Invista, one of the largest integrated producers of polymers and fibres, and owner of the Lycra fibre brand, has launched its Legwear Innovation Fashion Directions which predict the changing styles of 2010 and 2011.

While consumers are still looking for durable and long-lasting fashion, the trends seem to show that people will also be seeking novelty items that individualise their look creating additional value by helping them to stand out from the crowd. This leads fashion from puritan sobriety to high gloss extravagance and a selection of these style themes are outlined below:

FAST TRACK

The look

•             Dress for success with outspoken shapes – square cut or rounded

•             Shoulders are strong and wide and fabrics robust – wool, compact wovens or felt

•             Leather is key – moulded, laser finished or embossed

•             Trousers are skinny and skirts short

Legs to match

•             Graphic opaque/sheer contrasts

•             Bold tracksuit-style stripes

•             Graphic Mesh, bold cutouts and colour blocking

•             Grey, black and white plus Mondrian brights

GLITZ AND GLAM

The look

•             Strongly influenced by 80’s disco and science fiction – exaggerated shapes for modern fashion divas

•             Dresses with full skirts or skin-tight and contouring

•             Sprayed on skinny pants and liquid leggings with high-gloss and metallic surfaces dominating the scene

•             Punky styles with ripped and destroyed openwork looking best worn with neat tailoring

Legs to match

•             Metal shimmer and high-gloss; sequins and jewels

•             Punky; ripped and torn; lacy and graphic mesh

•             Mysterious darks; black and silver

NATURE’S TRACES

The look

•             Urban jungle with realistic and wild abstract re-interpretations

•             From reptilian and wildlife skin imitations to refined organic spiderweb looks

•             Natural touch surfaces – warm and woolly; dry cottony; softly sueded or liquid leather looks

Legs to match

•             Reptile inspired

•             Spiderweb patterns

•             Leotards, skin imitations and natural touch

•             Black and grey; copper and brown

SEDUCTION

The look

•             Opulent boudoir mood with lots of draped volume and the corset as a centrepiece

•             Dress plays a leading role – from slinky and sleeveless to extravagantly draped

•             Skirts are full or in a sleek and contouring style

•             Fabrics are rich and sumptuous with gorgeous velvets and rich liquid satins

•             Transparent theme is also key – veiling the body with gauzy chiffons and light laces

Legs to match

•             Fine lace, lacing and lingerie mood

•             Trompe l’oeil

•             Corsetry details

•             Sensual reds; lavender and blue

STRONG CONTRASTS

The look

•             Enlarged ornamental motifs – giant paisley patterns and trompe l’oeil effects inspired by two-tone shoes

•             Nostalgic icons updated to make modern classics

•             Cartoonesque with a playful twist

•             Legwear that is an eye-catching statement piece rather than an accessory

Legs to match

•             Giant patterns

•             Trompe l’oeil effects

•             Two tone

•             Cartoonesque

•             Black and white

BODYPUMP

The look

•             Innovative styling that brings a healthy body and mind

•             Contouring support and soft second-skin layering

•             Skin friendly materials with high performance materials

•             Sensible functionality without compromising stylish aesthetics

•             Sporty influences in shapely colour blocking following body curves

Legs to match

•             Matt fabrics and comfort layering

•             Sport blocking

•             Organic shaping

•             Ergonomics

•             Cool neutrals and vivid brights