Once again, the Performance Forum is the Highlight of the fair

08 Nov '11

4 min read

In this round of the fair, nine tables plus the Innovation Tower exhibit the key innovations for show the Winter 2013/14 in addition to the updates to the Summer 2013 collections. The tables are set up according to the subjects and categories known to buyers, product managers, and designers through their routine work and communication.

Each fabric displayed on the tables is co-equal to the others, all to be seen and felt with no product neglected and none highlighted over the others – the perfect opportunity for professional visitors to get a quick orientation and an overview of the manufacturers' latest ideas. Something new this round is that our newspaper includes pictures of each fabric and references to the suppliers and product numbers, corresponding to its position on the table.

The Performance Forum is mobile and can be visited at both Roadshow exhibit locations, i.e., in Annecy and Munich. Exciting once again, the Innovation Tower does justice to its name and presents the most important trends and discoveries in the industry. The most outstanding product in the category "Innovation" will be featured at the trade fair with the Performance Award. More information about this round's winner, Carvico, is provided in the column about the Innovation Tower.

Waterproof & Breathable
The new electro-spinning membranes are an important topic because the way they are manufactured produces still more breathability while providing waterproofing at the same time. More highlights in the highly functional category are the extremely elastic 2.5- and 3-layer-laminates, where the outer fabrics contain spandex admixtures.

The feel and the outer fabrics of the functional materials are getting more and more pleasing and natural to the touch - they feel soft and dry. Jacquard structures or full-dull fibers add a noble flair. The new colors also reflect this: Subdued tones like beige, gray, or greens from reed to olive to bottle-green are setting the pace. Shines are rare, but when they appear, then as a noble satin-gloss. Other important colors are the shades of powdery reds, from mauve to violet, and also turquoise and amber.

Softshell & 3-Layer
The new three-layer-laminates for Winter 2013/14 have gotten even lighter. Now they weigh only about 120 to 150 grams. The outer fabrics are made of pure nylon or with a spandex admixture and technical values of 10K/10K are a given. Besides classic black, wild berry tones dominate the picture, from violet and mauve to variations of blue ending in an original denim-look and, of course, all are fully functional.

The softshells present great diversity. Structure is the major topic here – implemented on the outer fabrics or the backing. Waffle patterns can be seen along with eyelet structures, so large The softshells present great diversity. Structure is the major topic here – implemented on the outer fabrics or the backing.

Waffle patterns can be seen along with eyelet structures, so large that even the membrane is visible. This creates depth and a three-dimensional look. Furthermore, the Jacquard knits can be seen with chequerboard patterns or burnout motifs, the backings with mesh-structures or a light metallic gloss.

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