Textiles & Apparel / Garment
Outdoor apparel - an explosion of colour and functionality
This summer sees Páramo, the British manufacturer, premièring at Friedrichshafen. Widely-respected in the United Kingdom as an unconventional maverick, the brand is showing its Analogy fabric system for the first time at the outdoor. Its innovative construction means that no membranes, laminates or taped seams are required. In addition, it is water repellent and transports moisture away from the wearer.
Klättermusen is also well known for thinking outside the box. The small Swedish brand, which counts as one of Europe’s pioneers when it comes to eco-responsibility and sustainability, is exhibiting, among other things a new pair of pants that, as they say themselves, is under no allusions of being a lightweight product. However, the Durin Pants outperform virtually all others when it comes to robustness and durability. Adidas Outdoor is also pursuing similar objectives. Their Terrex AllAlpine jacket is made of the same fabric used to make the sails for Grand Prix yachts. The fabric is an extremely robust combination of Dyneema and a type of Kevlar yarn.
Apropos yarns, the Japanese textile manufacturer Toray will be at Friedrichshafen exhibiting the first ever polyester yarn derived completely from plants. Based on molasses, a by-product from the sugar industry, Ecodear polyester is fully recyclable and is a cradle-to-cradle product that produces no waste. The North Face has also been experimenting with new types of yarns. Its Fuseform Originator Jacket is made of a woven fabric that combines different yarn thicknesses. This results in greater tear strength without requiring additional seams that often reduce the strength of a fabric. Mammut has taken a different approach with its Hera women’s jacket. Its new 3-in-1 design teams a waterproof jacket with a detachable skirt section that transforms it into a parka. The individual elements can also be worn solo. Colour remains an important trend in 2015 and has now made its way down to pants, which are no longer just black or in discrete colours. The new fashion show also promises to be a colourful affair. The newly-created concept bears witness to the fact that the outdoor industry has changed significantly. Modern technology will be used to project natural structures onto both the walls and the dancers. It aims to reflect that the outdoors has an ever-greater impact on lifestyle choices in urban settings. Four outdoor worlds will be on display: Hike & Trekking, Alpine, Citylife & Travel and Trail Running - both on stage and also in trend windows in Hall A2. The Trend Show is a new OutDoor highlight - an innovative mix of visual information, entertainment and a chance to relax away from the sometimes hectic trade show atmosphere. The new concept is also available as a booklet either in printed or digital to provide retailers and journalists with useful guidance.
http://www.outdoor-show.de/od-en/programme/hall-of-visions.php
Environmental aspects increasingly form an integral part of collections. In particular, the industry is addressing the issue of PFCs. In this regard, Schoeller has three new partners for the 2015 summer season. In future, Peak Performance, P.A.C. and Ortovox will be using the PFC-free and ecologically sound Ecorepel water repellent textile function. From eco-friendly dyeing processes, via recycled or bluesign-certified fabrics to fair production conditions, the outdoor industry is facing up to its social responsibility - despite the full spectrum of colours on display, the colour green remains especially significant.
OutDoor 2014 is open to industry visitors only from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July (Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For more information, please visit: www.outdoor-show.com.