contributed by Deb Barrett [principal, Window Dressings / trendspotter / designer / business consultant]
What if you threw a trade show and nobody came” This was the question on everyone’s mind as no one producer, exhibitor or visitor really knew what to expect at 2009’s first round of design shows in Europe. Pre-show buzz was 
unusually quiet, and there were indications that some of the major players and long-standing manufacturers were foregoing this round. So it was with apprehension that I landed in Germany to walk the miles of aisles at Heimtextil and imm cologne before I trekked on to Paris to finish up at Maison&Objet. Was the rest of the world paralyzed with fear like the U.S design community seems to be” Would the fairs live up to the pre-show press of all things innovative and new” I had to find out…
Arriving at Heimtextil on the first day, my fears seemed to be realized. It was obvious that uncertainty about the future, exchange rates, and slashed travel budgets caused many manufacturers to pull out or to choose Paris over Frankfurt. The mood was subdued, and the excitement level was flat. Still, there were several bright spots that would foreshadow what was to come. By the time I arrived in Paris, the fair mood had turned more upbeat and optimistic – a mood that I hope will carry over across the pond.
Each fair has a forte showcasing different product categories for their visitors. Heimtextil is all about textiles for every application with a smattering of flooring and wallcoverings thrown in. imm cologne means furniture and emerging design talent. Maison&Objet is all décor and accessories. Overall, the shows were a mixed bag of reworked or re-colored lines trying to pass as new technical advances. So let’s dish about the good, bad and insanely innovative that we soaked up during the shows.
Heimtextil: Purple | Structured | Artful
Heimtextil, billed as the world’s largest textile fair and the first in each year’s round of European design shows, is held in Frankfurt, Germany. Showcasing interior and contract textiles, window coverings, wallpaper, bed, bath and tabletop, Heimtextil is the place U.S. manufacturers can develop collections from the ground up.
The mood was subdued and so were the color schemes debuting at Heimtextil. Manufacturers were plum crazy. You couldn’t walk down an aisle or turn a corner without seeing a vignette devoted to plum, aubergine, purple or grape colorways. Actually, veteran designers will recognize the colorway of choice as a deep rebirth of that 80’s mauve that we hoped had died forever. Uh… been there, done that.
Textile structures drawing inspiration from craft but actually utilizing new technology to make them happen were a highpoint. The key word here is structure and not surface design. Textiles have become extra large and dimensional, and knits have entered into the equation. Raschel knits, leno weaves, modern laces, jerseys and interlocks… oh, where to begin” If you are a fabricohlic, you would have found nirvana.
The art of wall paper flourishes with artisan papers, laser cuts, hand applied feathers, beading, flexible ceramic surfaces, veneers, flocks, decals, XXL motifs and pattern repeats. Walltech took the ancient art of papermaking into the 21st Century with their flutter papers. You cannot resist the temptation to run your fingers across this paper. Its designer described it as a living paper – one that moves as you walk by and will evolve and morph with each touch.
imm cologne: Young | Fresh | Innovative
imm cologne, known for its high-end feel, showcases a comprehensive selection of designer furniture and furnishings. The past four years imm cologne has taken the reins on developing young and creative designers, allowing them to present fresh ideas and new concepts within the framework of [d3] design talents, the platform for inspiring and visionary concepts for tomorrow. The event convincingly demonstrates that surprises are still possible and that there is no lack of fresh ideas. From inflatable tabletops to wrapped thread chairs and garden hose lighting, these designers push the envelope with their prototypes.
Walter Knoll again pushes the envelope when it comes to furnishings. The German manufacturer known for being an innovative, trendsetting global player introduced 
Threesixty. It gives a whole new meaning to sitting, whether you’re alone or entertaining. It uses space in every direction. Two upholstered seats carry an elongated backrest on two columns. Casters on the seats allow it to swivel around the columns. Turn the seat and the backrest becomes an armrest or holds a laptop.
“Arex” and “Aron”, two double-layered upholstery knit fabrics by Création Baumann, were winners of imm cologne’s Interior Innovation Award. The soft, flame-retardant fabrics captivated with a three-dimensional look and elasticity. Their designs have a net-like texture, which lies akin to a relief across the entire surface. The oval design of “Aron“ assumes a classic, understated look, whilst the star design of “Arex” has slightly more impact.
Maison&Objet: Luxe | Sexy | Modern
Maison&Objet is the touch point in the world of decoration, creation and design. It’s a mosaic of trends, new talents and fresh concepts woven into a five-shows-within-one-show concept. One of those held in the January show is éditeurs. éditeurs represents a sneak peek of the best of the best of the fabric and wallpaper houses have to offer via their new collections. We were not disappointed.
German manufacturer Linea introduced 2” horizontal blinds wrapped in leather, snake and fabric. This is the best execution of this product I have ever seen. Not only were they beautiful, but I walked away wondering: “How did they do that”” For me that’s a sure sign of inspiration. From supple saddle leather with a dragon embroidered in silver metallic threads to twill stripes inserted into calfskin to perfectly match lily pod fabric… Someone has to pick these up in the U.S.
Trims vied for position with the outstanding offering of textiles from a variety of houses. Taking a cue from the runway, this year tiebacks looked more like necklaces than the tired corded and tasseled embraces we are used to holding curtains in place. Ulf Moritz for Sahco rose to the top with their Constanca tieback. Elegant and fresh at the same time, it is a modern accessory. A patina underlines the antique look of oversized chain-like silver and brass elements, and black synthetic material makes them very light, giving Constanca a contemporary and very modern touch.
Bottone is a special gem made of 4-finger thick hollow metal ropes with separate strands of small metal pieces. In black nickel, Bottone possesses a very strong, unusual look. 
The metal cords that create the oversized knot in the middle seem light and decorative, and the ends are made of sophisticated metal elements held by a ring.
Forecast: Fabrics | Fabrics | Fabrics
Suffice to say, the fabrics that will be showing up in our sample books are wondrous, crazy, and innovative. They will give your workrooms fits while satisfying your clients desire for a mega-sensory experience. Look for nets, knits, holographic printing, lacquered finishes, outdoor jersey, mixed media applications, felting, double weaves, and genius jacquards. Think patent leather stripes appliquéd on tulle. The list is too long. Be on the lookout for introductions from the following fabric houses for trend-forward offerings: Sahco-Hesslein, Dedar, Créations Métaphores, Élitis and Nya Nordiska.
