Heimtextil Trend Report: Existential Crisis is Resolved in 2020 Textile Forecast
In the world of textile trend reporting, an existential crisis has come to a head: “Identity” is the driving theme of design trends predicted by industry leaders for home and contract textile trade show Heimtextil, taking place in Frankfurt am Main January 7-10. At the 50th edition of the international trade fair, Hall 3.0 will once again be the place to delve into the future of the textile market, with new textile designs, colors, and materials highlighted in the 2020 Trend Space.
This year’s Trend Space and coinciding trend report are curated by Anne Marie Commandeur, founder of Dutch firm Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, in collaboration with London-based studio FranklinTill, and Anja Bisgaard Gaede from SPOTT Trends & Business.
Entitled “Where I Belong,” the 2020 Heimtextil trend report dials down trends into five categories: Maximum Glam, Pure Spiritual, Active Urban, Heritage Lux, and Multi-Local. Raw beauty, imperfections, craftsmanship, maximalism, and experimentation are all celebrated.
“Today, the process of identification seems to be more complicated than ever,” the trend book informs us. “Identities are now formed through experiences that take place simultaneously, on different levels. Locally, nationally, globally, both online and offline. Identity therefore can consist of many different layers. In fact, we all have multi-layered identities.”
Go big or go home sums up Maximum Glam, where more is more. Propelled by self-expression in a digital savvy world—think Instagram likes—this trend category predicts dynamic surface effects rich with ornamentation such as 3D decoration and refracting and reflecting finishes inspired by the digital realm. Likewise, Active Glam goes for bold, although more in the form of primary color, while a “robust and utilitarian palette references workwear and active sportswear.”
In the Heritage Lux category, the report makes a commentary on the hospitality market, noting that “today, we see shiny, modern hotels losing out to heritage hotels, reflecting a desire to understand and embrace history in a rapidly changing built environment.” In textiles, this translates to celebrating history, reimagined. Multi-Local also follows a historical path, although here the focus is more on patterns emerging from diverse cultures—think heritage prints such as batik and ikat blended with printed floral velours, jacquard knits, and gobelin weaves.
The most minimal of the five trends in hue and pattern, Pure Spiritual presents a rich array of materials, the result of dedication to experimental earth-conscious materials with textiles derived from the botanical world, such as jute, pine bark, and paper. Deep green is a hue that emerges here, referencing seaweed, kelp, and algae.
In 2019, Heimtextil drew over 3,000 international manufacturers, dealers and designers—representing 65 countries—who showcased products to nearly 70,000 trade visitors.
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