Design Options Revamps

Los Angeles–based trend-forecasting service Design Options has revamped the look of its trend materials, unveiling a new logo and adding new features, such as removable yarn skeins, to help designers select, combine and match colors.

The company, founded 18 years ago by Fran Sude, has grown from one division to three: juniors/contemporary, young men’s and home furnishings.

“A couple of years ago, I saw a surge toward the young men’s market,” said Sude, who said the young men’s forecast crosses over into the women’s market as well, particularly with many of her East Coast–based customers. “It’s more upscale, and they’re looking for something different,” she said.

Design Options’ “Lifestyle Report,” for both the home and apparel market, has grown since its launch eight years ago. “We were getting the same color orders for Bed, Bath and Beyond as for The Gap,” said Sude, who recently returned from Showtime—the International Textile Market Association’s biannual interiors textiles trade show in High Point, N.C.—where she and her husband and business partner, Arnold Sude, hosted one of their forecasting seminars.

The company is currently revamping its Web site, www.design-options.com. For more information about Design Options, call (213) 622- 9094. —Alison A. Nieder