Happy New year! There is no better way to kick off the year than by attending Heimtextil 2023. This year’s home textile fair will be taking place from January 10-13, 2023 at Messe Frankfurt. Once again, I was invited to attend and will report my observations from the show floor. As in years past, I suspect that Trend Space will be a major highlight of the show. In this area, the Heimtextil Trend Council will be presenting their insights as to the future of tomorrow’s textiles around the world. This year’s Heimtextil Trend Council is comprised of leaders from FranklinTill Studio (London), Stijlinstituut Amsterdam and Denmark’s SPOTT Trends & Business agency.
Heimtextil has been a highlight of every year I’ve attended. It has been where I have gathered the inspiration and ideas that inform my projects for the upcoming year,. In my opinion, Heimtextil has the most comprehensive display of the latest color and textile trends for the home, with the leading trend authorities in Europe paving the way. In addition, they are ahead of the curve in addressing sustainability, and show some of the most innovative ways of producing textiles that minimize the effect on the Earth’s ecosystem.
Each year, the Heimtextil Trend Council selects a theme for Trend Space. Last’s year’s theme was “Next Horizons” and focused on resource conservation. This year’s theme is “Textiles Matter”. In light of the current state of environmental emergency, the textile industry has a responsibility to examine its processes and change for the betterment of the Earth. Trend Space will show the latest advances that demonstrate this initiative.
TEXTILES MATTER - HEIMTEXTIL 2023
There are four trend themes that will be presented at Trend Space during Heimtextil 2023:
- FROM EARTH
- MAKE AND REMAKE
- NATURE ENGINEERED
- CONTINUOUS
FROM EARTH
The “From Earth” theme consists of natural colors that channel a feeling of warmth, soft and cozy. It focuses on the natural world and harmony with the nature of organic materials. Weathered, worn and irregular textures, and earthy and botanic hues dominate the “From Earth” trend. Unbleached fibers and natural dyes are used, celebrating materials in their original state found in nature.
MAKE AND REMAKE
Previously used textiles and remnants take what would otherwise be textile waste, and puts them to used as recycled product. Vibrant and happy colors and techniques, such as overprinting, overdyeing, and patchwork, result in new and creative products. Layered color, patterns and graphics lead to bold, maximalist creations that are at the same time eco-conscious
NATURE ENGINEERED
The “Nature Engineered” trend is a reinterpretation of the concept of “natural”. It uses a mechanical process to elevate and perfect organic materials, such as hemp, cork, and linen. Cutting-edge techniques process natural fibers into sophisticated and smart textiles. Shades of beige and brown, clean lines, shapes and texture are the distinguishing features of this theme.
CONTINUOUS
The “Continuous” theme describes closed-loop systems in which materials are recycled into new, waste-free products. Waste materials are separated and reprocessed as new fibers and textiles. As a result of the technological advances made in the reclamation processes, the materials retain their original quality and aesthetic. Synthetic and cellulose yarns can now be produced with zero-waste and woven into new textiles.
SUSTAINABILITY AT HEIMTEXTIL
In addition to the outstanding color and trend forecasting displays, I love attending Heimtex to see how sustainability is evolving in the production of textiles for the home. I must say that what they have done to put the spotlight on the many ways that textile waste can be reused/recycled/repurposed to create new fibers and textiles is pretty mind blowing. Here are some examples of what I have seen in past years:
Where will I be spending my time at Heimtextil 2023? I will be keeping an eye on Trend Space , focusing on the color trends and newest textile innovations. I’ll also be walking the show floor to keep abreast of the newest textile and wallpaper introductions. In addition, I love perusing the hall that is dedicated to sleep. The color palettes and prints that have been developed for bedding and bath are so eye opening – especially since we are so limited here in the US. Also, I’ve picked up a few vendors that we’ve brought into our Pasadena showroom, so I’ll be on the lookout for new lines to take on. I will be posting from the show floor daily so follow me on Instagram for live coverage.
In 2023 I look forward to continue providing design information and inspiration for the upcoming year, starting with my coverage at Heimtex. Stay tuned….
