The more erratic our weather patterns, the more we’re seeing clothing that transcends seasons, says fashion trend forecaster Emily Miller Palmquist, keynote speaker at the upcoming Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) show, to be held from 21-23 August 2017, at the Toronto International Centre.

Presenting at ATSC 2017 on 22 August, Palmquist, founder of EMP Creative, will give attendees a glimpse of what’s in store for 2018 and beyond when it comes to global design and consumer apparel trends. “Clothing brands are no longer thinking in terms of spring, summer, fall and winter lines, but are creating pieces that last in our wardrobe much longer than a single season,” said Palmquist. “It’s a direct reaction to climate change and we’re experiencing it all over the world.”

Athleisure

The biggest trend is the emergence of athleisure: casual, comfortable clothing designed for both everyday wear and exercise. The concept is permeating all levels of fashion, from children’s clothing through to women’s and men’s wear, as consumers are becoming more sensitive about how clothing feels and are gravitating towards performance-based textiles, she said.

“Because we spend so much time in the digital world – in front of computer screens and on our mobile phones – we’re drawn to things in our physical world that have more tactility,” explained Palmquist, adding that designers are putting as much emphasis on the fabric used for the interior lining of a garment as the exterior.

At ATSC 2017, Palmquist will uncover trending silhouettes, colours and textiles, including which fabrics, finishes, washes and patterns will dominate the apparel market. In general, the colour palette is “going to be lit up with warmer hues,” she divulged, and textures are going to reflect handmade craftsmanship.

ATSC 2017 sessions

Debuting last year as Canada’s premier international apparel and textile sourcing event, ATSC 2017 returns on a larger scale, with 300 local and international exhibits, three full days of seminars, panels and sessions, and a fashion runway event showcasing Canadian student and international exhibitor designs.

Some additional ATSC 2017 sessions include global apparel industry leader Jeff Streader and a panel of Canadian Apparel Executives discussing the modern supply chain best practices and responding to the ever-changing consumer trends and shifts that today’s e-commerce world demands.

A summary of key issues and developments in Canada’s trade policy – including the important topic of NAFTA re-negotiation and new agreements (CETA) set to come into force – will be presented by Canadian Apparel Federation Executive Director Bob Kirke.

Tech Meets Textile panel discussion will showcase members of the Canadian Smart Textile movement and faculty from Toronto’s George Brown College and OCADUniversity as they look at how technology is changing the face of the textile industry and what it means for both businesses and consumers.

Exhibits at ATSC 2017

Exhibits at ATSC 2017 include top apparel and textile manufacturers from more than 20 countries, including Canada, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the US, the UK, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, Nepal, as well as a delegation of 30 artisanal companies from eight Least Developed Countries (LDC) sponsored by Ottawa-based TFO Canada.

ATSC is supported by many international governments and associations, headed by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT) and the Bangladesh High Commission on behalf of the Export Promotion Bureau and the Bangladesh Garment and Manufacturers Export Association. 

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