It is time for the world to reimagine life and move towards a future that celebrates diversity and champions sustainability. At next year’s Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, this message is thematically encapsulated in just two words – ‘Go Ahead’. From 28 – 30 March 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), visitors to the fair’s Trend Forum can physically explore this theme through its four distinct trend stories: Mission Earth, Poetic Sensuality, Alternative Cults, and Energetic Reset.

At each edition, the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee collaborates to predict the upcoming season’s trends. With rotating responsibilities, the Committee is comprised of four world-renowned creative forecasting agencies, namely Doneger | Tobe (New York, USA), Elementi Moda (Milan, Italy), NellyRodi Agency (Paris, France), and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo, Japan). For the 2023 spring fair, S/S 2024’s forward-thinking theme was produced by Doneger | Tobe, with Elementi Moda in charge of the Trend Forum design.

To be located in the International Hall (Hall 5.1), the Trend Forum will capture the essence of the ‘Go Ahead’ movement, displaying a range of exhibitors’ fabrics that exemplify the four predictive stories. On-trend samples will be prominently featured and labelled, allowing buyers to source and be inspired by the various materials, textures, patterns and colours on show, all in one central area.

View the full Trend Guide

MISSION EARTH

To make meaningful progress, humanity needs to embrace its earthly roots and reconnect with nature. This story allows us to collectively rediscover the beauty of age-old artisanal crafts, the untamed glory of our flora and fauna, and the wonder of the world’s natural phenomena.

Earthy, mineral colours adorn raw and simple fabrics. Environmentally friendly materials are highlighted, such as bio-based and organic fabrics, as well as renewable dyes. Rustic, textured textiles exhibit fundamental designs, with ethnic motifs, wood block print, and nature-inspired patterns at the forefront.

POETIC SENSUALITY

This trend captures the rhythmic nature of the human spirit, in a dance of sensuality and splendour. Giving us a glimpse of the elegance and magnificence of that which lies ahead, this fairytale sings the praises of the divine feminine.

Ethereal colours play off decorative feminine fabrics, and visitors can get a feel for luminous satin, luxurious decorative damasks, and sensual sheer voiles, while being dazzled by the majestic effects on show, such as vivianite mineral print, sumptuous monochrome, shadowy floral, and mysterious watercolour.

ALTERNATIVE CULTS

A story that embraces the festive heartbeat of humanity’s diverse heritage and culture, allowing us to reclaim the traditions that make us unique. Let the simplicity and comfort of community unlock your self-expression, and embrace this carnival of colour, craft, and creation.

With colours that express joy and free-spiritedness, and fabrics that are sustainable and folksy, prints and patterns are culturally inspired, by influences such as carnival, festive bohemian, kitenge, and truck art. Innovational and sustainable materials are utilised to create vintage, crafted fabrics.

ENERGETIC RESET

This trend optimises the synergy between the organic and synthetic, and infuses fun with functionality. Smart designs are paired with punchy colours, allowing the freeform to take shape, turning the complex simplistic, and converting chaos to cheerfulness.

Technical, functional fabrics complement bright and sporty colours. New age materials, such as recycled polyester, lab-grown cotton, and biodegradable fibres, are in the spotlight alongside industrial and performance textiles. Dynamic features include pop art and symbols, kinetic graphics, colourful bold stripes, and vivid checks.