For the Business of Apparel Decorating
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/418080
Get Ahead of the Curve Capitalize on apparel trends in 2015 30 | PRINTWEAR D EC E M B E R 20 1 4 With its focus on comfort and muted tones, active wear is a major trend in- fluencer for the upcoming year. (Image courte- sy alphabroder/ Ash City) Get Ahead of the Curve B Y A M A N D A M C G R O R Y - D I X O N A s the latest runway styles continue to merge with the wholesale apparel market, decorators can take advantage of a more lucrative business environment. Premium blended fabrics with a refined look and soft hand are trending in the market, and that higher quality com- mands better price margins. Better yet, many custom- ers are willing to pay those higher price margins. With a comprehensive apparel lineup, decorators can make today's trends work for their bottom line. FASHION-FORWARD STYLES In 2015, expect many high-end retail styles to make their way into the wholesale market. Traditionally, fitted Ts were a popular choice for trendy appar- el, but the wholesale market is replacing that style with a more draped look, says Amit Gupta, CEO of MONAG Apparel. Dolmans and lightweight wrap- around jackets with drape panels, for instance, are gaining popularity and add individual style. While bright color-blocking will still be popular, especially during the spring months, expect to see more earth tones in the 2015 collections, says Elson Yeung, director of private label design and merchan- dising of alphabroder/Ash City. This color scheme is largely influenced by the popularity of active wear, which often features muted hues that reflect envi- ronmental elements.