Archive

Nora Kuehner
fashion design consulting
Secretary General of IDEAS ACTIVE SPORTS DESIGN NETWORK
Presentation at Performance Days show in Munich/ Germany,
November 12 and 14, 2012

Colour perspectives for Summer 2014 and Winter 2014/15

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_1

The IDEAS colour forecast for summer 2014 opens up new horizons for a world which has been facing for years crisis, trouble and fear. We have to look beyond the everyday and create new visions for tomorrow.

As usual IDEAS has defined six colour stories around the universe of sports. Yet the first story called “designers´ choice” boosts the lines of sports and enhances a fashionable active lifestyle feeling which we see spreading over the globe:

  • in between

A synthesis of contrasts, bridging the gap between day & night, light & darkness, fragility and solidity.

A sophisticated array of colours – austere black & white smoothed by subtle shades of grey and dusty rose. Injections of fluorescent glowing pink highlight the scenery.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_2

Keywords concerning the appeal of fabrics:

  • Fabrics linking fashion and functionality.
  • Robust yet elegant.
  • Synthetic fibres blend with wools.
  • Soft layering.
  • Matte and shiny coatings.
  • Minimalistic geometry.
  • Patterns draw inspiration both from photography & hand-crafted moisaics.
  • with a view

Caught up in unbridled imagination and day-dreams. New universes seen from a distance through a misted lens.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_3

Refined pastel colours get a funky touch by fluorescent acid lime. A harmonious and sensitive colour range with delicate airiness.

Fabrics focus on:

  • Functional properties with a soft & dry handle.
  • Light elastic laminates.
  • Coatings with a sheen.
  • Milky transparencies.
  • Cracked effects on fluid surfaces.
  • Scattered layers of prints produce 3D effects.
  • Curvaceous & fragile line drawings.
  • Water-colour effects.
  • vanishing point

Touching a distance … Breaking out of model thinking, giving shape to new ideas. A pioneering spirit accompanied by rational thinking.

A subdued yet luminous colour range. Fresh aquatic shades of blue and green are highlighted by sunny yellow. Dark earthy burgundy sets delicate accents.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_4

High performance at its best. Latest technology – clean and pure.

  • Lightweights go to their boundaries.
  • Extreme breathability.
  • Engineered jacquards.
  • Refined fabrics with high density.
  • Detailed geometric patterns play with light & shadow.
  • Sculptural architecture inspires surface design.
  • Metallic sparkle.
  • gleaming void

Seeking the promise that lies beyond the horizon. Exploring both real and virtual landscapes modelled by lucid light – irresistible and poetic.

Colours are based in nature and full of energy. Slightly dried by the sunshine or washed out. A gentle and enveloping range of yellow, light shades of green and papaya reds. A very light sky blue and a deep sea blue cool down the atmosphere.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_5

  • Blends of natural fibres with polyamide.
  • Visible, natural irregularities.
  • Soft grains.
  • Micro-perforated multi-layers.
  • Geometric forms repeat to shimmering infinitiy.
  • Functional summer wool.
  • skyhigh

Prosaic urban surroundings turn into a land of adventures. Sparkling with creativity and new ways of thinking. Celebrating diversity instead of uniformity.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_6

Strictly artificial colours. Varying from cheery brights like quirky pink, lemon sorbet and sweet candy to dimmed shades of olive, mauve and mustard.
Sheer energy & exuberance.

  • Focus on summer fleece & brushed knit.
  • Cotton & bamboo piqués.
  • Hand-crafted details.
  • Graphics mix organic shapes & streamline geometry.
  • Bold flower prints recall traditional cross-stitching.
  • Infinite fusions

Enhancing our knowledge and skills by discovering other cultures and their treasures. Shaping a new universe by interweaving the global heritage of crafts with contemporary technological developments.

Bright primary shades at the core of this range. Grounded by night blue. A vibrant and strong mix filled with optimism.

lecture_11_2012_colour_trends_bild_7

  • Sustainability & ecology.
  • Long lasting durability
  • Fabrics link functionality & fantasy.
  • Graphics adopt patterns across the globe.
  • Hand-painted or stenciled motifs.
  • Nearly dematerialized gradations of colour.

The complete IDEAS colour forecast summer 2014 (62 pages with graphic inspirations & recommendations for colour combinations) can be purchased exclusively by direct order via e-mail: news@ideas-designers.com.

Looking beyond …
Winter 2014/15 delights in a strong black and white statement. Refined shades of grey and dark burgundy underline the subtle nobleness of this theme. Injections of sulphur yellow add an active sports feeling.

The second colour story draws inspiration from tonal gradation of pinkish red. The range is completed by frosty shades of sky blue and deep mint for a delicate yet luminous colour mood.

Blue – the magical colour of space oscillates in numerous and rather diverse shades. This story is strictly forward-driven and dedicated to technical progress. Fitting perfectly for high performance wear.

Another vibrant story plays with the tension between strictly artificial colours like lilac and sulphur yellow and delicate earthy tones. Metallic coolness broken by natural warmth.

Please note:
The IDEAS colour forecast for winter 2014/15 will be available by January 31, 2013.

Nora Kuehner
fashion   design   consulting

© Nora Kühner