Quilting came into the spotlight in the A/W ’14-15 seasons when new technology gave way for unique patterns and numerous designs. Since then the shift from hand quilting to machine-done has been well-established and quilting continues to be a design-staple in winter wardrobes. The trend has peaked again, with the recent Pre-Fall 2016 runways branding quilting as the trend of the season; quilting has emerged in varied designs and depths to suit all styles in every product category. Quintessentially, regarded as a value addition for jackets, patterned quilting techniques were seen in feminine skirts, shorts, shirts and vests. With quilting coming back into the spotlight again on several fronts, this creative stitching method has cemented its position as a huge surface trend, yet again…
With the rising popularity of quilted jackets and quilted leather, jerseys and satins have positioned the thick woollens as the secondary fabric choice for the winters. Quilting is the process of sewing two or more layers of material together to make a thicker padded material, and the new collections are witnessing quilting being done in waffle, lattice or grid shapes. In fact, thanks to the designers’ experimentations, the trend has revived and quilting is quietly infiltrating all aspects of our wardrobes. With machines making fashion quilting easier day by day, designers and exporters are witnessing abstract new designs on many commodities.
Quilted fabric not only keeps the wearer warm but also adds 3D and tactile dimension to any piece or clothing or accessory, adding natural volume to the silhouette. Quilted materials have had a dull image for years owing to the traditional patterns being followed which made the overall look appear a bit ordinary. Now machines are being set up and programmed in such a way that not only foundation quilting method but other intricate and ingenious quilting techniques like appliqué, Sashiko stitching, thread art and trapunto quilting can also be achieved in the same machine. Providing upmarket and stylish surface appeal with a progressive look has made quilting a trend that has evolved for the better over the years. The trend of quilted clothing is being pushed to the front line, as noticed in the last few seasons, and with the magnificent presence shown on the runways of Pre-Fall 2016, quilting has marked itself for being not only a major winter outerwear trend but also a primary value addition element.
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Adam Lippes and Rebecca Taylor showcased a heavily padded and quilted leather motorcycle jacket with zipper detailing; where on the other hand Rag & Bone unveiled its black quilted laid back sweatshirt and Ganni added a touch of floral prints to its quilted ice blue sweatshirt short combo. The collections witnessed tessellated, geometric, argyle and irregular patterns applied skilfully on cropped/ quilted bombers, jackets, dresses and bottoms by varied designers. Diesel Black Gold turned the trench around by adding the scalloped design in quilting. It is clear that quilting trend has progressed to a great extent and with exporters accepting this technique in their product development processes, and machine manufacturers developing machineries to develop quilted products; definitely everything quilted has become popular whether it is clothing, quilted detailing or quirky accessories.
Today, quilting is seen everywhere… Burberry, Chloé, Balmain and Givenchy celebrated the comeback of quilted fashion and this season even scarves, belts, hats and shoes featured quilting. The stitching is also featured across the entire surface of coats, instead of chosen areas. In addition, several quilted textures are sometimes used to accentuate certain parts of the garment or accessory or to determine the silhouette – and it looks amazing. Quilting is even used as a detail on yokes, button fronts, cuffs and collars. In contrasting colours or in matching shades, this decorative stitching highlights only the parts that should be accentuated. What’s more, quilting can have a slimming effect, which is great news, making this trend suitable for everybody. From Zara quilted fleece sweatshirts to Forever 21 quilted shorts, the rage of quilted clothing is gaining speed day by day. Not only fashion wear but menswear sports attires, quilted pullovers and baseball caps and shoes have made many machine manufacturers jump into the quilting bandwagon to be able to give the correct technology required for achieving varied patterns and styles in the plethora of product categories.
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Feminine quilting
Quilting as a value addition technique gives out a very functional appeal. But with the growing need of quilting in every segment, the way quilting was seen has changed. Patterned quilting has become of utmost importance. Quilted fabrics are combined together with laces and nets to bring out an unusual amalgamation of feminine style with biker chick look. – V. Prakash, MD, Aeon Garments
The Quilt Trip
Quilting, weather done in a folksy, sporty or tessellation-inspired way, is being utilized for presenting splurge-worthy pieces. Floral, geometric, abstract, serrated, scalloped, zigzag, curvy – all sorts of designs are being seen on the jackets now. Some design variations also have a tinge of sparkle in it. Quilting as an embroidery technique, with some sequin work is also added to make it more interesting. – Shikhar Kumar, MD, C.M. Fashion Exports
The Quilted Bomber
The quilted bomber is a classic and will remain one. Explored in all sorts of synthetic and blended fabrics like, rayon, wool, polyester and cotton mix and many others, quilted bomber is not solely being created out of leather anymore. Patched, appliquéd or embroidered, the quilted bomber is only getting popular day by day. – Dipin Oberoi, MD, Dipin Creations India
Quilt and Match
Mix and match has always been a way of doing innovative things, and mixing and matching quilting with normal fabric gives out a great effect. Combination of a heavily quilted, light quilted and non-quilted fabric gives an effect of 3D mixed with 2D, providing depth to the entire style. – Viraj Singh, Designer, RSVP Clothing Pvt. Ltd. [/tab][/tabs_container]
