Trend Report: Heimtextil 2009/2010

Contributed by Susan Schultz

Just over a year ago the management team of Heimtextil, the big international fabric and home fashions show based in Frankfurt, Germany, dismissed its established trend guru in order to bring in a fresh team. So the 2009-2010 trend forecast was the first for this new team and while there are no really surprising directions, that’s almost to be expected during an economic slowdown. It was however, a much more wide-ranging and “relatable” forecast than Heimtextil has had in several years, justifying, for many, the change from an individual forecaster to a team-based approach.

Here are the six trend themes and color palettes introduced at January 09 Heimtextil under the main theme of Expect the Unexpected

Illusionist
Stretch, morph and bend natural human beauty into surreal shapes. From padded furniture resembling bodily extensions and open-worked transparent curtains and blinds to layered and morphing materials for soft furnishings, things are never quite what they seem. A mood that requires light, air and flexibility, look for sculptured volume, floating featherweights and folded dimensions in fabrics and constructions.


Time Traveler
Only the finest treasures of the past are kept. Covered in either in patina or shiny new coatings; embroidered or otherwise embellished, these pieces set the stage for our reclaimed cultural heritage. An emphasis on decorative art, especially Art Nouveau and Art Deco, where intricate detailing is cherished as the ultimate luxury.



Fortune Teller
For the love of the bizarre and eccentric with a twist: A bohemian and free-spirited collage of recycled patterns and arty-crafty techniques, mixing up folklore from around the world. Trash and tribal influences are digitally revamped and transferred onto a manic canvas. Escape the ordinary and chase the rainbow!


Alchemist
Intrigued by the sharp edges and seductive shimmer of metals and stones, extra dimensions are added to new shapes all around. In every angle, facet and curve, sculptural aspects rely on architectural influences. Playing a mathematical game with optical illusions that build solid, but surreal constructions.


Witchcraft
The mystical aspects of nature are re-explored for acts of mimicry in man-made animal skin, hair, fur and feathers. Organic surfaces like moss-covering and tree bark inspire textures with eroded, weathered and frozen qualities. Combined with vintage and recycled fabrics these hybrids of nature, craft and technology create a neo-natural mood.


Enchanted
A fantasy world of plastic, bubble and pop comes to life through a fascinating and playful concoction of art, science and technology. A comic chaos where all the rules are cast aside and bad taste no longer exists. Bold and brash color explosions are sprinkled with a bit of "anar-chic" to smooth over the crazy edges.





Photos and text contributed by Susan Schultz


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