Trend Union Trends & Textiles SS 26 - Anatomy of fluidity

Discover the enchanting world of Spring/Summer 2026 Trends & Textiles by Trend Union.

Dive into a world of trends and textiles with expert guidance from Li Edelkoort in this comprehensive trend tool.

 

ANATOMY OF FLUIDITY

Trend Union Trends & Textiles Spring/Summer 2026

The word fluidity has recently been spreading at a refreshed pace, gaining new meaning and depth. Whereas the idea of fluidity once defined small streams flowing into majestic rivers, massive materials dissolving, or thick clays transforming into ephemeral ceramics, now the word suggests a state of being that is undefined and in motion, as if the human psyche and physicality suddenly dissolve into a permanent and semi-liquid state. A silent, running tear over a tender cheek, drops of menstrual blood on flawless skin, a few unruly drops of urine splattering loosely, and the slow movement of sultry sperm all represent the anatomy of fluidity. The human condition depicted through bodily fluids. An almost neutral color palette in its intimacy, with off-white, off-yellow, off-red, and off-clear; each of them slightly unusual and almost obscene tones. This fluidity will inspire textiles to learn how to flow, drape, and pleat, imitating the personal experience, representing immense joy and great sorrow, and a myriad of alternative states of mind in between. A fluidity of the mind that can lead to a fluidity of being, seeking amidst neutral states of sexuality and belonging. The unbearable lightness of being becomes a social fluidity that changes the way we experience one another, demanding a fluid philosophy of perpetual adaptation. A fluidity that inspires flowing movements and frozen poses, as seen in infants inspired by online dances. A fluidity that concerns a more haptic experience to enable being together as an ever-growing mass. An elastic generosity that will demand another, more compassionate state of states. An innovative, graceful form of governing. A fluidity of thought processes that must sort out and compensate over-information and under-information, making sense of ongoing untrue news cycles and manufactured images, requesting the fluid editing and permanent curating of one’s own journey. Demanding the brain to expand and flex its muscle. Training its plasticity to perform even better. Preventing old age and dissolving into nothingness. A basic fluidity of the quotidian tasks in life like brushing teeth, cleaning house, sorting waste, and recycling with a vigorous imagination. A fluidity of the hands, whether kneading clay or dough or whipping cream. A steady grip on the wheel of fortune, for those intent on driving their destinies. Willing the way to shape their futures. A fluidity of strands, when hair wants to wave and curl out of control, reaching a surging fascination, uniting its texture with the fibers of textiles, remembering Fortuny and Miyake, or even Balenciaga, once coiffed into perfection. A fluidity of fashion that works with massive amounts of cloth to be molded into shape, embracing garments with streams of romantic detailing and whirlwinds of arrested movements, making even stiff fabrics look as soft as ice. Designing a fashion that seems to hover and never land. Garments that shudder and quiver in palpitating styles. Cascading waters and currents that change the perception of color and material, tinting fluidity in a blurred vision, with hallucinating beauty. A fluid perspective that trains the body and the mind for survival, requiring stamina and endurance, as well as mindfulness. With still design principles for a spiritual approach. A fluidity of stillness, therefore, where small gestures, the infinite tremor of petals, and the fluttering of wings move air to become soft, colorless, whispering moments in eternal euphoria, connecting the human spirit with eternity. An eternity in perpetual fluidity. Anatomy of fluidity.

Lidewij Edelkoort Paris, 2024
Trend Union Trends & Textiles for Spring/Summer 2026 is your compass to the latest season’s general trends and tendencies. This invaluable resource covers every facet of the season’s trends, colors, and textiles.

Designed to meet the needs of all segments of the business chain, from design and procurement to production, sales, and marketing, this trend book serves as a guiding light for development.

Inside the book, you will find trend narratives accompanied by inspiring texts, mood-creating visuals, impressive photographs, patterns, colors manifested in cotton materials, and material samples.

This lavish and comprehensive trend book provides a specific, commercial, and unique insight into the latest season.

Published in limited quantities and crafted in the heart of Paris, it is a true collector’s item.

Trend Union Trends is published twice a year, with the Fall/Winter edition in the spring and the Spring/Summer edition in the fall.