Trend Flash is exclusively for members of The Trend Curve™ subscriber family with immediate updates from major markets and trade shows around the globe. Doug Thayer, Editorial Correspondent for The Trend Curve, has been in Atlanta covering the semi-annual rug market. Below are his key observations. The August 2012 issue of The Trend Curve will have more-complete details.
Notable in Atlanta:
COLOR
– Brights returned in a big way
– Mid-tone-bright green appeared alone or with blues, whites
– From indigo to sky, blues meant a lot
– Light turquoise, mixed with white, was a recurring statement
– Orange worked with blues and greens
– Black-and-white, used as one color, worked in small patterns and textures
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
– Flat weaves dominated the market
– Wool was key in flat, pile and (increasingly) mixed with faux silk
– Bamboo became the luster fiber of choice
– Linen and softened jute had their say
– Worn, ultra-shorn patchworks continued
– Braided looks combined with hooked constructions
PATTERN AND THEME
– Ikat variations included deconstructed looks with a few surprises
– Geometrics advanced with both Moroccan and Scandinavian roots
– The newest stripes contained pattern and overt textures
– Persian tribal Gabbeh designs looked updated and simplified
– Floral alternatives advanced, featuring organic textures and patterns
– Mid-sized patterns with a damask or textile sensibility increased