The 2023 Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, which will take place from March 8–10, 2023, is based on the theme of ‘Go Ahead’. The event will let visitors physically explore the theme through its four distinct trend stories: Mission Earth, Poetic Sensuality, Alternative Cults, and Energetic Reset. At this edition of the fair, the Intertextile Directions Trend Committee will collaborate to predict the upcoming season’s trends.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Spring 2023 will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), according to a press release by organiser Messe Frankfurt.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics–Spring Edition 2023, which will take place from March 8–10, 2023, is based on ‘Go Ahead’. The event, which will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), allows this theme to be explored through four trend stories: Mission Earth, Poetic Sensuality, Alternative Cults, and Energetic Reset.

With rotating responsibilities, the committee is comprised of four world-renowned creative forecasting agencies, namely Doneger | Tobe (New York, USA), Elementi Moda (Milan, Italy), NellyRodi Agency (Paris, France), and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo, Japan). For the 2023 spring fair, S/S 2024’s forward-thinking theme was produced by Doneger | Tobe, with Elementi Moda in charge of the Trend Forum design.

After a period of pause, it is important for the international textile industry to create positive momentum by recognising and adapting to expert-predicted fashion trends, with a theme that offers a fresh perspective on everyday experiences. The Trend Forum, which will be held at the International Hall (Hall 5.1), will capture the essence of this ‘Go Ahead’ movement, displaying a range of exhibitors’ fabrics that exemplify the four predictive stories.

On-trend samples will be prominently featured and labelled, allowing buyers to source and be inspired by the various materials, textures, patterns, and colours on show, all in one central area.

To make meaningful progress, humanity needs to embrace its earthly roots and reconnect with nature. The story of Mission Earth allows visitors to collectively rediscover the beauty of age-old artisanal crafts, the untamed glory of various flora and fauna, and the wonder of the world’s natural phenomena.

Earthy, mineral colours adorn raw and simple fabrics. Environmentally friendly materials are highlighted, such as bio-based and organic fabrics, as well as renewable dyes. Rustic, textured textiles will exhibit fundamental designs, with ethnic motifs, wood block print, and nature-inspired patterns at the forefront.

The Poetic Sensuality trend captures the rhythmic nature of the human spirit, in a dance of sensuality and splendour. Giving observers a glimpse of the elegance and magnificence of that which lies ahead, this fairy tale sings the praises of the divine feminine. Ethereal colours play off decorative feminine fabrics, and visitors can get a feel for luminous satin, luxurious decorative damasks, and sensual sheer voiles, while being dazzled by the majestic effects on show, such as vivianite mineral print, sumptuous monochrome, shadowy floral, and mysterious watercolour.

The Alternative Cults story embraces the festive heartbeat of humanity’s diverse heritage and culture, allowing one to reclaim the traditions that make them unique. Audiences are invited to let the simplicity and comfort of community unlock their self-expression, and embrace this carnival of colour, craft, and creation.

With colours that express joy and free-spiritedness, and fabrics that are sustainable and folksy, prints and patterns are culturally inspired, by influences such as carnival, festive bohemian, kitenge, and truck art. Experimental and sustainable materials are utilised to create vintage, crafted fabrics.

The Energetic Reset trend optimises the synergy between the organic and synthetic, and infuses fun with functionality. Smart designs are paired with punchy colours, allowing the freeform to take shape, turning the complex simplistic, and converting chaos to cheerfulness.

Technical, functional fabrics complement bright and sporty colours. New age materials, such as recycled polyester, lab-grown cotton, and biodegradable fibres, are in the spotlight alongside industrial and performance textiles, added the release.

Dynamic features include pop art and symbols, kinetic graphics, colourful bold stripes, and vivid checks. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics–Spring Edition 2023 will be held concurrently with the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC, and PH Value from March 8–10, 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)