print motifs, large-scale, seemingly random gradients are patched onto the fabric. Holograms, mysterious motifs and batik prints experiment with new colourways.
Impressions from the AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23 TREND FORUM at MUNICH FABRIC START
ENTER AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23
There is an enormous need for real contact again and we now meet in a ‘phygital’ space which exists between the physical and digital worlds. We strive to come together again, to see each other and use our tactile senses. With this, we find new ways to connect and pave the way for positive, hopetimistic progress, because this is the only way forward.
To bridge the gap between physical and digital interaction we have created this 3D digital trend space for you to explore.
AW 22/23 Trend Same Same but Different
AW 22/23 Trend Same Same but Different
The guiding theme and dedicated focus for Autumn.Winter 22/23 at MUNICH FABRIC START celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.
New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection. To get started, let us briefly introduce you to the 5 trend themes, which are also represented in the DIGITAL TREND SPACE as 5 distinct exhibition rooms:
SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT – We are becoming inclusive, while entirely new design possibilities open up – functionally, socially and aesthetically.
MIXED REALITIES – As we travel and use the World Wide Web more and more intensively, “IRL” and “virtual” merge into a new phygital world.
FIRESTARTER – Design inspiration from gloomy techno clubs ignite protests in the mainstream.
COUNTRY PARTY – Luxury and design are travelling in the luggage for the weekend in the countryside.
RADICALLY HOPEFUL – When we think “eco” instead of “economy”, we can achieve a holistic, sustainable goal together.
RISE Trend Theme: SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT
Multi-layered cosiness stands for a reassuring comfort, whether outdoors or indoors. The same design needs are emerging across cultures in simple and good basics. Inclusion is visible and celebrated across the board, both fashionably and socially. Two-tone patterns, colour palettes and optical accents are lovingly used in small doses. Value adding information such as material origins and transparency give simple, functional products the latest edge.
MOOD
Recently, the word global got a completely new sound. Where normally we travelled the globe, we are now globally united in the task of staying at home and staying safe. And everywhere, this situation gave rise to the need for a particular design. The desire rose for reliable, simple basics that stand for comfort, durability and a sense of cosiness – no matter where you are.
COLOUR
The modern colour palette bridges the gap between natural and technical tones. On a broad base of dark tones, such as hazelnut or autumn leaves, cool primary colours like sea blue, fir green and fire red with shimmering metallic effects appear and shine in different combinations. Brightness is added by a sun-bleached white and a wintry soft rosé tone. Digital chlorophyll adds surprising highlights.
FASHION
Multi-layered cosiness stands for reassuring comfort, whether outdoors or indoors. Simple, sporty styles don’t follow gender rules and are universally worn by everybody. Using a single or similar colours from head to toe gives outfits a clean look. The cuts in this casual theme are roomy and comfortable.
MATERIALS
The quest for comfort is fulfilled by fluffy bulk and slub yarns for knits and wovens that feel like a warm embrace. Woolly tweeds with traditional patterns exude familiarity and encase us. These warm body and soul alike. As functional basics, power jerseys made from both natural or technical fibres remain a key fabric.
Patterns become discreet, both in design and in colour. Clean checks in bicolour looks and classic pyjama stripes stay calmly within one colour family. Discreetly woven or printed camouflages and gradients come in toned-down colour combinations and play with shadow-like effects. Patterns do not miss their effect even in small doses.
Impressions from the AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23 TREND FORUM at MUNICH FABRIC START
ENTER AUTUMN.WINTER 22/23
There is an enormous need for real contact again and we now meet in a ‘phygital’ space which exists between the physical and digital worlds. We strive to come together again, to see each other and use our tactile senses. With this, we find new ways to connect and pave the way for positive, hopetimistic progress, because this is the only way forward.
To bridge the gap between physical and digital interaction we have created this 3D digital trend space for you to explore.
Inclusive Sizing Technology
Inclusive Sizing Technology, Helping the Fashion Industry Represent the Underserved
AN INDUSTRY INSIGHT BY FASHNERD FOUNDER MUCHANETA KAPFUNDE.
With as many unique sizes as there are people on the planet, does it make good business sense for the fashion industry to continue to mass-produce 3 or 4 standard sizes? Yes, it is cost-saving, but with the new wave of body positivity breaking the sizing mould of yesteryear, maybe the time has come to move with the times. It is a positive thing to see the movement forcing fashion brands and retailers to turn to technology to meet most body shape needs and offer more than just standard basic styles.
Sizing Technologies, Worth the Investment?
Inclusive sizing technology is nothing new. Several solutions have been trying to correct the distorted and outdated image-standard designed to exclude plus-size consumers for a while now. Most famously was the ZOZOSUIT, a skin-hugging, high-tech bodysuit created to help shoppers purchase clothes, guaranteed the perfect fit every time. Now fast forward to 2021, and although sizing technology has advanced even further, shoppers are still struggling with common-fit issues. This begs the question, can fit technology fix fashions biggest demons, sizing and fit?
According to Narvar Inc, size and fit are among the top reasons customers return online orders. The e-commerce software company believes that this obstacle “further erodes retailers’ already thin profit margins”. Although it is a complicated problem, sizing technologies that offer a solution are being communicated to fashion businesses. One of those is 3D technology.
Revolutionising the fashion industry one label at a time, 3D technology is capable of helping fashion brands understand their consumer’s body shape so they can develop more accurate garments. One of those startups offering this type of innovation is CLO. On a mission to help the industry understand how ‘fit can build loyalty to a brand’, CLO 3D Simulation software feature allows brands to solve the question mark of their customer’s shape. Primarily built for cut-and-sew garments, CLO brags features like an API that enables customers to input their measurements to receive fit maps and view draped garments.
Fit Analytics is another solution. It is a technology that provides a “Fit Score” generated by response comparisons. CEO of Fit Analytics Sebastian Schulze believes that fashion brands cannot simply scale existing apparel specifications to create plus-size garments; they need fit technology to help them empower consumers and fix a decades-old problem.
Also worthy of mention is the digital fit solution app MySizeID. The direct to retailer technology helps consumers assess a garment’s sizing. Denim brand Boyish Jeans partnered up with MySize and saw a reduction of more than 30 per cent in two months. How? Well, the app’s AI-driven technology works by analysing user-entered data, like weight, gender or height, and then MySize’s proprietary machine learning database calculates the appropriate size. On their technology, Ronen Luzon, MySize CEO and founder told Sourcing Journal:
“Our app was designed specifically to take the guesswork out of sizing and make things as convenient as possible for online shoppers, so enabling customers to utilise our sizing recommendations and navigate directly from our app to retailers’ sites is a natural step for us when it comes to working directly with the consumer”.
Looking ahead, MySize is hoping to offer the same solution it does to the apparel industry to the footwear industry.
Yes, Fit Technology Has Gone Mainstream
When Lizzo, Ashley Graham and Meghan Trainor brought the inclusive sizing movement to the mainstream, fashion brands began to understand that they were walking away from profit by underserving a specific demographic. One of those brands was ASOS. Last year, in 2020, the British online fashion and cosmetic retailer trialed an augmented reality tool in collaboration with Israeli augmented reality (AR) company Zeekit to expand their offerings. “See My Fit” allowed ASOS customers to view 800 dresses on 16 different models, sizes 4 to 18, which heralding the online retailer as being at the forefront of fashion inclusivity. When released, Tim Carey, senior content manager at ASOS Studios, told NBC News:
“With this trial of See My Fit, we’re using the latest in AR technology to put the power in our customers’ hands, so they can choose to view a dress on the model that they most identify with, in a way that wouldn’t be possible using traditional model-shooting techniques.”
Then there is Vero Moda, a fashion brand that worked with Presize. It is a fit solution that can be integrated with zero IT capacity. After applying the technology to its online store, the fashion brand saw an increase in its online revenue.
When it comes to reliability, Presize states on their website that a study conducted with 255 participants found that the startup showed greater body measurement accuracy for 90% of all subjects and scored a mean average error 55% lower than that of the second most accurate solution in the benchmarking.
Empowering fashion brands to offer a more personalised sizing experience is ZyseMe, a Germany based startup driven by a desire never to allow customers to compromise on fit. It is a solution that has been successfully cutting overproduction, waste and returns. In 2021 they partnered up with H&M. Together, the two companies offered on-demand production of men’s shirts with H&M LAB. Using AI algorithms, they generated a unique pattern for a shirt produced on demand and sent directly to the consumer. ZyseMe is now expanding to partner with several other retailers and brands.
Finding The Perfect Fit, A Sign of Changing Times
Doesn’t it make good business sense for fashion brands in this challenging market to not alienate the next generation of consumers? Fit-related innovation has proved to be the best way to meet the demand for size “ideals’ that do not skew towards smaller products while also fighting the growing number of returns and unnecessary overproduction.
Yes, fit technology might not have cracked the code to the perfect fit, but you should believe the hype because as the technology evolves, it is coming closer to promising “perfection and personalisation” than ever before. Acknowledging the existence of inclusive sizing solutions is no longer enough; adopting, adapting and executing them is.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Founding editor-in-chief of FashNerd.com, Muchaneta has worked in the fashion industry for over 14 years. She is currently one of the leading influencers speaking and writing about the merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology.
Muchaneta Kapfunde | editor@fashnerd.com
Towards 3D Digital Innovation
3D Digital Innovation: Transitioning From Physical to Digital
AN INDUSTRY INSIGHT BY FASHNERD FOUNDER MUCHANETA KAPFUNDE.
As business practices in various sectors adjust to accommodate digital innovation, the textile industry has also started to shift direction. Driven by the growing need to rethink the industry’s approach to design, development and manufacturing, the textile business has finally started to turn to digital technology to help solve some of its industry-specific difficulties and complexities.
Under pressure to innovate, I am excited to witness 3D digitalisation finally taking centre stage in the textile industry. Propelled forward by the brand-new digital wave, textile businesses are setting new standards to future-proof the sector. Rethinking how they operate, more and more textile businesses are becoming less afraid to explore the benefits of transitioning from physical to digital. The majority are doing this by examining the advantages of merging textiles with digital experimentation. So, what exactly is 3D digital technology offering an industry notorious for being resistant to change?
The Digitisation of Fabrics, A Powerful Asset?
Modern technologies are proving to be an influential asset when it comes to playing an integral part in changing the dynamics of the textile industry. With the potential to give textile businesses a competitive edge, we are starting to see 3D digital innovations being highlighted at textile trade shows, which, in my opinion, is a step in the right direction.
This is an opinion formed while frequenting various textile trade shows. As a regular visitor I am familiar with physical swatches. Now imagine if I, as a visitor (or customer), could access the digital twin of a piece of fabric along with its physical swatches. This concept was introduced at Munich Fabric Start (MFS) trade show during their 2019 edition of KEYHOUSE.
The Munich based trade show showcased fabric suppliers offering a digital twin alongside physical swatches. Partnering up with Digital Fabric Lab, they demonstrated the individual steps of fabric digitisation and how textile businesses can create a realistic image of digital fabric samples. The key takeaway was that physical no longer needs to be the master copy. More recently, in 2021, MFS invited attendees to indulge in 3D digital fabrics and trend inspirations showcased at their DIGITAL TREND SPACE.
Another digital platform making it possible to digitise fabric is Esmetex. “We aim to simplify the fabric development process; no more looking through swatch boxes and shipping swatches back and forth“, said the founder of Esmetex, Victor Chao, to Apparelresources.com. Adding:
“It is not practical for a designer to search through 18,000 fabric swatches when Frontier® can search based on whatever criteria the user is interested in and return all relevant fabric information on one page. This can be done on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone by accessing our website or by installing our app.”
Chao is not alone in trying to help the textile industry move with the times. Emily Croneberger, manager marketing and industry programs, Cotton Inc, said in an interview:
“Digitising the fabrics is our first step in keeping cotton in a digital landscape”. She continued: “We have committed to creating an online digital library of our fabrics, free for download and use by brands, mills and accounts. We plan to move forward in promoting and expanding our digital assets.”
Although it is unlikely that physical samples will become a thing of the past anytime soon, the digital twin of fabric offers some advantages, like storing all fabric data in one central place. It is also worth taking note that solutions offered by digital material platforms like Swatchbook, also make it easier to verify the physical textiles’ authentication. For those attending shows, this type of tech solution makes viewing the fabrics more effortless while helping textile businesses be less wasteful when it comes to physical material samples and swatches.
The Wonder Of Digitally Transformed Fabric
As industries transform to meet global changes, we have seen a rise in the adoption of newly emerging technologies. It is these genius ideas that have allowed the textile industry to take material digitisation to the next level. By hybridising the physical world with the digital one, textile companies that once relied on physical meetings at trade shows are now turning to innovative textile technologies to help them digitally transform their fabric during the global pandemic. One of these solutions is Scanatic™ Nuno Fabric Scanner provided by tg3ds.
Digitally powering the textile industry, the tg3ds studio uses an intelligent imagery processing engine to capture 3D texture display properties of fabrics in the smallest digital footprints. Another solution provider is Twinbru. They have made a name for themselves by setting an industry standard when it comes to making it possible for digital fabrics to be used in all virtual settings, like AR, VR and even game design.
Ready for Limitless Possibilities?
When the world of “all things digital” merges with one of the oldest industries, you know it’s time to stand up and take notice. If you are a fabric mill, a garment manufacturer, or a textile brand, now is the time to leave outdated methods behind and transition your product from physical to digital. For example with help from companies like CLO Virtual Fashion, who can accurately emulate drape-sensitive fabrics such as lightweight wovens and jerseys with various material properties, more on this here. Yes, there are still imperfect kinks to the technology, like not being able to mimic complex behaviour of materials, but that does not make innovations like 3D Digital plan B; it should always be ‘the plan’.
So why embrace digital transformation? If you want to become faster, more relevant and more cost-efficient, now is the time to capitalise on all the possibilities that digitalisation offers. Yes, some might argue that the technology is not industry-ready enough to replace physical samples with virtual ones, but we can all agree that a new textiles economy is arising, and it makes sense to be a part of it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Founding editor-in-chief of FashNerd.com, Muchaneta has worked in the fashion industry for over 14 years. She is currently one of the leading influencers speaking and writing about the merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology.
Muchaneta Kapfunde | editor@fashnerd.com
SS 2022 Material Highlights: Floral Impressions
Floral Impressions
Spring.Summer 2022 Material Highlights
Our trend team takes a look at the diverse and vast selection of floral fabrics and selects the highlights for the Spring.Summer 22 seasonal showcase.
VIBRANT BLOOMS
COLOUR WASHES / LAYERS OF DETAIL / PAINTED EFFECTS / WATER MARKS / HEAVY BRUSH MARKS / MULTI COLOUR PALETTE / LARGE SCALE / DRAPING / SMOOTH SURFACES / SILKY
TOILE DE JOUY A FLEUR
RAISED TEXTURES / SHADE OF BLUE / TWO TONE MAX / COLD WHITES / SOPHISTICATED KNITS / SATURATED PRINTS / ORGANIC OUTLINES / BURN OUTS / FINE DETAILING
SS 2022 Material Highlights: Black and White
Black and White
Spring.Summer 2022 Material Highlights
A selection of the latest printed and woven fabrics pushing the limits in black and white as part of the Spring.Summer 22 exhibitor showcases at Munich Fabric Start.
BLACK & WHITE
GO BIG OR GO SMALL / ORGANIC OR LINEAR / EMPHASIZE CONTRAST / WARM GREY TONES / OFF WHITE / INSPIRED BY NATURE / SMOOTH TEXTURES OR RAISED FLOCKING / BLACK AND WHITE ON TRANSPARENT GROUNDS
SS 2022 Material Highlights: Glitz and Glam
Glitz and Glam
Spring.Summer 2022 Material Highlights
Spring.Summer 22 experiments with new qualities in comfort, here the Munich Fabric Start trend team has chosen their favorites from the latest seasonal showcase.
GLITZ AND GLAM
SPECKS IN THE WEFT / SHIMMERING MOVEMENT / SIMPLE WEAVE STRUCTURES / BEIGE NEUTRALS / PLAIN KNITS / SUBTLE / EMBEDDED NOT EMBELLISHED / LIGHT WEIGHT / DESIGN FOR DRAPE / SKIN SHINES THROUGH
