Fabrics and fashion

I thought it would be good to share this to all you who intend to grow the fashion industry.... 

It's important to be fashionable at the same time be able to say what you are wearing, and the fabric used.

Don't it feel good when someone tells you, "wow I love your outfit...and hmm the fabric looks very nice."

Your answer does not  have to be plain...and you know what I mean by plain right? answers like, "ohh wow thanks!". Instead be professional and answer her or him, "Thank you. The outfit is by so and so and the fabric used is this and this...." but of course in a good tone that won't make you sound like you are bragging...(you understand me right?). It's not only when you are in the red carpet (if lucky) where you say all about what you are wearing...some people have verbal diarrhoea and can end up giving TMI..(please avoid this).

One thing you should always know is, the only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go life is too short to blend in.


For many fashionistas a new year means a new look, but for others the more things change, the more they stay the same. 2014....there are some classic fabrics and finishes that are unlikely to fade away, although the chances are there will also be some less common fabrics whose popularity leaps. Here are just a few of the classic and up-and-coming textiles to be aware of in the coming year.

Tweed

Not always a popular fabric, tweed has often been seen the reserve of the upper classes and older demographics. However, in the last couple of years it has slowly re-entered the mainstream - and with well-known characters like Doctor Who donning tweed suits to grace the homes of millions around the world, the fabric has definitely regained its “cool factor”. Expect this to continue long in 2014.

Houndstooth and pinstripes

Similarly, female fashion collections for next season are reclaiming other fabrics that have traditionally been synonymous with the male wardrobe. This means pinstripes and houndstooth (or dogstooth), as well as checked patterns and others that are commonly used in suits are likely to see a surge in demand as female fashion manufacturers jump onto the trend.

Linen

Linen trousers and even jackets have long been part of the classic summer collection. But as several Fashion Week displays have demonstrated in London, Paris and New York, the coming seasons are likely to embrace loose, flowing shapes and minimal tailoring. Linen lends itself to this kind of design beautifully, meaning it is likely to be a popular choice. Lighter colours are set to be particularly popular.

Velvet

This heavy fabric is traditionally associated with the colder months and true to form, it looks as though it will be around for the icy winds of January and reappear in time for next year’s Christmas party season. Because of its weight it tends to work better in dark shades, but that doesn’t necessarily mean black - purples, blues, greens and even deep reds will grow in popularity.

Georgette

Versatile, light and feminine, georgette works extremely well for floaty tops and dresses and is likely to remain a popular choice for evening and formal wear. Organza, taffeta and chiffon also work very well for these purposes and all three will be significant trends in ladies wear this year.

Flannels

The grunge look has been in and out recently but it looks as though 2014 will see it continue to ride high. One of the look’s essential pieces is the flannel shirt, making this one to watch next year. Although they began with carded wool and worsted yarn, the fabrics used to make these items have diversified in recent years, meaning that wool, cotton and synthetic fibres are all now firmly in the mix.

Lace and perforated fabrics

Lace is one of those attractive, feminine choices that never seems to go out of style. With labour-intensive hand-made lace remaining costly, most high street brands are working with machine equivalents. As well as being more affordable, these textiles have other advantages: the precision that comes with computer-aided design means that patterns can be more elaborate. Traditional white and black are likely to continue selling well, but look out for bright, striking tones for the summer season.

Leather and PVC

The leather jacket has been a staple for the past couple of years and this shows no sign of fading away. But the trend has diversified too, opening up to skirts, trousers and detail or trim on garments made in other fabrics. Genuine leather is at the top end of the price range and therefore more common in vintage styles - where the manufacturing processes have already been done and ready-made pieces can be bought at good prices - and higher-end products. More affordable and mass-produced items are usually made of PVC or similar materials.

Cotton, polyester and denim

The classic base materials for the world’s wardrobe are going nowhere. It goes without saying these durable, easily maintained fabrics that are simple to wear and to work with will remain vital to the fashion industry in coming months and years. With denim, blues, greys and blacks are likely to stay on top of the pile, but bear in mind that the popular trend for coloured trousers and jeans will lead to a diverse palette.


Copyright: Alibaba.com, top fabric trends for 2014.

If loving fashion is a crime, then I plead guilty!