Blog
Up-Scale Design
For the past several seasons, the words tiny and small have been the best options for describing designs and fabric. But introductions at the High Point furniture market indicated that this is all about to change. In a striking reversal, the newest size was large, bold and more motif-focused than pattern based. Moreover, all design categories seemed equally interested in exploring the potential of a countertrend in scale. Even though produce-sack fabrics had less exposure, vintage accessories Continue reading...
2013 Colors
Could it be that the economy really has turned the corner to recovery? We’ve sold so many of our just-released color forecast (The Trend Curve ™ Colors 2013) so quickly that we would have to say yes. But, along with economic recovery has come a long-awaited optimism at the international trade shows we attend. It’s a renaissance of creativity and ingenuity that has brought a much wider range of trend and color to the fore. And it’s just that kind of renewed energy that is reflected in Continue reading...
The Arts & Innovation
All the talk about Steve Jobs passing has included much discussion about the essence of his innovative genius: that it was due to him living at the "intersection of technology and humanism" or technology and the arts. As a consequence, in the last week or so there have been numerous articles out examining the imperative that any company interested in innovation better have one foot in tech and the other in the arts...and ensure artists and technologists collaborate as equals. The Walker Art Continue reading...
Ambiente Trends 2012
Vigor and optimism pervade the 4 key trends for the 2012 Ambiente International Trade Fair. They will have instant appeal and be socially and ecologically correct. ELECTRIC ROMANCEIf a downturned economy has led to the fiscal and ecological wisdom of “fix it yourself,” the contrasting and coordinating colors of this self-confident trend has put “mix it yourself” in the forefront. Sturdy and dependable shades of brown and gray are the backdrop for brave splashes of bright red, green and Continue reading...
Keeping It Simple
Those of us who track trends keep our eyes open to new colors, patterns and materials at trade shows. We also take notice of words that are repeated in our conversations there. When product concepts and words converge, the message is even more powerful. At the Gift Fair in New York, simplicity came through both design and strategy in a message that was loud and clear. On the product front, a two-color trend was afoot. It included everything from Lawrence McRae’s grillwork-patterned lamp bases Continue reading...
Spring 2013 is Looking Positively Plump
Spring 2013 is looking positively plump with possibilities. Consumers are countering recession hangover by seeking out creativity in their lives and within their homes. It helps them make a more personal statement, and adds excitement and fun. This extends especially true for products targeted to seasonal celebrations. The Trend Curve has taken all this to heart in preparing the next version of our Spring Forward™ color-and-trend forecast. We have spent the past few months re-visioning the Continue reading...
London Calling! Highlights from Retail Shopping, May 2011
London is among The Trend Curve's favorite stops for trend-spotting. In May of 2011, Michelle Lamb, Editorial Director, and Jane Stockel, Editorial Correspondent met in London to see the top color and design trends in High Street's stores and shops. These two experienced trend trackers snapped lots pictures as they went from Oxford Street to King's Road and many other stops in between. Now you can learn about all the trends they uncovered in London Calling! Highlights from Retail Shopping, Continue reading...
Philips Luminous Textile
As we constantly scan for innovations in materials, approaches and products which are clients can use for inspiration or incorporation in to their own creations, Philips is one of the companies we watch closely. Philips just announced that it will partner with Kvadrat Soft Cells, to bring an, ..."innovative luminous textile to the market. This partnership, which combines Philips’ leadership in ambient lighting with Kvadrat Soft Cells’ expertise in controlling sound absorption, means Continue reading...
Acceleration in Design & Manufacturing
An acceleration in tools, techniques and approaches to design and manufacturing is occurring right now and many of us are almost completely unaware, unless we've been paying attention. These revolutionary developments have been quietly shaping the future of both design and manufacturing and will undoubtedly impact the way you work and what you deliver going forward. From crowdsourced designs being utilized by a company like Threadless.com (background) to 3D printing for advanced and rapid Continue reading...
Graphene–Is it a Miracle Material?
At The Trend Curve we continually track the emergence of different materials along with our focus on trends in home furnishings. The more one can learn about possibilities for innovation and invention by creating with new materials, the more likely it is that finished-goods trends can be anticipated. One materials trend that has been written up in scientific journals for some time---and for which two physicists received the Nobel Prize in 2010 for their ground-breaking experiments---is Continue reading...
The Paper Runway
At the National Stationery Show, an exhibit called The Paper Runway reinforced the paper/fashion relationship. Students from New York City’s LIM College created paper couture for this competition in hopes of winning the $1,000.00 cash prize, plus a Fashion Week window display at Kate’s Paperie, the show’s partner in this endeavor. Show attendees voted for their favorite. Which would you pick? Continue reading...
@bluebergitt Thanks for the FF!
