20 Dec 2010

Clariant predicts a brighter fashion outlook for Spring/Summer 2012

Muttenz, December 20, 2010 - The mood of fashion is changing: there is a feeling of greater optimism and the color forecasters are seeing the seasonal warmth, enthusiasm and clarity of spring and summer as major influences on the new color palette and fashion trends for 2012. Interpreting fashion themes into reality is always a challenge, often made more difficult when applied to such a unique and varied substrate as leather. It is a challenge that Clariant welcomes and its trend and color forecasts of the immediate past have been extremely accurate. This was clearly evidenced by the offers on show at the most recent Le Cuir à Paris and Lineapelle exhibitions when the finished leathers for Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 were displayed.

Looking even further ahead, Clariant launches its new Global Color Card – developed in close cooperation with MODEUROP, the Fashion Pool at DSI (Das Schuhinstitut GmbH) – as well as its leather trend booklet ‘Fashion Up!, in preparation for Spring/Summer 2012.

THE FOUR TREND THEMES IN LEATHER

Indistinct, washed-out materials and colors have defined the fashion look over several seasons, but the new leather trends for Spring-Summer 2012 are inspired by the mood of exotic high summer and colorful ethnic influences, nostalgia and heritage classics, as well as simple shapes with nature as a source of inspiration.

MOROCCAN ADVENTURE

An ethnic story centred on Marrakech and the Sahara. Bustling souks, sun-baked walls, camel caravans, Bedouin robes and colorful Moorish mosaics inspire. Ethnic textures are cleaner and less fussy. Bold stripes, tribal prints and weaves are mixed with sun-baked matt leather and suede.

FADED MEMORIES

Feminine nostalgia and heritage classics: flaking theatres, ballet dancers, vintage gowns, forgotten sofas overgrown with ivy paint a romantic picture. Timeworn leathers have a sense of authenticity. Crackled and creased finishes have an antique feel while floral embosses, pearlised and subtle metallic finishes are pretty and romantic.

ISLAND SURFER

Rolling waves, white sandy beaches and tropical blooms set the mood for a high summer story. Hawaiian surfer looks add a sportier angle. Tropical fantasy looks, such as exotic reptile and metallic prints, are mixed with sporty scuba Neoprenes, mesh and techy textures.

MINIMAL

Clean, modern and simple shapes address the minimalist trend. Modern architecture, fashion and furnishings are pared down to make a very bold statement. Sophisticated quality classics with super smooth finishes and luxury grains such as croc and ostrich contrast with techy optical prints and micro grids.

LEATHER COLORS

Color is making a refreshing comeback. The new colors are clearer and fresher. Bold and intense colors reflecting energy and dynamism stand side-by-side with light colors, inspired by the world of health and beauty. Natural colors are the neutralizing element between intense and delicate shades.

BE EXCITED

Inspired by the world of vitalising supplements, fruits and flowers, the colors glow, bursting with energy and dynamism. They are clear, bold and intense. The focus is on orange and pink, tomato red, cobalt blue, turquoise, apple green and sun yellow.

BE BALANCED

The hallmarks of these light colors are freshness and modernity, inspired by the world of health and beauty. It is about wellbeing. Everything looks immaculate, clean, pure. Alongside these fragile looking pastel shades, one sees white in a multiplicity of shades: flour, milk, sugar or chalk serve as models. (Photo: Clariant)

BE ESSENTIAL

A neutralizing balance between the delicate and intense colors of the other two groups. Nature as a source of inspiration plays a major role, with the multi-layered colors of stone, the indefinable grey of algae, the blue of the sky, or the grey of the clouds.

All the illustrated colors in Clariant’s Global Color Card show Wet End formulations achieved with the outstanding Melioderm® dyestuff range. The finishing recipes are based on Clariant’s innovative Neosan® 2000 and PPE® Pigment range.

Reader enquiries

Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland

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Notes for editors

Clariant – Exactly your chemistry

Clariant is a global leader in the field of specialty chemicals. Strong business relationships, commitment to outstanding service and wide-ranging application know-how make Clariant a preferred partner for its customers.

Clariant, which is represented on five continents with over 100 group companies, employs around 17,000 people. Headquartered in Muttenz near Basel, Switzerland, it generated sales of CHF 6.6 billion in 2009. Clariant is organized into ten Business Units: Additives; Detergents & Intermediates; Emulsions; Industrial & Consumer Specialties; Leather Services; Masterbatches; Oil & Mining Services; Paper Specialties; Pigments; and Textile Chemicals.

Clariant is committed to sustainable growth, which is derived from its own innovative strength. Clariant’s world-class products and services play a key role in its customers’ manufacturing processes and add value to their end products. The company’s success is based on the know-how of its people and their ability to identify new customer needs at an early stage and to work together with customers to develop innovative, efficient solutions.

www.clariant.com

Melioderm, Neosan and PPE are registered trademarks of Clariant.