Clariant’s Fashion Specialist Addy Ng presented the forecasts with four distinct themes: Rich Tradition, Craftsman, Woodland Spirit and Charm School. According to Addy, richly-coloured ethnic trends will be making a come-back. At the same time, fine craftsmanship is likely to be expressed in ancient style with metallic accents finding their way into leather items. For Woodland Spirit, nature-inspired colours and textures will also be hits for the seasons.
‘The vintage look inspired by, for example, vintage cars in Miami, should also not be neglected. It’s going to come out in winter pastel colours in feminine styles. Shiny patent finish and flower-inspired patterns, like roses tied by a leather ribbon, are some ideas how it may work on shoes,’ said Addy, who specially designed his collection for the 2009-2010 autumn/winter seasons to give the audience a taste of what the trends look like. More than one hundred leather shoes, bags and accessories were shown on the catwalk by models in four sessions during the presentation.
Addy pointed out that waxy leather will still be going strong on bags and shoes for the seasons, while tile-pattern leather will be the trick to creating the trendy look. A major interest in nubucks and suedes will also be seen.
The forecast and collection is the result of ongoing research carried out by Addy, who regularly visits top fashion shows around the world and is in close contact with leather technicians and tanneries who provide the know-how for the desired look-and-feel on leather. Addy has previously worked with prestigious labels such as YSL and John Galliano.
Two technical presentations were also given by Clariant’s technical experts Gary Dodd and Steve Brown, who between them have decades of experiences supporting the tannery and leather industry in China and elsewhere in the Asia region. The two experts introduced the audience to Clariant’s leather treatment processes and solutions, and also presented solutions focused on the environment. Granofin FCC Liquid, for example, is an organic tanning agent which is metal-free and capable of producing an aesthetically pleasing appearance on leather.
Seminars on the fashion forecast for leather accessories and further technical aspects were also organised in collaboration with Alfa Metro, Clariant’s agent in China.
