Reductions in Asian stocks and higher demand from Far Eastern countries have increased orders at European yarn manufacturers. The European textile industry, however, still faces overcapacity, regroupings, and downsizings. A survey of the leading yarn fairs--Filo, Expofil, and Pitti Immagine Filati-outlines current conditions of European textile production and identifies key fashion trends, including a return to color in all yarn groups. Color as a reaction against the predominance of gray and black was also a main feature of the recent fabric fairs: Tissu Premier, London Preview, Moda in Tessuto, Prato Expo, Premiere Vision, and Interstoff. After the emphasis on techno fabrics, fabric manufacturers have returned to natural fibers but blended them with manmade fibers to render them lighter, softer, and more functional. Softness and light weight volume were the dominant traits for wool, luxury fiber blends, fleeces, and manmade fibers.