Within the scope of the fair, trends set to shape the Spring / Summer 2027 season will be presented to industry professionals under the theme “PARADOX.” The PARADOX theme focuses on rebuilding optimism in today’s world, reigniting consumer interest, and supporting individual well-being. The overall seasonal approach highlights a movement from darkness toward light amid uncertainty, emphasizing the new dynamism that emerges from this transition. In this context, PARADOX brings together four main trend themes defined for the Spring / Summer 2027 season.
These seasonal trends are structured around the themes AFFECTION, BREATHE, BEWITCHING, and HONOURATION. The trends were developed through the collaborative work of four trend forecasters from global fashion capitals including Paris, New York, Milan, and Tokyo. Visitors will be able to explore these four main themes in detail throughout 11–13 March 2026 at the Trend Forum located in Hall 5.1 of the exhibition venue.
The curation process of the Trend Forum is led by Tokyo-based trend expert Sachiko Inoue. Inoue developed the trends together with the Directions Trend Committee, which includes NellyRodi™ Agency from Paris, DONEGER | TOBE from New York, and Elementi Moda from Milan. More than 700 fabric and accessory samples will be showcased in the forum area. In addition, the specially prepared Trend Guide will serve as a reference resource for buyers, covering the season’s key fabrics, colours, patterns, and prints. The full Spring / Summer 2027 Trend Guide will also be available online.
A New Fashion Approach That Embraces Imperfection
The PARADOX theme reflects an approach in fashion that prioritises inner balance and awareness over status. Throughout the season, originality, simplicity, and the acceptance of imperfections come to the forefront. Across the four main themes, individuality is positioned as more valuable than spectacle, while durability, calmness, and restrained elegance emerge as shared characteristics.
The Rise of Comfort in Citywear
Under the AFFECTION theme, citywear evolves toward a more comfortable and functional direction. This comfort-oriented approach stands out with designs that encourage outdoor living. In collections where masculine and feminine elements coexist, traditional craftsmanship is combined with sporty details. The resulting hybrid garments bring together functionality and elegance through an effortless sense of style.
The colour palette offers a neutral structure centred on white and off-white tones, supported by soft greys and enriched with green accents and sunrise yellow hues. Poetic prints and patterns referencing everyday life unite technological fabrics with precious wool qualities. Fine checks and delicate stripes appear among the defining surface details of this theme.
Everyday Elegance Through Nautical Codes
The BREATHE theme blends nautical aesthetics with urban elegance and functional design. Adapted to changing weather conditions, these designs offer practicality in everyday wear without compromising on aesthetics. Stripes inspired by buoys and deckchairs along the beach add a bright and cheerful character to casual dressing. Aquatic influences are reflected in collections through soft and refined layering.
The colour range is enriched with refreshing aqua tones and vibrant shades of blue. While innovative technologies with a soft touch are used in fabrics, burnout jacquards, satin surfaces, and wave-effect dévoré denim details stand out. Together, these elements create a relaxed, bold, and elegant style language.
A Mysterious and Sensual Narrative
The BEWITCHING theme brings everyday sensuality and effortless sophistication to womenswear. While ancestral craftsmanship comes to the forefront, fluid drapes and organic prints draw inspiration from nocturnal forests and dark rituals. An aesthetic influenced by tarot cards and lucky charms reflects an urban wanderer with strong emotional depth.
Vivid and unconventional colours form striking contrasts against dark and mysterious backgrounds. While artisanal heritage and natural forms dominate the patterns, fabrics such as abstract chiffons, organzas, silks, tone-on-tone washed tie-dye surfaces, striped monochrome textures, and glossy satins draw attention.
A Global Interpretation of Craftsmanship
The HONOURATION theme focuses on traditional craftsmanship and deep-rooted artisanal knowledge from different regions around the world. Modest natural materials are interpreted through a refined yet understated aesthetic approach. The theme offers a sense of restrained elegance through simple yet valuable pieces.
The colour palette is built on contrasts between warm neutral tones inspired by raw, refined, and precious materials, and highly pigmented, vibrant colours. Fabrics and patterns highlight innovative ikats, geometric abstract forms, basket weaves, blurred stripes, and subtle neoclassical floral designs.
Fair Programme and Concurrent Events
Exhibitors wishing to submit fabrics for display at the Trend Forum can apply until 6 January 2026. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition is jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Textile Information Centre. The fair will be held concurrently with Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC, and PH Value. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will take place in Shanghai from 11–13 March 2026.
