wholesaler madras link will unveil eight new ranges at the august home & giving fair inspired by the latest trends in fashion and decor.
the eight themes are rustic beach, island living, modern ethnic, coastal living, nautical, french outdoor, nordic christmas and bright lights.
product director joan pereira says a lot of research went into creating the new pieces.
“we develop our trends by travelling to various overseas fairs, studying international design, decor and fashion magazines and keeping abreast of online sources such as design sites and blogs to follow what is happening in the fashion and design world,” she says.
“we also subscribe to a trend forecasting service. we gather all this information and translate into designs that reflect our signature look for products for the home.”
madras link’s new ranges have evolved from past trends starting with the move from purely vintage decor to a more eclectic approach.
“the decorating trend where anything goes means that industrial furniture is mixed with retro prints in modern colours and softer textiles. the use of botanical motifs is being carried through in a refreshed form in this season’s designs and is a continuation on the eco theme, which really emphasises the consumer’s desire to go back to nature. “we’ve seen the modern ethnic trend evolve over the last three years where heirlooms collected while travelling are mixed with textiles in ethnic prints, traditional embroideries and weaves and updated colours to give a modern twist. prints in different scales are mixed to create interest and sometimes clashing colours are added to the mix.
“the fact that a large proportion of australians live on the coast reflects in the popularity of smart, casual and hardwearing textiles in sun washed colours of blue, sand and navy. this season, nautical imagery appears on textiles and accessories, rope trims and prints, old sailing ships and navigation aids feature.
“island living inspires the consumer to live in a chic but laid back environment and combines neutral colours of black, beige, taupe, sand and cream with dark timber. texture is the key to add interest and our range of jute rugs is an important component of this trend,” she explains.
pereira believes there is a product for every retailer in the gifts and homewares sector in the new designs from bigger lifestyle stores carrying complete ranges to cushions and throws for furniture stores and tea towels and aprons for kitchenware stores.
“there truly is something for everyone in our ranges, all at affordable prices,” she adds.
