Heimtextil, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will take place in Frankfurt January 10–13th at the city’s 6,221,540-square-foot exhibition grounds. Presented by the Messe Frankfurt Group, this year’s event represents an increase in the number of exhibitors and booth space, with many hall levels fully booked by May 2016.
Programming will include the Digital Textile Micro Factory, produced by the German Institute for Textile and Fibre Research. The presentation will highlight the latest in digital print technology by walking exhibitors and guests through the design and digital printing process through cutting and confection. Natalie Weinmann of trend agency Carlin International/Exalis is designing this year’s Theme Park section, which offers a first look at furnishing trends for 2017 and 2018.
“Based on the theme ‘exploration,’ we have looked for materials, textures, and elements to bring innovations to life. In doing so, we discovered fabrics that gave rise to surprising combinations when merged with other materials. It is these nine fabrics from unknown worlds that captivate us. At the same time, the natural aspects reveal an unexpected sensuousness,” Weinmann says.
Emphasis will also be placed on sustainability this year, with the return of the Green Village and Green Tour, both of which highlight companies that introduce sustainable products and concepts.
“We work continually on developing the trade fair and are always in close contact with the industry,” says Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles and textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt. “With its new products and trends, [Heimtextil] kicks off the upcoming season and is an indispensable platform for companies and trade visitors alike, from purchasers and designers to interior decorators, hoteliers and architects.”
