The first of the summer shows, Pulse, is a beautifully curated, boutique trade event for inspiring new gifts, modern living and fashion accessories taking place 14-16 May at Olympia London.
The exhibition has a strong emphasis on emerging designer-makers, unseen international brands and new launches across all product sectors, allowing extraordinary products to be sourced in one easy, buying location. Working with world-class trend agency Unique Style Platform, Pulse has pinpointed four key macro trends for the season ahead:
Retro Pop: Artificial brights dominate the colour palette, toned down with microchip grey, mandarin red and almost black. Magenta, cyan, marigold and lime clash with vibrant shades of violet and indigo. Print and pattern is key, taking inspiration from retro gaming, futuristic worlds, neon lighting and computer graphics.
Botanical: A rich and nourishing palette inspired by heritage vegetables, fresh botanicals and perfumed plants. A vibrant vitamin green combines with sage and tones of almond brown, while deep navy, plum, beetroot and dandelion add depth. Botanical prints cover every surface, combining scattered florals with illustrated herbs and leafy greenery.
DIY: A fun and rebellious mood which focuses on customisation and individuality. The colour palette is vibrant and clashing, with primary brights highlighted with hot pink and mint green. A flash of ultraviolet provides a pop, while pale blue, nude and navy tone down the palette. Print and pattern is expressive, giving a new urban feel to the maximalist trend. Scribbles, doodles, paint drips and hand markings combine with hyper-real digital artwork.
Functional: A simple and focused mood, where flat colour and bold shapes play a starring role. Core neutrals of grey and stone are balanced with tonal shades of blush and coral. A soft utility blue, rich red and mustard elevate the palette. Print and pattern is kept to a minimum, consisting of structural stripes, graphic blocking and modular shapes in subtle shades of colour.
Pulse will launch further emerging lifestyle trends at the show with a series of on-site installations.
Images from top to bottom: Brie Harrison, Thorn & Thistle, Inkase, James Barker, Imagination Illustrated, DORA, U Studio.
