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MoOD Inspirations 2013 - 2014: FLUXUS: Even change is changing

Fluxus literally means ‘pure flow'. It is also the name of an art movement from the 60-ties which marked an important transition period and left an ineradicable mark on the rest of the 20th century. Many artists who attract renewed attention today, where part of that Fluxus movement: Stanley Brouwn, Joseph Beuys, On Kawara, Yoko Ono, Georges Maciunas, ...

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The MoOD inspiration book was given the name Fluxus because of the metaphoric resemblance to our current times. Today's world, with her 7 billion inhabitants, also stands on the verge of big and essential changes. The purifying flow which literally flushes the old economic mind-set, is merely one signal the change is actually started. We currently find ourselves in a transitional space which will determine the future of the textile industry.

While the search for a new balance in the 60-ties was settled by consumerism, today questions are put forward about the end of the economic growth. More and more voices are raised for a durable re-industrialisation of Europe. Nothing will be like the past, one says, small-scaliness and economic spiritualism are pressing on because this world groans under the overpopulation and the approaching lack of original materials (virgin materials).
Assuming we find ourselves in a new Fluxus movement and a purifying flow will move through the textile landscape, our entrepreneurs will have to face an enormous challenge. But as always the wake of threads creates turbulent water filled with opportunity.

The inspiration book FLUXUS explores three inspiring future scenarios:

1. TRANSITION

The first scenario is called TRANSITION. The transit zone in which we find ourselves is marked by the abundance of styles. Looking into the future and the past overlap and meet each other. Transition is woolly, soft coloured and searching.
Hipsters play a huge role in this scene. They are focussed on durability and use goods economically. Their food is preferably organic and they cherish a fancy for materials with a story. Their natural interiors are reminiscent of the hippies of old. They are searching for a new balance between nature and humanity but are also willingly inspired by high tech.
Honest materials, unconstrained natural style, a personal approach and optimistic use of colours are at its heart.

The colour palette:
The soft palette of TRANSITION is ‘on the move'. It floats right past you. Natural and effortless as new clouds. It flirts with nature; it transports you to a new place. Or maybe it keeps waiting patiently. The colours are out in front, but also bring up the rear. Playing with the light that softens them, like a misty transition in space.
Green and blue are the base colours; they do not only support the relationship with nature, but also with the entire palette. Bleached orange, soft purple, and pink or milk white and white. Combined with natural linen hues or with a shadow of gray, the pastels are brought into another dimension.

2. PRORSUM

The literal meaning of PRORSUM is: ‘onwards, straightforward, without ceremony'. Something like a ‘go get attitude'. PRORSUM leaves very little room for doubts. This style originates from the acceptance of society as it is, including the aggression, the climate change and the protest we are confronted with on a daily basis. In PRORSUM this is all seen as a source of inspiration.

Hard colours and a direct visual language are the essence of this urban style that is presented with great sense of humour and even satire. In het female form PRORSUM is tempered with pink, blue and yellow. This scene will always have a sense of masculinity nonetheless.

The colour palette:
PRORSUM means a powerful, direct and urban palette. In this theme everything revolves around expression. PRORSUM is a statement, a life style that asks for a daring effect of the combined colours and risky hues. When used independently, the colours appear more aggressively and solitary. They do not let themselves be influenced by what surrounds them. When confronted with another colour it seems they enter into a duel. The colours of PRORSUM turn every object into a statement: here I am, this is where I'll stay. M'as-tu vu?
The clean black is omnipresent but is generally accompanied by a burning orange of clever blue. Stiff yellow and pink run through this palette like cement and to reconsolidate and temper the aggression somewhat.

3. Eccentrics

Eccentrics is inspired by hyper individualism and the sublimation of the eccentric life style. Eccentric people catch the imagination of people today more than ever. Style icons like Oscar Wilde, Vivienne Westwood, Björk or Iris Apfel (93 years of age!) keep a grip on our mind. They break through the dullness and feed the mediocrity with new stories. Somewhere deep down we all want to be a little eccentric, even if our great examples are bipolar, narcisstic, arrogant or even moderately talented.

Eccentrics is a scene that transcends generations and which has been designed and purified to the last detail. Everything is made, up to the smallest detail. Often on the verge of kitsch, but without lapsing into it.
The basis of this scene is classic with a timeless sense of ‘being special'. Glamour and expensive materials, preferably available in limited quantities, flourish sumptuously here.

The colour palette:
Wealth everywhere, but not for everybody, this is the spirit of a somewhat lush colour palette. These deep round colours provide everything with a royal sophisticated elegance. Everything is put on a throne. Gold, silver, copper and black are statements that exude power, but also intrusively push from the background. In this palette red gets an unseen depth and is shrouded in a dark mist. Purple on the contrary attains its full glory by staying honest and natural. Turquoise is both deep and intense and combined with gold it's a winner in this rich palette. White is a newcomer which lifts the palette into a new world.

Niek De Prest
Art Director - Trend Coach

Focus on innovation

MoOD believes in a gradual reindustrialisation of Europe. Bringing industry back to Europe is not just possible, it's necessary. Textile has everything it needs to be the first to flourish again, provided it is carried along by ground-breaking innovations. MoOD wants to play a role in this, by giving exhibitors a platform and showing visitors the way to innovative textiles.

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We are not newbies: in 2004 already MoOD started the first innovation platform in the world where innovative flexible creations for the interior were displayed. Today, MoOD took the next step: we are choosing innovations as the theme of the trade show and thereby opening the doors to a new range that small initiatives and startups will be happy to call their own in the future as well. Many ground-breaking innovations are incubated and grow with small starters. They are the entrepreneurs of the future.

Compact and international - tailored to the specialist

MoOD is a trade show of specialists for specialists. Producers of upholstery, window and wall coverings offer their unique creations. Eighty percent of the exhibitors at MoOD come from Europe (including Turkey). MoOD, with exhibitors from 25 countries, finds itself in a unique position, and this is still met with appreciation on the part of visitors. This hunt for "Original Designs" is on the upsurge. MoOD wants to give these buyers the chance to find their way to the "right collection" within a compact, well-structured trade show. For three days, in three large halls, MoOD will focus on innovations and thus send out an important signal for the future of textile enterprise.

Each hall with its own focus

MoOD has a place in halls 11, 7 and 9 of the Brussels Expo. Upholstery fabrics are grouped mainly in Hall 11, while sheers and curtain specialists can be found in Hall 7. The contract fabrics are offered together in Hall 9, where Trevira CS will have a strong representation this year.

Contract grows with Trevira CS - Hall 9
The contract platform has seen strong growth with Trevira CS. An innovative growth, with 11 exhibitors (including 9 new) : Pugi RG Srl, Verotex AG, Création Baumann SA-NV, Velours Blafo, Müller Zell GmbH, Lodetex SpA, Dina/Vanelli Tekstil SA.TIC.A.S., Fidivi Tessitura Vergnano S.p.A., AB Ludvig Svensson, Rohleder GmbH, Spandauer Velours GmbH & CO KG.

Here the focus is on innovations. Trevira developed the standard for fire-resistant products. Today they are not standing still either.

Outdoor - outdoor, between Hall 7 and Hall 11
As a result of innovations, today you see vibrant, colourful fabrics outside as well. Yet even now not all suppliers of exterior furnishings have found their way to the right quality. That is why MoOD is grouping the "real" outdoor products in a true outdoor setting. In addition, MoOD will also highlight the innovations in outdoor happenings.

Experiencing trends in the Fluxus Trend Café - Hall 11
MoOD makes one big experience from trends. For the first time, the trend forum will not be a stand-alone item, but an interactive place where visitors can come browse and enjoy a creative breather. Fluxus Trend Café will be under the spell of three trend themes. It will be a transit zone that takes you away to three destinations. The trend colours will also be a lively part of the café.

Discovery Zone - Hall 7
The crown jewel is undoubtedly the Discovery Zone in Hall 7. 630 square metres of pure inspiration! MoOD pulls it all together here:

- the Blue Drop Exhibition: an inspiring overview of the "best of the best" of what you can find at MoOD. The Blue Drops and Blue Drop Awards are selected from creationssubmitted by exhibitors. A Blue Drop Award is given out in each category. That the accent will be on innovation this year goes without saying.

- MoOD Yarns is expanding by 10 exhibitors to become an interesting place to discover. This growth is not entirely unexpected. Especially not if you know the value of innovations and also understand that quite some of the new functionalities of textiles start with the yarns.

- The Innovation Platform: imbued entirely with the theme of innovations. Together with various partners, including MateriO, approximately 150 innovative samples from exhibitors and non-exhibitors will be on display.

This year, MoOD is also selecting two strong innovative ideas from startups. A call is being sent out to the world (see below). These little companies that could are getting the opportunity to introduce their innovation to the broader public.

For the love of innovation - seminar on Wednesday, 12 September

MoOD loves innovations! MoOD was the first to set up an innovation platform back in the day where innovative creations got the attention they deserved. Today, the interest in innovations has only increased and MoOD is exploring the domain of innovations in the world of textiles in architecture. Near the world-seasoned innovation platform, MoOD is organizing a seminar on Wednesday, 12 September about innovations and the role textiles can play. A series of exciting speakers will open your eyes to new opportunities in brief snapshots. Follow us at moodbrussels.com, we will gradually announce the programme.

Call for innovative ideas

The Discovery Zone offers startups the chance to introduce "their" thing to the broad public. MoOD is sending out a call to startups to send in their submissions. A NDA (non-disclosure agreement or confidentiality agreement) will be signed upon receipt. A small group of experts will offer the two coolest/most exciting/most surprising innovations the opportunity to present their product to the world at MoOD. They will receive a booth at the Innovation Platform. They also will receive the opportunity to briefly introduce their product during the seminar.

Indigo - sister salon with added value

MoOD is pleased to announce the continued cooperation with Indigo. Indigo brings creative talent when it comes to design. With over 100 exhibitors, Indigo exerts significant influence on the future interior collections.