DENIM LASER TECHNOLOGY IS DEVELOPING AND CREATING MORE SOPHISTICATED FINISHES TO EMULATE TRADITIONAL INDIGO WASH- DOWNS, BUT WITHOUT THE VAST WATER CONSUMPTION AND IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. IN ADDITION TO ZERO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, THE LASER WASH IS ABLE TO GUARANTEE SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS.
THIS IS THE FUTURE OF DENIM LAUNDRIES AS WE SEE LASER LAUNDRIES WORKED INTO THE LATEST TRENDS, WITH MORE PATTERN EXPERIMENTATION AND CONVINCING VINTAGE WASHES.
INDIGO BOUQUET
Tonal indigo palettes inject the floral trend with new direction.Whether tropical, painterly or ditsy, florals are rendered in tonal indigos; vivid prints and laser treatments as well as textured jacquards; sky blues layered over saturated grounds for the most dramatic look.
TONAL LASER
As laser becomes more widely used, allover and subtle applications create tone-on- tone looks. Lasering to create barely-there patterns; subtle micros give indigos new commercial interest; floral, animal print and bubble repeats; multi-tonal laundries create
photorealistic appearances; strongest laundry story for core denim markets.
LAYERED LASER
As laser laundering progresses, vendors experiment with multiple techniques and multidimensional looks. Market leader Jeanologia showcases a range of laser effects; laser-rendered florals combine with laser-cut surfaces; new premium and feminine takes on denim; graphic geo designs create a futuristic aesthetic; layering digital repeats with hand-sanded effects creates new possibilities; natural looks are exaggerated and warped.
VARIEGATED STRIPES
A strong story for both men and women, upsized and artisanal stripes are fresh for 2014. Trend develops from last year’s bolder, fashion-led stripes; variegated widths and colours create softer looks; lightened blanket looks for summer; fused techniques add modernity.
CLEAN COLOUR BLOCKS TREATMENTS
A variety of laundry techniques create minimal and conceptual colour blocking effects. Tonal geometric color blocking; cubic indigo patterns; clean, contemporary flat surfaces; fixing agents and laser laundries enable graphic precision; Tavex Twinic paint-on, two-tone bleach effect; all-over and engineered colour blocking.
SMASHED GRAPHIC
Clean, linear and fractured indigo or color laundering is key this season. Smashed and spliced gradients; mixing textures, gradients and juxtaposing artwork; abstract digital placements replicate graphic and laser laundries; laser technology drives sharper laundry effects; progression of last season’s Shadow Play story.
KATAZOME
Stencil-applied resist paste creates precise patterns that maintain an Eastern artisan attitude. Artworks of curved and lin- ear repeats have authentic Japanese flavour; strong ecru and indigo story; japanese brands like Orslow and Visvim explore this native technique; contemporary labels like B-Store and shades of grey are adopting the trend.
BOLLYWOOD BATIK
Delicate batik patterns are reminiscent of traditional Indian textiles. Meticulous dot work creates a feminine attitude; laser techniques replicate traditional handiwork; complicated allover patterns; border designs, statement motifs and engineered placements; white dots on indigo grounds.
INDIGO AND ECRU PRINTS
As the indigo print trend progresses, blue and ecru combinations are emerging. Allover repeat patterns or laundry-inspired prints are key; Ditsy floral, dots and scarf prints are trending along with tie-dye and batik techniques; statement printed jackets inspired from archival Japanese art; print-on-print separates for fresh styling concepts; tonal blue looks or indigo-ecru palettes.
INTRICATE CHAOS
Prints are an explosion of pattern; offer a fascinating fantasia of detail; minute repeats create an elaborate surface; intricate detail bursts into a rich rupture of ornate prints.
REWILDING THE WOLF
The wolf inspires the new texture of the season; mimic its warmth and tactility with a fur-like surface appearance; salt-and-pepper grey; prints also have a mottled camo effect.
PHOTO-REAL LASER
Laser effects are going from strength to strength with new technology driving quality and technique. Laser capabilities are constantly improving and evolving season on season; intricate effects are created with improved detail and tone; photorealistic effects are becoming more refined; tonal indigo looks with smoke effects, florals, knits and faces etched onto the indigo; laser technology looks set to become the future of denim washing.
