NEW YORK — Influences ranging from lingerie to workwear — in a variety of blended fabrics — are reflected in the spring forecast being presented by Roseann Forde, DuPont’s fashion director.
Forde is presenting her outlook at a series of workshops entitled “Odyssey” at DuPont’s offices here through June 9.
The workshop features a slide presentation of fiber, fabric, color and silhouette and displays 70 garments from the European shows.
The presentation is divided into four segments. The main one, called Echo/Tech, features blends of linen and Lycra spandex and matte-and-shine and shiny fabrics, such as iridescent nylon sheers layered over a cotton and Lycra blend jersey. Another fabric featured is a flat basketweave of Dacron polyester, cotton and flax.
Silhouettes in this group include a pleated slipdress worn with a camisole top.
“Elements of intimate apparel also are here, as they continue to influence ready-to-wear,” Forde said, “but the current approach is cleaner and more modern.”
Colors in the category are primarily neutral, although subtle metallic accents may also be found.
Another category, Manual Labor, is strongly influenced by workwear, Forde said. The group was characterized by aprons, cargo pants and halter tops with jeans jackets.
Most of the looks, she said, work well in blends of Dacron polyester and rayon in ticking stripes, dobby knits of cotton and Lycra, and stretch denims and Micromattique cords.
Body Chemistry, the third group, “is inspired by perky, playful looks and influenced by active sportswear,” Forde said.
Featuring boxer shorts, midriff and halter tops and body-skimming minidresses, Body Chemistry comprises knits with surface interest. There are stripes, mesh and stretch twills. Key colors are energized brights, such as red, yellow and turquoise, playing off white or dark neutrals.
Travelers, the last group, highlights apparel that she said “is free-spirited and adventurous.”
The category includes a nubby gray transparent knit sweater with a V-neckline and a reversible tank with a printed woven on one side and a rib knit on the other.
Key fabric ideas for Travelers include exotic prints with metallic accents, crinkled Dacron and rayon wovens and fine-gauge knits with surface interest.
Related Galleries
Top colors are deep cinnabar, coral and berry tones, complemented by off-beat brights like purple and a geranium.