The model 99543 scarf from Pollux of Hong Kong comes in acrylic and features a woven houndstooth pattern. It is 168cm long and 30cm wide.

New models have prints ranging from skulls to florals, with some featuring delicate embroidery.

Emphasizing functionality and aesthetics, makers of scarves and shawls are adopting better materials and novelty patterns.

To meet growing demand for designs in natural materials, companies in Hong Kong, India and mainland China are releasing more models in bamboo fabric. The sustainable material has insulating properties and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Silk, linen and cotton are also being adopted. Most products are either handpainted or printed, but some can feature diffusing dyed effects.

Other models come in blended or pure forms of silk for a luxurious feel and increased luster. These are lighter and made sheer so that they could be used as belts, headbands and bag accents. Suppliers are offering two-tone designs with bold geometric prints inspired by the 1950s and ‘60s such as polka dots and bird's-eye. Bright psychedelic themes, playful florals and large paisleys in white backgrounds are popular as well.

Makers are launching models with vintage motifs such as carriages and royal emblems, while some are using an eclectic mix of style elements to create ornate tribal or novelty looks. Prints carry medieval touches in clashing patterns, and include ancient weapons, bracelet charms, tassels and foliage.

Suppliers that produce knitted models are focusing on details that can be incorporated into the weave. Best-sellers have floral, houndstooth, argyle and checkered patterns in contrasting shades. Designs for winter come in acrylic, mohair, cashmere and wool. Some makers are also mixing rayon yarn with Lurex for metallic effects.

The latest woven shawls come in silk and wool blends, and feature rich jacquard motifs that incorporate floral, bird and feather designs. Companies are creating textural effects by combining black backgrounds with gold borders, and using fabric glitter for shimmering finishes.

To be able to produce more intricate patterns, Hong Kong makers are acquiring computerized jacquard looms, knitting machines and digital printers. Suppliers are able to create motifs with up to 23 colors, as well as reactive, sublimation and heat-transfer prints. Equipment includes four-color presses from Japan's Ryobi, Germany's Heidelberg and Roland of the US.

Some makers are also investing in skilled workers for handmade effects that command higher prices.

Because of an increasing emphasis on ODM, many companies are now able offer design services for buyers, speeding up the process through additional R&D personnel and the use of CAD/CAM systems.

India companies, meanwhile, concentrate on models woven and embellished by hand, using machines only minimally.

	Mainland China's Zhejiang Dongyang Yilu offers the model 3079 scarf in silk georgette. Decorated with fringe and sequins, the product is priced at $2.78.

Among the companies interviewed for this report, Blue Square Ltd offers scarves in sizes of 85x5cm, 42x24cm, 87x87cm and 156x142cm, with an option of using either polyester or silk twill. Models are lightweight, with fabric thickness ranging from 12 to 16mm. These can be printed in up to 23 colors with buyer-specified patterns.

At Gatex Industrial Co. Ltd, designs come in pure or blended cotton, acrylic and wool, including cashmere and mohair. The company's latest releases feature various computerized jacquard patterns. Prices range from $2 to $10, depending on the size and material specifications. More-expensive versions are usually beaded or crocheted by hand.

Popular models feature cable knitting in two-tone stripes, checkered or argyle motifs, handmade embroidery, and cutout patterns.

Next China Ltd offers scarves and shawls in pure viscose and silk. The company also produces models in cashmere, wool, linen and acrylic. Best-selling designs are blended with Lurex for a metallic finish, or are handpainted with abstract patterns.

Printed models feature four- to five-color motifs in paisleys, florals and leopard skin. The company uses reactive, heat-transfer and silk-screen printing techniques. For added texture, some shawls are produced with permanent wrinkled or diffusing effects. Prices range from less than $1 to $10.

Next China sources most materials from the mainland.At Pollux Enterprise Ltd, models for summer and spring come in sheer silk, polyester and cotton, while winter versions are made of acrylic, cashmere and wool. Prices are from $0.40 to $3, depending on the material weight and finish.

The company has launched printed designs in bold ‘60s-inspired outlines, polka dots, large roses and skulls. Jacquard motifs include houndstooth and vintage floralthemes. Some models feature monogrammed patterns.

Pollux uses CAD and CAM software in design development.

To stay abreast of trends, India companies send their R&D teams to international trade exhibitions such as the Pret A Porter show in Paris, France.

Shaw Brothers focuses on unique designs, which are woven and embellished by hand. The use of machines is kept to a minimum to preserve the quality of the fabric.

Producing scarves, shawls and carpets since 1840, the company adopts high-quality pashmina wool, silk and cotton. Prices range from $10 to $2,000.

At Naval Kishore, at least eight models are launched weekly. Viscose, cotton and silk are the main materials used. Low-end designs are from $0.10 to $20.

Nalini Originals offers scarves and shawls in organic cotton and bamboo fabric. The company also uses silk, viscose, polyester, linen and cotton. Prices range from $1.50 to $25, depending on the design complexity and the materials adopted.

Wool and silk models from A.A. Arts are priced between $1 and $12.

In the mainland, Zhejiang Dongyang Yilu Silk Printing Co. Ltd offers scarves and shawls in blends of cashmere, silk, cotton, linen and polyester. The edges are stitched by hand. Products are priced between $1.30 and $6.

Models from ISO 9001:2000-certified Suzhou Tokoyo Silk Fashion Co. Ltd are adorned with glass beads, faux gemstones and shells. Made of wool, rabbit fur, acrylic and polyester, these are priced from $1 to $15.

Hong Kong-invested Shanghai Mind Accessories Mfg Co. Ltd offers cashmere, wool, acrylic and polyester scarves and shawls. Models have silk-screened motifs.

High-end designs from Nanjing Kohinoor Import & Export Corp. come in wool and rabbit fur. Prices average $15.

Scarves and shawls from Zhejiang Fortune Apparel Co. Ltd are made of wool, cotton, cashmere, linen and silk. Multicolor and floral versions are the best-sellers.

At Suzhou Xinhui Technology Commercial Co. Ltd, models feature handpainted motifs or burnout prints. They are made of silk, velvet, rayon, acrylic and polyester.