Fabrics with texture, subtle patterns and sheen will be important for the new autumn/winter 2019/2020 season as designers continue to be inspired by their love affair with the ‘70s, says silk specialists Pongees.

“For the new season, though, disco divas and rock chicks make way for the sophisticated femme fatale, epitomised by power icons such as Lauren Hutton, Faye Dunaway, Catherine Deneuve, Diana Ross and Diane Von Furstenberg, ” says Nick Moore, joint managing director, Pongees.

To recreate this look, Pongees has stretch satins and georgettes in peacock, teal and turquoise ideal for tonal blocking; for textured fabrics with pattern and sheen there are hammered and sand-washed satins in midnight, navy and ink; and tone on tone designs are delivered in double crepes and crepe de chines in nude, tan and mocha.

Apart from the ‘70s influence, designers are looking to bring a sense of unity and harmony into today’s divisive world. As a result they are being inspired by Argentinian gauchos, American cowgirls, Hungarian peasants, the splendour of imperial Byzantium and Rome, Russian icons, Chinese concubines and Japanese geishas.

The colour palettes for this trend lean towards the “natural purity” of eggshells, ivories, putties and porcelains and the opulent warmth of deep reds, golds, silvers, emeralds and sapphires.

In a season dominated by textures, Pongees brings crushed velvet, mohair, duchess satin, tasar, ottoman, zibeline, mikado and organza lunar to the forefront.

“To simplify fabric sourcing, we now have all our fabrics available to buy online from our new website,” concludes Moore.

Picture credit: Zandra Rhodes has re-issued her iconic Donna Summer dress using Pongees French chiffon: the epitome of sensual '70s sophistication.