2010 TRENDS

Clockwise from top: Textile View issue 88 p:161, Polka Dots styled by Kai Z Feng in 'Lula' Spring 2010, Dorit on her way to Proposte, Mokum's Bruges Lace -052 Frost, Textile View issue 88 p:123 - Blue Forecast , Mokum's Brocatelle and Etoille - 231 Chartruese.

At Mokum we strive to offer the latest in design so it’s imperative that we are regularly exposed to international trends. Visiting Proposte is a great opportunity for us to research global trends and connect with the very best European mills. However the way in which trends influence our brand is quite different to other faster paced industries like fashion, where trends can change dramatically from season to season. We need to ensure the trend is not only appropriate for our customers homes but also has longevity. It isn’t every day we replace our curtains or recover a sofa so we want to get it right. We do make certain we still deliver the wow factor, particularly in fabrics suitable for cushions, which allow us to easily update the home. Of course for us as designers the statement items are often the most fun and challenging to work on. The exhibitors at Proposte are the crème de la crème so it isn’t surprising a number of trends were evident across their individual ranges. Here is a couple that we noted:

Colour Trends:

• Yellow green, like our designs ‘Etoile’ and 'Brocatelle' - Chartreuse or the beautiful multi purpose wool ‘Sateen’ – Mimosa.

• Dark Blue. We have seen indigo, ink blues and grey blues appearing in fashion for some time now so this was one we expected. It is a nice change from black!

• Grey based neutrals were shown across the fair, which isn’t particularly new for Australia and NZ – as this trend has been present for some time but I guess for European countries this was a change from more yellow based neutrals. I love the look of grey and dark blue together and judging by fashion I believe it’s a colour partnership we will see more and more in interiors. A good example of this colour combination is ‘Chatelet’ - Prussian Blue paired with ‘Coupole’ - Pewter or Quartz from Mokum’s latest collection Moderne.

• Metallic’s. Again metallic’s are not a new concept however we saw a textile woven from a true gold yarn which was something I certainly had never seen before. It was gorgeous and had real weight to it but I can’t see it being used in many domestic homes, that is unless you live in a palace!

Design and Texture Trends:

• Digital Prints. The effects that can be created by digital prints now are extraordinary; we saw fabric printed to look identical to kilims. When laid on the floor you would swear you were walking on the real thing.

• Checks, Stripes and Polka Dots were everywhere! Mostly very traditional but some mills had applied the idea quite differently in big chunky chenille and lurex yarns.

• French Knots is an embroidery technique, and we saw entire designs done in multi coloured French knots.

• Soft Linens. There were so many beautiful soft linens both for drapery and upholstery exhibited at Proposte. Many had airo finishes which give the fabric a relaxed ‘used’ look. Walking through the streets of Como I noticed this trend was also mimicked in men’s suits and jackets. Italian men dress really well!

• Crochet and Lace. Last but not least we saw a number of stunning lace and crocheted draperies at Proposte, and lace was also translated into prints for upholsteries. Although call me bias, but I still believe one of the nicest lace constructions around is Mokum’s Bruges Lace.

Arrivederci!