Heimtextil | Current and future trends

Heimtextil this year built on existing themes that have been visible for the last 12 months. Among the many textile and wallcovering designs, there were a number of key trends that I found inspiring:

TROPICAL PATTERNS
Palm leaf florals continue to be dominant in prints and also in woven constructions.

ANTIQUED/PAINTERLY PRINTS
Tonal, water coloured abstract prints were also strong. A sophisticated take on tie-dye printing, along with Japanese shibori patterns. These designs were predominantly printed onto linen base cloths and further enhanced with tumbled or enzyme finishes for an even more aged/antiqued handle.

TRIBAL INSPIRED PATTERNS
Either printed or woven, Eastern and African inspired prints are still very visible and coloured in multi-coloured earthen tones.

DIGITAL PRINTING
The rise of digital printing is still extremely prevalent. Available from mills dedicated to printing and also as an additional string to the bow of upholstery mills. Digital printing is going from strength to strength.

COLOUR TRENDS
A strong showing of greyed-off blues, teals, greens and a broad base of light and dark neutrals. All of these suit the Australiasian palette. Soft pinks and acid greens stood out as key accent shades.

CUSTOM CONSTRUCTIONS
Key trends were the use of heavy linens, space-dyed warps, wool blends and weaves constructed using metallic and matte yarns which create a relaxed luxury.

This year, the Heimtextil Theme Park presented trends for 2016/17 centred around the multifaceted theme of ‘Well-Being’. Coming from the insight that people are more isolated, stressed and want to find respite in their home; it explored the process of finding the perfect balance between energy, calm, new experiences and aesthetic discoveries.

With five themed cocoons within the hall, these very much reflected the market direction of the last 24 months. Below we summarise the themes provided by Heimtextil.

RETAIL - Intimate Retail
The Retail cocoon explores the concept of ‘Intimate Retail’ that epitomises the will of proximity and trust from the customer to the retailer and vice versa.

As shopping expands to both physical and online spaces, the in-store experience must become more personalised and special for each customer. The retail universe must cater to a whole host of different needs and tastes, and this is reflected within this cocoon through the varied aesthetics and type of experience retailers could provide for their customers. Inside the cocoon, different facets and expressions of the relationship between retail and customers are displayed, each one by highlighting a different emotion or need. From safety to entertainment & memories, different types of aesthetics and atmospheres reflect a complete vision of what retail could look like tomorrow.

SUSTAINABILITY - Elemental Harmony
A fusion of the green laboratory and the apothecary.

The sustainability cocoon is a space where nature and the richness of life are celebrated in a contemporary way. Inside, nature fuses with flexible design in a space that blends laboratory style with the apothecarian mood of the cabinet of curiosities. The emphasis is on foliage, green hues and plants, as well as rich earthy browns and innovative raw materials that inspire the fabrics displayed in the two cabinets on each side of the cocoon.

TECHNOLOGY - Colour Immersion
A vibrant and emotional experience.

The Technology cocoon is all about colour and energy. Stepping into this space, you will be part of a highly dynamic experience of colour and energetic visuals as well as a more introspective and emotion-oriented sentiment. Inside this cocoon, you will be introduced to different levels of soft technology that will empower the human experience and help you reach a Well-Being state of mind.

CRAFT - Old craft meets modern technique
The Craft Cocoon takes refuge in traditional techniques re-imaged, creating a sense of age.

We go back to the 1400’s to look at how the loom changed the face of fabric creation and the 1500’s to see how intricate accordion pleating became a key feature in fashion, not only to create movement in the skirts of dancers, but to adorn the necks of the wealthy with ruffs made from yards of the finest silks.

HOSPITALITY - Timeless Refuge
A neutral zone of timeless refuge.

As we seek to disconnect from an ‘always-on’ mode, the Hospitality Cocoon is a haven of calm and serenity. Take the opportunity to sit, rest and relax in this calm and pure aura. Bathe in the white light, and take a few moments for yourself, to become present and enjoy a sense of post-digital calm. Don’t miss the chance to slow down, and take part in a yoga session or an aroma experience.

In summary, the trade fair provided a valuable opportunity for us to assess the future direction of design, construction and colour in the textile industry, while also reinforcing the current trends and strengths within the market. It enables us to move forward with confidence and build on recent collection investments. 

- Stephanie Moffitt

Read more about the atmosphere at the three day event here.

This report originally featured on Architecture Now. Click here and here to read.