Smitten by Texture at GHFW

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After years of focus on minimalist simplicity, consumers began to crave product designs with a different sort of character. Mixed media combinations were the market’s first response to that need. The next step was texture. And once consumers got a look at what texture could provide, they were smitten. Now textures are in the midst of a trend cycle that isn’t going away any time soon.

Textural effects seen at Guimarães Home Fashion Week made it clear that there are still plenty of possibilities left to explore. Cushions, blankets, sheets, towels and throws went in new directions that looked sophisticated, dimensional and compelling. Effects were achieved in three key ways, and it was not unusual to see more than one employed in a vignette, or even in a single piece, confirming how important texture has become.

Carvalho

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that color was a key vehicle for texture of a visual kind. Its impact was demonstrated in new space-dyed and mélange yarns that combined up to five colors in the same yarn. At GHFW stone-washed color evoked the feeling of a comfortable pair of jeans. It was migrating from towels and sheets to items like bathrobes, and it looked great.

Dolce Casa

Weave effects made a tactile-texture statement. They included simple 100% cotton waffle weaves and complicated wool-gauze constructions that combined four different weaves. Satin jacquards offered a more refined take on texture in table linens and sheets, while matelassé cushions and top-of-bed items introduced a bit of dimension. Weaving multiple patterns into a throw or blanket was also on-trend. So was a high/low approach for surface design that was especially important for bath rugs that had a sculpted appearance.

Apertex

Embellishments added to the tactile story, with details that were meant to be noticed. Add-ons often layered one detail over another, or they teamed multiple details together in a single piece:

• Tiered lace over fabric
• Ruffles with frayed edges
• Fuzzy sheared yarns
• Drop-needle effects (some cut, others not)
• Looped embroidery looks
• Rugged ruching

Look below for a gallery of visual and tactile textures seen at Guimarães Home Fashion Week.

For even more trend observations from this Portuguese home-textiles fair, read the August issue of The Trend Curve.

In addition to trends from Guimarães Home Fashion Week this issue provides need-to-know trend information from the Chelsea Flower Show, Showtime textiles market, Proposte, NeoCon, Atlanta Rug market and the Summer Fancy Food Show. Every issue of The Trend Curve is just as packed.

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