A major joining of forces has just been announced between Lectra and WGSN: a collaboration between the world leader in integrated technology solutions for the apparel industry and the leader in trend forecasting.

This will take the form as of May of "starter packs" made available to customers of WGSN and Lectra. The first will focus on womenswear collections for Fall-Winter 2013/2014. It will include a selection of macro-trends set by WGSN used to create reference models, according to a statement made by both companies. "From references to color and textiles by WGSN, Lectra will develop a comprehensive kit of creation, including mood and presentation boards; prints, knits, and weaves; color ideas; seasonal pallets; as well as production specifications”, the statement specified.

Also, “Lectra will also offer 2D patterns and 3D prototypes for reference designs. For Anastasia Charbin, fashion marketing director at Lectra, in design and development, the race for efficiency is won at the outset.”

"WGSN subscribers and Lectra customers will have access to ready-to-use style kits integrated into Lectra solutions. All models and 3D virtual prototypes can then be broken down to create an original brand identity. After the womens kit, the kit for men will follow,” according to the statement.

May 2 in London and then in New York in July and Shanghai in the fall, the invitational events will be organized for the launch of the starter packs. Paris is not on the list.

Undoubtedly, without knowing the product itself, it is difficult to understand the changes to which this agreement will lead. The first concern, according to the project description, is that it will result in a new standardization of trends not in providing information but in its implementation in the collections. And that it will transform designers into implementers of styles that are predetermined...by WGSN. The response is expected in early May in London.