Survey Of The European Fabric Fairs For Autumn/Winter 2024/25

Survey Of The European Fabric Fairs For Autumn/Winter 2024/25

The European fabric fairs for the autumn/winter 2024/25 season were well attended and, in most cases, there were increases in the numbers of exhibitors and visitors compared with the editions for the previous season. However, there was a consensus among the organisers that the numbers are unlikely to ever reach the levels seen before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The European fabric fairs have undergone significant transformations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, having been spurred by the evolution of digital platforms which enable events to be hosted online. Many event organisers have been exploring the potential of hybrid events, and it is expected that the staging of hybrid and online events will persist well into the future. Several key trends in colour and design were presented at the European fabric fairs for the autumn/winter 2024/25 season. In terms of design, popular colour combinations for the season include: rich tones paired with earthy colours, reflecting shades found in nature; cool tones in combinations with dark and sensual shades; and futuristic tones paired with retro colours, echoing trends popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Aside from the popular colour combinations for the autumn/winter 2024/25 season, the principal metallic for the season is platinum. In terms of pattern and print, fabrics for the season are dominated by abstract and expressive designs. Fancy fabrics are key, reflecting a trend for decadence and glamour, and functional performance fabrics which offer protection from cold weather conditions are important. In keeping with the trend for performance fabrics, wool fabrics are prominent--and several manufacturers have taken advantage of the inherent properties of wool, such as temperature regulation.