If you have a keen interest in Fashion Design and would like to understand Trend Forecast, this post makes the connection between different sources of information used to verify fashion trends for each new season. I have trend boards featured on my tumblr blog, some with interesting design developments. And here at the studio I teach a workshop, Fashion Design Portfolio, that covers seasonal trends and design development for the fashion industry. This is my Trend Board for the Perforated Fabric Trend: 
Perforated Fabric Trend - Sources
Starting with the Art...
Reed Andersen at the Pierogi in New York earlier this year.
And my favourite from the ‘Love Lace' Exhibition held at the Powerhouse.
Then the Interiors Sector...
They call this ‘Textile Architecture’ - using laser-cut polyester and perforated fabrics to create a feeling of space.
This look has been on the catwalk for a couple of years and has now made it to the high street and into our fabric stores. So it is time to pounce on that fabric buy that will bring your wardrobe into the new season. This trend works well across Winter and Summer, with both referenced below.
Then the professional Trend Forecasters...
WGSN on tumblr - Perforated Trend.
And the catwalk...
Style Caster, a fashion and lifestyle blog, has a slideshow of 10 excellent cut-out and perforated designs straight off the catwalk.
Who What Wear give us a product overview.
’Trend Alert - Perforated Everything' has a wide range of perforated styles for your research.
Fashionising.com have a slideshow full of perforations, mesh and see-thru panels.
Jax Couture features 'Perforated Style - Trends to Try’ on her blog with a great line-up of perforated styles.
Million Looks has also featured this Perforated Trend for 2012 with some great looks.
And so the big question is, where do we buy perforated fabric? How do we keep on top of this trend and work it into our me-made wardrobes? My fabric consumption is mostly through local fabric stores and I rarely buy anything online. I'm simply intoxicated by the look and feel of the fabrics and then I buy. So really what I need to find is a few trusted, quality online fabric suppliers. Do you recommend any site in particular?
When the design research is completed, the next step is to build a Trend Board that represents all of the above influences. Using that Trend Board, you'll need to source fabrics that support your creative direction and connect clearly with the Perforated theme.
To begin your design development you'll need a Trend Board, our design research and the relevant fabric swatches.
Feel free to share your experiences with Trend Forecast and how you search for the new ideas when designing. :)
Addendum - Your suppliers & Perforated Creations:
Emma One sock from Valerie :) This link takes you straight to the 'fabric search' page. I just love the drop down selector with so many opportunities to finesse your search. Also has most fabrics displayed draped over a workroom dummy so you get an immediate idea of scale and drape. Lots of good detail about each of the fabrics. And bags of great prints.
Marcy Tilton Fabrics from Mary Beth :) Just for fun this link takes you straight to the Perforated Ponte! Again a fab selection of fabrics and prints and all of them are draped over a workroom dummy. Loads of information about each fabric.
It's fair to say that both of these websites have many fabrics I'd never find in my local stores. Love the internet! :)
Neucarol has done an amazing job cutting a unique vest design with a piece of reversible, perforated leather!
Bronwyn has suggested Georgous Fabrics:
GorgeousFabrics.com. 'The cost of shipping to Australia is more than made up by the great service and value.'
I've had a look and they have good quality and interesting prints that I wouldn't be able to get at home.
Comments
It was there, I liked it, I bought it. Simple as that.
I think your approach is the best. Trends sometimes supply us with fabrics that inspire. What each of us do with those fabrics is highly individual. :)