As I’ve mentioned previously, I was fortunate enough to attend the latest Trend Union Seminar, focused on the upcoming trends for Summer 2012. The event, hosted by Wrong Weather, consisted of audiovisual presentations perfectly complemented by enriching lectures from Gert Van Keuken, a renowned trend spotting expert for more than 15 years.

Trend Union consists of a group of companies created by Lidewij Edelkoort, aimed at providing insights on the evolution and future trends in areas such as fashion, design, lifestyle and beauty. These previsions are usually made 2 years in advance: a daunting task to say the least…but not for Li Edelkoort. This award wining Dutch visionary was a pioneer in the field of trend forecasting and possesses an uncanny ability to predict future consumers’ habits whilst considering social and economical evolution. 

Besides publishing bi-annual limited editions of the General Trend Book, which compiles privileged information from across the globe in the form of text, pictures, fabrics and materials, Trend Union also hosts presentations and forums worldwide, in such fashion influential cities as Paris, London, Stockholm and Tokyo.  

Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to share the inside scoop on upcoming trends for Summer 2012, due to press restrictions. However, one of the main topics of the seminar, as the name states (Earth Matters), was the concern for planet Earth and the emphasis on sustainability and ecology. On this matter, two concepts that sticked with me were: supporting your local textile industry and relying on natural dyes for inking fabrics (the topic of Bloom Magazine’s issue 20).

For more information on Trend Union and upcoming seminars check their official website.