The theme “Human Intelligence” emphasizes the fusion of technology with human creativity. It explores how artificial intelligence, smart textiles, and sustainable practices can harmonize with traditional craftmanship and personal expression. The forum, led by Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo), will explore four key trends: Utility, Calm, Pluralism, and Projection. It highlights functional, long-lasting products, the need for well-being, self-expression, and drawing on the past to design the future.

Utility

Inspired by urban uniforms, versatility is the heart of this theme. Among a combination of pragmatic and premium wardrobe, and fine craftsmanship and technical materials, the coat is the main utility piece. While the garments are easy and multi-functional, the cold and greyish colour palette is a tonic full of strong contrasts, colour blocking, positivity and pep. Premium fabrics with a graphic and “Up-timistic” aesthetic are inspired by modernist architectural prints, Bauhaus archives and retro ´50s wallpapers.

Calm

With calls for garments in natural colours, this theme awakens our need to protect ourselves and the environment by generous volumes in which to wrap or drape. Inspiration comes from Japan, with meticulous woodwork, origami techniques and a philosophy of internal and external well-being. In order to reproduce the nature, the colour palette resonates with moss, lichen, fresh seeds, wild berries, Asian chrysanthemums, smoky earth, and natural wood from dense to faded. The exquisite handmade or handmade-like fabrics recreate this earthy style along with patterns borrowed from Asian wall hangings, engravings and tapestries that feature floral bouquets and animal motifs.

Pluralism

A modern, historical twist of sophistication, featuring couture volumes in an ´80s bold spirit, sumptuous ornamental materials, XXL jewels, “Art Deco” touches, Oriental jacquards, and a hint of nocturnal Memphis.A range of gem-inspired dark colours (sapphire, emerald, ruby) form powerful contrasts with new golds (from bronze, to amber red and winter yellow). In this cultural patchwork of East-West influences, maxi patterns are a must. Art Deco influences are also revisited with new colours, sometimes infused with sensual vegetal elements and fractal pictorial treatments.

Projection

This Avant-gardism theme represents a new digital dawn. A frozen range of wintry aquatics inspired by raw, iced Nordic landscapes reflect bright, digital, chemical hues. A variety of fantastic worlds also provide inspiration for protective or embellished garments, featuring enchanting pastel colours on a matte or iridescent base. Favouring vegetable based ink, sinuous, water-coloured 3D effects create a digital abstraction, to be interpreted on a micro/macro scale.

The event will also feature the “Fabric to Fashion” project in collaboration with the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), displaying textiles transformed into 2D and 3D outfits. The fair runs alongside Yarn Expo Autumn, Chic, and PH Value, encompassing the entire apparel textile value chain.

To view the full Autumn/Winter 2025-26 Trend Guide, click here.