Fitness Trends for the Year 2021

The experience of this Coronavirus pandemic has brought the topic of health into focus more so than before.
Like many people I know, keeping in shape during the lockdown months have been challenging when our local gyms are closed.  We keep fit by walking and hiking in the countryside or following on-line fitness classes to supplement our routine training.  Finally, our local gym and exercise studios are now allowed to reopen only by meeting high hygiene standards while the Covid-19 virus is still very much with us.

Super soft leggings made from 82% polyester & 18% spandex, printed with designs from Rebecca J Mills' main collection, are suitable for any activity- from yoga to running or just lounging. Available in 4 options- full length, capri, yoga full length & yoga capri.   Hand-sewn, four-way stretch, the fabric stretches and recovers both on the cross and lengthwise grains; with elastic waistband.

According to a recent survey, "Fitness in times of Corona" presented by the German Industry Association for Fitness and Health (DIFG) published this summer, the condition of one’s health remains a key concern today as many people are concerned about having the highest possible standard of protection.
According to the head of DIFG Ralph Scholz, the corona crisis “will massively change the fitness economy. It must therefore be in the studios' own interest to ensure exactly that," says Scholz in a recent interview with the ISPO organiser of sports fairs and events for professionals.  Thus the basic condition for studio operators in 2021 is to win back the confidence of fitness fans.
What is needed, therefore, is the "change from a gym to a health-oriented fitness facility", explains Scholz. The topics "company fitness" and "company health management" will also continue to gain in importance.

Cork yoga block helps the user to gain extra support to their hips, neck, arms and back to help improve balance, strength and posture. The yoga block is stable on each of its sides, so can be placed at different height positions to accommodate for more or less support.  The Zen Yoga Wedge Cork Yoga bricks and blocks made from 100% natural cork, an eco-friendly product that is locally sourced in Portugal. The raw materials used are Eco-friendly and the production operates based on almost no waste: All of the cork leftovers are recycled to become raw material again.

Another key trend emerges from the survey is to connect Body and Mind in Training, leaning towards such activities as yoga, mental training or Pilates.  Though these topics are now new, the pandemic has intensified their importance and more and more people want to combine physical training with mental relaxation.
AS individualization is an advancing trend in all areas of life, fitness programmes specially catered to the individual is also becoming popular, from high intensity to low impact training as well as targeted group-oriented training.
Nevertheless, all-round fitness studios will continue to be on offer, especially when we are experiencing job-related stress whether working from home or homeschooling our young ones, or burdened with financial and health fears.
Another emerging trend are health and fitness programmes for corona risk groups and senior citizens, ranging from individual training or workouts in small training groups in special premises and also digital offers for risk-free training at home.
Meanwhile Scholz of DIFG for many fitness fanatics combine fitness with sport activities are becoming popular, along with online alternatives. With the so-called peloton bike - a spinning bike with which you can connect with spinning fans all over the world via the Internet - you can, for example, do your cardio training in virtual competition with many like-minded people around the globe.

MARBLE mural wallpaper and prints by Nat Maks

The traditional Japanese Art of Suminagashi meaning "floating ink" involves colours being placed on a water surface, which then begin to expand on the water. They are only encouraged to move by air, nothing else disturbs the surface.
Now German-born designer and illustrator Natascha Maksimovic who set up Nat Maks based in the UK in the seaside town of Margate in Kent, is a master of Suminagashi a marbling technique.  As the colours move in an organic way, Natascha makes a print by placing and moving the paper on the water when a dynamic pattern has been formed.

The MARBLE mural shown above is hand-printed by way of the traditional Japanese Art of Suminagashi. Natascha loves the medium of wallpapers and wanted to take the Art of marbling to a much bigger scale. Each roll is unique. Instead of designing patterns Natascha creates individual rolls of 'paintings' which are in theory a one-off wallpaper print. Each roll is signed by the artist.

Every mural is made by Natascha, prepared and completed by hand, and freely reflect the artist's energy within its pattern, while the colours react differently every time, sometimes getting on in harmony, sometimes fighting for dominance.

An original marbled print of Acrylic colours onto
Artist paper created with the traditional Japanese Art
of Suminagashi,
meaning "floating ink."
Photos from Nat Maks.

Each mural therefore has its imperfections; the colour overlaps, there are clear water markings and gaps within these patterns. It's these imperfections Natascha finds so interesting, not just the marbling effect itself. 

Catherine Rowe launches China Dogs and Sea for home interiors

British interior designer Catherine Rowe is having a Florida-Kitsch moment with her new range of colourful hand-painted home accessories and wallpaper, launching two collections China Dogs and Sea, marrying traditional illustration with Miami Vice-like colour.

Catherine Rowe's China Dog wallpaper in jade green.
All wallpaper is printed digitally in the UK using ecological inks and responsible printing methods.

In the China Dogs collection, Catherine features illustrations of ornate vases flanked by proudly standing porcelain china dogs and adorned by tropical palms, rich roses and open shells showcasing a single pearl.  The collection was inspired by her love of the self-labelled Florida-kitsch trend. The choice of a tropical South Florida colour palette offers an eternal summer haze of flamingo pink, cloudless blue skies, an Emerald leaf green and the undisturbed turquoise of the sea, and the designs capture the energy of Florida’s flamboyant, arty communities, full of confidence to merge new and old, says the designer.  Cushions and lampshades in the China Dogs collection add a subtle hint of modern-chintz to the home, whilst Catherine’s signature wallpaper will create a full-on wow factor for those wanting an unmissable, colourful style statement.
In the China Dogs collection, Catherine features ornate vases framed by proudly standing china dogs and adorned by tropical palms, rich roses and open shells featuring a single pearl.  The collection was inspired by her love of the self-labelled Florida-kitsch trend. The choice of a tropical South Florida colour palette offers an eternal summer haze of flamingo pink, cloudless blue skies, an Emerald leaf green and the undisturbed turquoise of the sea, and the designs capture the energy of Florida’s flamboyant, arty communities, full of confidence to merge new and old, says the designer.  Cushions and lampshades in the China Dogs collection add a subtle hint of modern-chintz to the home, whilst Catherine’s signature wallpaper will create a full-on wow factor for those wanting an unmissable, colourful style statement.

Catherine Rowe's Seahorse wallpaper in Coral.

In the SEA collection, Catherine dives into the ocean and features hand-drawn sea creatures such as hand-drawn seahorses surrounded by dancing seaweed, scarlet lobsters on sunset sands and intricate open shells exposing precious pearls. The hues of corals, pinks and lilacs are moody and work well with modern midnight blues exploring the ocean from day to night.
Both collections feature hand-illustrated cushions, lampshades, wallpaper, art prints and fashion accessories which are all made to order and bespoke variations in colourways and designs are available on request.

Catherine Rowe Designs Luxury
Silk Cushions - Tigers & Palms in Jaipur Charlton Island

Catherine Rowe who has more than 10 years’ experience in the wallpaper and textile industry has designed for a wealth of fashionable brands including Anthropologie, Liberty, Paper Chase, and the National Trust.
Catherine won the Liberty ‘Open Call’ competition in 2018 with the winning Palace Gardens designs launching in the luxury department store in May 2019. Her own branded and bespoke designs bring to life her vision for luxurious, playful home interiors inspired by nature, animal-life and long-haul travel.

SCP announces London Design Festival in September

In this extraordinary year, many in the design and craft industry have been busy turning out amazing new ideas and products echoing the message that creativity does not stop during a year of unprecedented change.

Guided by the idea that good design can improve the world around us, the London-based design retailer SCP, a producer of high quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, which was established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley, has announced their London Design Festival exhibition, “One Room Living”, at their Shoreditch showroom on Curtain Road in a trendy hot spot in East London.

“One Room Living” features designers Matthew Hilton, Sarah Kay, Phillipe Malouin, Donna Wilson, Faudet-Harrison and Reiko Kaneko; with a debut SCP product from Daniel Schofield and a exclusive collection by Floris Wubben.
The London Design Festival also marks the start of a new series of Monthly Window Exhibitions at SCP Curtain Road. Beginning with ceramic constructions from Floris Wubben in September, sculptural glass pieces by Jochen Holz in October and wonderful wooden assemblages by Alex Hellum in November.

East Londoner Jochen Holz (pictured above) transforms prefabricated glass tubes into one-off glassware pieces using the lampworking technique. Glass is melted over a torch and gently blown, then shaped and fused together, creating a beautiful body of work that is both spontaneous and precise.  Photo courtesy SCP.

The new SCP collection includes a tubular steel easy chair, wooden side table and sofa from Matthew Hilton. An armchair and stool from Philippe Malouin, wooden side table from Sarah Kay and a snug tub armchair from Faudet-Harrison. Daniel Schofield has created an adaptable sofa, Donna Wilson textiles and Reiko Kaneko a much anticipated ceramic set.

Dahlia bowl by Reiko Kaneko. The Dahlia series are black bone china plates and bowls cast in Reiko Kaneko’s garden workshop. Decorated by Kaneko with brushed white slip and glazed. This decoration technique was Kaneko’s solution for painting white flowers from the garden, which isn’t possible on white bone china.  SC

Exclusive Editions for SCP by Floris Wubben (pictured right) feature new side tables.  Each piece is extruded from one shape which Wubben then cuts away several parts, giving the table an entirely new form. The collection also includes new vases that use the same technique and feature additional structural elements. The unique products have a raw, architectural aesthetic, available in the Wubben’s signature palette of glaze colours.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2009, Studio Floris Wubben is a design studio that produces experimental ceramics and objects that seek to push the boundaries of function and sculpture.  All of the designs that they produce are made at their own workshop, where in recent years, a great focus has been put on the development of processes and the design of machines for production. Nature and the use of natural materials are a key theme in the work of the studio, which alongside ceramic pieces, also produces lighting and furniture designs.

“At SCP, our ethos is simple: good design can improve the world around us.”

As for details of the London Design Festival, the dates are 12 - 20 September 2020 (subject to change or extension); daily Opening Hours are to be confirmed.
SCP says:
“At this early stage in proceedings, in both the planning of the London Design Festival, and in the planning of our event, we are remaining open and flexible as to how visitors can enjoy “One Room Living”. Our physical exhibition at SCP Shoreditch will be staged in accordance to whatever the guidelines are in place at the time, and we will make every effort to ensure visitors are safe and secure, but can also have a good time. We hope our 6000 sq ft showroom will help to facilitate that.
“We are also going to remain flexible on the opening dates and times for the show, as we will potentially extend hours and dates, so that as many people as possible get to enjoy the show. We are also going to be providing SCP’s audience with a range of digital experiences to enjoy; ensuring those that may not be able to visit in person (will not) miss out.”

SCP prides itself as a pioneer in the modern British design scene, known for taking traditional typologies and reinventing them for the modern era. SCP’s designs are made to exceptional standards from natural materials, using both traditional methods and advanced manufacturing techniques. Their specialist factory in Norfolk is where all the upholstery is made, it is there that a small dedicated team of woodworkers, pattern cutters, upholsterers and product developers create the designs, which are sustainably made. 

LondonEdge Suspends 2020 Shows

The international trade show for lifestyle and alternative fashion, LondonEdge, has joined the long list of trade events that have to cancel their upcoming 2020 events.  Both its London and Las Vegas editions for Autumn 2020 in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic are now cancelled and their teams are putting their ‘positive’ energy into their events in 2021. The dates for these will be confirmed by the team in the coming weeks.

The organisers said although tentatively watching and waiting before moving forward with any formal plans for the Autumn shows on both sides of the Atlantic, LondonEdge felt that it was neither practical, nor advisable to go ahead with the upcoming exhibitions in the short term, despite the world being in various phases in the re-emerging from the global lockdown, given the current safety and travel restrictions.

In the meantime, brands and buyers are encouraged to do business via the trade fairs’ multi-brand digital wholesale sourcing platform LondonedgeNOW. The team have reworked their online incarnate to provide a multi-brand facility to buyers and sellers within the lifestyle, retro and alternative streetwear marketplaces.

Managing Director, Carole Hunter said: “Four months into this strange new reality and the world is beginning to move forward positively. Excitement and the same positive perspective apply to all at LondonEdge as we move towards 2021 with the determination to approach things anew and deliver fresh ideas at our next shows at a time when we can celebrate meeting again.”
Further information and 2021 dates on the LondonEdge February, August and September shows in both London and Las Vegas will be available shortly. To sign up to LondonEdgeNOW please visit www.londonedgenow.com.

While Designscape 2020 launches in August, Fashion SVP autumn show is cancelled.

London and UK fashion and design trade fairs, along with the rest of the global events industry, have had to change their show dates and exhibition arrangements in recent months in view of the current Covid-19 crisis.  However you lose some you win some.
First there is a new virtual show called Designscape 2020 that organisers believe “conceptualises a unique and much needed opportunity for the design community to connect, do business remotely, network from anywhere in the world and learn on a scale like never before.”  This inaugural event, from 11 – 13 August, came from the creative minds behind leading design shows Decorex, designjunction, kbb Birmingham and Sleep & Eat, which have cancelled their autumn 2020 events.

Decorex September 2019 at Olympia, Kensington, London.  Photo © Lucia Carpio

Bringing together those at the forefront of the global Residential, Hospitality & Retail communities, its three-day programme looks to the future of design, combining virtual symposiums, educational and topical seminars, global matchmaking & speed networking, and a comprehensive product directory. Each day will feature unrivaled thought-leading programming and conversations with real-time audience engagement from trailblazers in business and design to innovators in science and technology.

Now among the latest to announce cancellation of their autumn 2020 event is Fashion SVP which will not show in September.  Their new dates will be 26-27th January 2021 in London.
The organisers said in a statement, “We want our exhibitors and visitors to be able to travel freely to the show, feel safe and secure whilst taking part, and maximise the benefits achieved from both the time and financial investment they are making.  With this in mind, we have now taken the difficult decision that it will be in the best interests of both our visitors and exhibitors to postpone our September event until January 2021.”
While the UK government is still working with the main trade show trade associations to see when tradeshows will re-open in the UK and how they will work with social distancing measures etc., there is not yet enough certainty about the nature of the guidelines and how this will impact upon visitor confidence, for us to plan with confidence and in detail for September. Additionally many brands and retailers are in a state of flux in the UK at present and their sourcing requirements are not clear at the moment.

AlphaTauri launches SS2021 fashion collections in Austria

AlphaTauri, the lifestyle fashion brand founded by Red Bull presented highlights of its Spring/Summer 2021 women's and men's collections recently alongside the start of F1 in Austria.

Models pose with the AT01 race car at a preview of AlphaTauri SS21 collections on July 4, 2020 in Spielburg, Austria.
Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for AlphaTauri.

Faced with an unprecedented disruption to the industry calendar, and all Fashion Weeks on pause button, the Austrian brand has created its own physical platform for trade and media.

“For us, being able to present the collection is crucial,” explained Ahmet Mercan, CEO AlphaTauri.

(L-R) Tanja Guendling, VP AlphaTauri, CEO AlphaTauri Ahmet Mercan and Mik Yong, Head of Design AlphaTauri pose with models during the AlphaTauri Collection Preview Spring/Summer 2021 at Schonberghof on July 04, 2020 in Spielberg, Austria.

Photos by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for AlphaTauri.

“Digital is an essential platform, but we don’t think we can communicate everything about AlphaTauri in a virtual way. We are a physical brand, and our world and spirit have to be communicated with authenticity.”

The presentation included an installation of 40 mannequins on a treadmill, on a 27m long catwalk. Guests were able to pause any given look as it passes, and examine fabric and design details – including the 3-layer membrane Taurobran® and the built-in packable systems of new season coats. The installation included digitally staged clips to explain each detail and innovation.

The presentation also featured AlphaTauri’s Mobile Innovation Lab, which was launched in February and will soon tour Europe. It is a fully mobile 60sqm pop-up store on a truck that takes less than 20 minutes to install. It incorporates a variety of experience modules relating to virtual reality and 3D knitting technology, including a personalisation station. It is an experiential showcase for AlphaTauri's textiles developed in cooperation with Swiss textile firm Schoeller Textil AG.

“Our temporary fashion home offers a unique ambience in which to talk through the collection with one-on-one conversations as well as offering digital and virtual solutions,” said Tanja Gündling, VP AlphaTauri. “It allows us to offer something physical of added value to our customers and partners.”

Earlier this year AlphaTauri showed collection highlights as part of the Scuderia AlphaTauri launch event in Milan. The launch flagged up AlphaTauri’s commitment to the world of F1, introducing a fresh design language into the sport with the new team car. The partnership is about advancements in engineering and a pioneering spirit, according to AlphaTauri, but it is also about road testing materials and designs that need to be comfortable, combined with performance in extreme and extraordinary conditions, while retaining their style.

All photos by Andreas Rentz.