For the fashion conscious, thoughts turn not just to colour but also to the look of colour. What does it look like on classic smooth leather surfaces? What effect does the inclusion of metallic and ice-like effects have? And finally, what does colour look like on dramatic and theatrical surfaces? Stahl have devised a number of concepts to answer these questions.
The deep colours of history feature under the title ‘Nobility Code’. Smooth gloss and matt effects contrast with pin stripes and crocodile effects to give a reminder of both past and present in Eastern Europe, and in the mansions and classic cars of the rich and famous.
Oxidation surface finish effects are featured in ‘Experimental Existentialism’ which will remind many people of a world of art deco, of geometrical shapes, of bright metallic effects and modern clothing designs that even look forward towards science fiction. Silver and gold stand out as eye-catching patterns and colours against darker shades, sometimes creating an added contrast of metallic against non-metallic.
Moving to the Far East, ‘Asian Fascination’ is presented as a world of lacquered surfaces, strong reminders of the décor and furnishings that are the hallmark of Asian countries and island populations.
Returning to the Mediterranean, the ‘Smash of Styles’ theme uses mixtures that recreate past life where journeys to the Orient and the Caribbean were swashbuckling adventures. This is a world of Spanish galleons, guitars, and footwear that always stirs memories of the history book pictures. Memories of more recent times are evoked by the Italian Vespa and the young dressed as both rich or poor.
If earlier groups tended to create feelings of being bounded by cities and community groups, much more freedom is gained in the ‘Forever Natural’ theme. Here colours and surfaces bring us for the first time into the great outdoors. Is it the great expanse of Mid-West and Central America or the great mountain ranges scattered the world? The effects that appear on clothing, footwear and furniture reflect something of each.
Finally the colours become the cold shades of ‘Future-Retro Action’ with surfaces evoking glaciers using clothing in a wide variety of ways to keep out the cold.
Stahl offer one of the more exciting forecasts of colour combined with surface effects for the autumn and winter season for a number of years to come.
