Pitti Immagine Filati 64

28th-30th January, 2009

Trends for Spring/Summer 2010

We hear once again from Jane Green at Pitti Filati, with the yarn trends for Spring Summer 2010.

Despite the gloomy financial outlook the event greeted trade visitors with colourful and forward thinking displays of the latest trends in yarns for Spring Summer 2010. 'Italia Meravigliosa' was the overall theme inspiring the huge art installation in the courtyard. Based on Italy's folk traditions and reminiscent of fairground architecture mixed with elements of modern graffiti, the coloured lights looked spectacular after dark.

Urbanize-Me Humanize-Me

A new layout for this season made the trend exhibition in the Spazio Ricerca more open and interactive. Inspiration for the show was drawn from the Contemporary City, a melting pot of cultures and ideas, and explored the ways that people live and work in the often-unnatural settings of their urban environment. The five themes were:

Urban Camouflage

Based on architecture and city skylines. Prints, jacquards and embroideries inspired by building materials and finishes. Natural and synthetic yarns with three dimensional or reflective qualities.

City Spa

Space to relax and be pampered. Calm and restful colours inspired by beauty treatments. Towelling fabrics. Natural and eco-yarns incorporate properties that promote well being.

Cityscape

Green space in an urban environment, the natural contrasting with the artificial. Pure natural fibres, organic yarns. Bright and cheerful stripes, intarsias and embroidered flowers.

Metropoli

The city's business centre based on the Monopoly game. Primary colours, Pop Art imagery, graphic intarsias and appliqué. Glossy yarns and plastic finishes. Matt and shine effects.

Man At Work

Based on the uniforms worn by city workers. The contrast of utility overalls and formal suits. Synthetic yarns, washed denim, hard wearing but soft cottons. Fluorescent colours as accents.

Eco-Equo-Ethical

This research project started two years ago and focuses on the latest developments of eco-friendly yarns. Interest in these types of yarns is steadily growing. The origin and production of the yarn is not only kind to the environment but also has a positive impact on people's well being. Following on from the previous two shows, new innovations included eco-yarns made from milk, seaweed and corn sugars. Yarns are being developed to have anti bacterial or anti depressant properties or offer protection to the skin. Of particular interest were organic cottons and linens that were treated with natural floral scents which would be released on wearing.

Yarn Over view

Cool fibres for summer: Cotton, linen, silk, hemp and bamboo. Blended combinations for a soft handle or mixed with luxury fibres such as alpaca and cashmere. Emphasis on finer gauges through to heavier hand knit weights.

Simple yarns: Plain with matt or shine finishes.

Subtle shine and soft sparkle.

Extended range of organically grown and processed yarns.

Melanges: Tonal or two colour effects.

Yarns with crystals and sequins.