Clariant predicts a fashion outlook of contrasts for Autumn/Winter 2012-13

Muttenz, June 20, 2011 – The fashion focus for Autumn/Winter 2012-13 is on clear-cut contrasts and greater extremes. And it is the sheer depth of contrasts – warm or cold, light or dark, black or white, romantic or grunge – that has provided the impetus and inspiration behind the new color and trend forecast for the footwear and leather sectors. Compromise is no longer chic whereas the sensitivity for the timeless and sustainable has increased. Supporting its customers in generating their own collections, 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 Autumn/Winter 2012-13.

THE FOUR TREND THEMES IN LEATHER

Grunge, Romantic, Classic and Galaxy are the new mix of the season. Ranging from aggressive high-heels and pure classic lines to opulent antiqued leather articles all the way up to galactic styles with reflective and futuristic metallics. No compromises – clear fashion statements bringing this powerful season to new heights. Decorative finishes include vintage styles or the high gloss of soft patents.

NEO GRUNGE

Grunge is back. Fashion is once more playing to the beat of the nineties alternative rock scene. Attitude is required to wear lumberjack shirts, parkas, floral slip dresses and torn jeans layered up with beanie hats, arm warmers and laddered hosiery. Tough buckled strap boots and aggressive high heels are the footnotes. Battered and distressed finishes and new high gloss leathers such as corrected grains or soft patent interpret this mood. This rebellious youth-led look spans all levels of the market from inexpensive thrift shop finds to luxury designer grunge.

STORYBOOK

The romantic fiction of Victorian novelists is the starting point for this mood. Passionate heroes and captivating heroines come to life and inspire apparel touched with gothic nostalgia. Soft flowing lines and full-skirted silhouettes come in the new below-the-knee lengths. Elegant heels and granny boots are embellished with lace, gemstones and pearls. This opulent story with antiqued leathers and decorative textures offers a total contrast to the minimalist trend, and marks the return of trims and detail following a period of low-key fashion.

ULTRA CLASSIC

Classics get a new minimalist twist with pure lines and pared away details that stand the test of time. It is back-to-basics dressing, but with a luxurious makeover. Color-blocks and panelling slice up garments into bold Mondrian-inspired shapes. Proportions are altered: hemlines hover around the knee and footwear favours the new mid-height heel. Care must be taken to ensure that these simple shapes are never too plain and therefore boring, which is where texture comes in. Quality grains, traditional embosses and classic reptile elevates the simple into something special.

GALACTIC

There is no need to wait for Richard Branson’s first commercial spacecraft to be launched – galactic styles have lift off already. Technical innovation and clean lines are harnessed together in this space-aged look. Body-aware contours and padded shapes with volume create impact. Accessories including padded moon boots, high-heeled platforms and fantasy clutch bags are no less dramatic.

LEATHER COLORS

After the severe turbulence of recent times we are now looking for new orientation. We are seeing things from a new angle and are no longer willing to compromise. This attitude is reflected in the new Autumn/Winter 2012-13 leather colors, which were selected by ModEurop at its recent Color Event, hosted by Clariant in Leinfelden/Germany; they range from an optimistic and timeless palette of warm reds over neutral winter shades to cool and icy polar tones.

WARMTH

Reflected by the power of the sun and the flickering of flames with nearly every nuance of yellow, orange and red. Feelings of human warmth, home and love of tradition – a theme full of emotion and passion.

BASE

A color collection of the essentials – neutral shades that form the focus for autumn-winter collections. Back to our foundations with timeless and everlasting values reflected in grey-tinted naturals and browns as well as winter whites, camel and natural blacks.

COLDNESS

As the antithesis of "Warmth", this group is inspired by distance, future and technology. A sophisticated mix of high-tech and the inexhaustible strength of nature translated into futuristic and mysterious colors like cool blues, greys, greens and darks.

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.

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Clariant International Ltd
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4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland

+41 61 469 6742

www.clariant.com

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