Trends 1999/2000

COLOURS

The new colour schemes are inspired by common utility materials andteam in fresh combinations for 1999/2000. For example, the soft “GLASS”colour range has replaced its water colours and pastels by a palette ofbold primary colours. While “PLASTIC”, originally featuring primarycolours, now comes in soft pastels.

METAL: goes soft

• Soft, light hues define the coming season.
  
• Colours: neutral grey and beige.
  
• Accent: dark brown.
  

PLASTIC: goes pastel

• Light water colours reminiscent of the 1950s are key.
  
• Colours: pastels.
  
• Accent: black (glossy)
  

WOOL: goes rugged

• Rugged, dark hues emphasise the sensuality of natural fabrics.
  
• Colours: dark off-shades.
  

GLASS: goes luminous

• Bold colours make fabrics gleam in an unusual light.
  
• Colours: primary colours.
  

WOOD: goes natural

• The structure of faded wood defines the nature of the new colour schemes.
  
• Colours: burnt colours.

FABRICS

Even in fabrics nature and technology no longer oppose each other butform a harmonious alliance of two rivals. Unusual combinations are keyfor the coming season and epitomise the new trend: Natural, rugged fabrics like linen, tweed or velour now team up withhigh-tech fabrics. All materials and textures can be produced both innatural and synthetic yarns and with different technologies.

SEMI-TRANSPARENT FABRICS

• For example: dobby weaves,
  
•  faconné, rep,
  
• double-face,
  
• reversible.
  

RIGID, CONSTRUCTED FABRICS

• For example: flannel,
• tweed,
  
• linen,
  
• jute,
  
• sisal,
  
• silk.
  

HAND-MADE LOOK

• For example: flannel,
  
• tweed,
  
• linen,
  
• jute,
  
• sisal,
  
• silk.
  

PILE FABRICS

• For example: velour,
  
•  chenille,
  
• velvet,
  
• cord,
  
• peau-de-pêche,
  
• leather looks.
  

HIGH-TECH FABRICS

• For example: relief,
  
• cloqué,
  
• seersucker,
  
• metallise,
  
• chintz,
  
• fantasy coatings.

PATTERNS

Playful ornaments and decorations are hip again and print makes a bigcomeback. Elaborate print designs like stylised flowers or organicMiró-like ornaments, and geometric patterns, especially stripes, definethe look for 1999/2000.

• SEMI_PLAINS
  Faux solids with mini patterns and structures.
  
• AUSTERITY
  Rigid designs with mille-raies, stripes, bars.
  
•  GEOMETRY
  Geometric motifs: asymmetry, cybernetics, op art, chessboard.
  
• EXOTIC LOOKS
  Oriental patterns inspired by tapestry and ceramics.
  
• THE 1950s AND 1960s
  Inspirations: Miró, Hans Arp, mobiles, among others.
  
• FLOWERS
  Playful designs with mille-fleurs and jungle patterns.
  
• TROMPE L’OEIL
  Printed illusions as border designs.

INTERIORS

Multicultural influences from all over the world and all walks of thelife define the 21st century interiors. Well-blended colours, fabrics,and patterns replace the conventional and create new aspects. Let thefive new interior styles inspire you.

• JAPAN/CHINA 2000:
  pared-down
  Less is more: the Trend fromJapan favours natural fabrics in solid colours, with linen as a focus.
  Key colours: red. Accents: grey and brown.
  
• LATIN-AMERICA 2000:
  feminine:Gorgeous
  kitsch: The trendfrom South America with its abundance of lace and silk epitomises thenew femininity.
  Keycolours: neutrals. Accents: Orange and dark brown.
• AFRICA 2000:
  exoticMixed culture: Africa captivates withits ethnic charm in cotton and elaborate print designs.
  Key colours:blues. Accents: mauve, ochre, black.
  
• USA 2000:
  sportyRich and chic: The USA exudes sportymodern flair with mercerised cotton, especially in stripes.
  Keycolours: yellows. Accents: lilac and turquoise.
  
• GB 2000:
  classicTraditional but sassy: Britain featuresa classic masculine look with rugged knits, wool and glencheck.
  Keycolours: greens. Accent: Hot pink.