Key Materials on the Catwalk Trends for Spring/Summer 2016

As the Trendstop experts continue to analyse the latest developments emerging from the Spring/Summer 2016 shows, we present FashionUnited readers with a sneak peek at three essential materials trends highlighted on the catwalks of the world's fashion capitals this season. Updating womenswear collections with innovative plays on texture and surface, a wealth of new innovations have emerged across the key sectors of Wovens, Knits and Skins & Tech. Spring/Summer styles appeal to the touch with fresh takes on tactile, rustic qualities, as other designs incorporate chunky yarns, loose threads or ultra-smooth finishes. As high fashion designers adapt these materials into their ready-to-wear collections, we can expect to see the trends filtering down into directional and fast fashion retail collections for S/S16, as well as more mainstream ranges going into S/S17.

Raw Linen Canvas

A rustic dimension is introduced to the catwalk this season, demonstrating a focus on linen canvas qualities. Rough, raw woven fibres are executed in neutral colourways, occasionally detailed with loose yarns or textured edgings. This trend was one of the strongest coming through in the Wovens category.

Nouveau Rustic Weaves

In Knits, designers give rustic weaves a 21st century twist. Utilising materials like raffia, homespun qualities and basket-like textures, new developments include combinations of surfaces, chunky tactile trims and exaggerated loose yarn detailing, complementing clean-cut silhouettes.

Anti-Grain Leathers

Leathers evolve with clean-cut forms and super-smooth structures, creating skins that are almost fabric-like. Updating styles in the Skins category, these anti-grain surfaces offer supple materials with lightweight properties for Spring/Summer womenswear, and can be manipulated and shaped with ease.

Exclusive Offer

FashionUnited readers can get a free copy of Trendstop's complete Spring/Summer 2015 Materials on the Catwalks Report, containing essential textures sourced from directional runway shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Simply click the banner to receive your complimentary report.

Trendstop.com is one of the world's leading trend forecasting agencies for fashion and creative professionals, renowned for its insightful trend analysis and forecasts. Clients include H&M, Primark, Forever21, Zalando, Geox, Evisu, Hugo Boss, L'Oreal and MTV.

Images courtesy of Trendstop.com: Marques Almeida, Calvin Klein Collection, Boss, Eckhaus Latta, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Pringle of Scotland, J.W. Anderson, Joseph, Sportmax, all Spring/Summer 2016.