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messe frankfurt

Home Tag messe frankfurt
scott henderson designs usa partner country presentation for ambiente 2015.

scott henderson designs usa partner country presentation for ambiente 2015.

Feb 9, 2015

ambiente-scott_henderson_partner_country_usa2

Partner Company 2015 is USA. The annual presentation of a partner country at Ambiente increases public interest in the fair, as well as its attractiveness and major role as the most important event in the worldwide consumer goods industry. USA will be showcasing trendsetting ideas, designs and products and the audience and exhibitors will have the opportunity to experience an American way of life in a special presentation and in numerous events and activities on the Monday of the fair. Last year’s partner was Japan. Former partner countries were Denmark and France.

ambiente15-scott_henderson_partner_country_usa1

DesignApplause has been talking to New York-based American Scott Henderson since mid-August 2014, following the development of his concept.
[DesignApplause] For this assignment what is MF hoping for?
[Scott Henderson] Messe Frankfurt chose me to be the designer of the Partner Country Exhibition because I work very closely with the primary industries that regularly show at Ambiente, and also because they perceive my work as combining a lightness and wit with innovative practicality.

[DA] What did your design brief ask of you?
[SH] The design brief was simply: Design an exhibit featuring the United States and curate all of its contents with US based products—mostly from the products lines of the Ambiente confirmed US exhibiters. I can also chose some products from US based companies that are not necessarily exhibiting at the show itself. We had 2-3 design reviews and I presented three concepts all at the same level as each other. We collectively chose the direction we’re moving ahead with, which was definitely the strongest one.

[DA] Tell us about the chosen concept.
[SH] The big idea begs for a concept that evolves around unique iconic American images and symbols and serve it up to a global audience. The US is unique with regards to densely populated areas separated by vast stretches of open space. This reflects the very different regional looks we have. Matching an iconic product and a geographic region evolved into the Adirondack Chair, a classic I love, and a New England seascape. There are also two classic rural residential mailboxes at each end, befitting to the concept and with their flags in the up position. The flags are American flags, the only explicit reference to the US in the exhibit. There are also display tables abstractly representing plant life growing about these giant chairs.

[DA] What did you learn?
[SH] While I was working on this project, one exercise in the process was to create a visual “mood” board representing all things America. What I noticed while doing this is that as an American, I found out that it can almost be easy to take the USA for granted, especially when you start to consider how the rest of the world may view all of the positive things about our culture, geography, iconic products, etc. When assembling imagery that represents the many aspects of American life and its diversity on many levels, I was reaffirmed to how the territory is quite deep.

[DA] What are the challenges?
[SH] The greatest challenge for me in designing the exhibit was how to decide what to do amid the seemingly endless possibilities. Messe Frankfurt Ambiente being an international trade fair, I also thought about each concept not just through regional eyes, but through the global perspective, in effort to create a presentation that will be universally positive, yet authentically American. The serenity of the New England seaside, with the giant (9 feet tall) and truly American Adirondack Chairs facing the ocean scene from high on a cliff-side, seemed to be a great way to do this. The exhibition is titled Seashore Galore and is erected in a very open space which lends itself to the expansive, light and airy look of the design.

ambiente15_scott-10-20-14_1

ambiente15_scott-10-20-14_2

ambiente15-scott-7-31-14_2

above / below> an earlier iteration of the seaside concept

ambiente15-scott-7-31-14_3

ambiente15-scott-8-12-14_1

above / below>
[SH] Concept 1, my first idea staggered panels emanating from the floor, and ceiling, creating display shelves at two different heights. A show attendee can just walk up to this curved display wall to access the various products. The staggered panels abstractly represent the stripes of the American Flag, with negative and positive spaces playing off of each other. Through the negative space created by the staggered panels is an LCD Video Wall that would show images of American life, geography and culture. The images would be moving around randomly and perhaps synchronized to sound in some way.

I was going for a “Slick” “designy” solution with this first attempt, but at the end of the day, I think that people have all seen technology and slickness, and no matter how well we executed on this idea, people might just walk on by as it lacks the emotional connection that the final chosen direction with the Adirondack Chairs has.

ambiente15-scott-18-14-14_2

ambiente15-scott-8-14-14_1_fixed

above / below>
[SH] Concept 2, using cedar shakes, an authentic American building material found on salt box houses in regions like the north east, I experimented with cutting through the “roughness” of the cedar to expose high-gloss, lacquered and randomly staggered display boxed that would be brightly lit from inside. The juxtaposition between the rough and smooth, and natural earth tones versus a vibrant tertiary color, were interesting to me. Since the space is 4 meters tall, I explored using some of the vertical height by incorporating a ramp that runs the length of the exhibit, to allow show attendees to walk ‘up’ into the space. The picket fence is meant to again combine tradition with a contemporary treatment—creating a contrast that was intended to be powerful. I think playing iconic tradition against contemporary details and colors often has the potential for high-impact.

ambiente15-scott-8-14-14_2

[ Partner Country USA ] exhibition and activities will be held in the Foyer of Hall 4.1 throughout the duration of the fair.

ambiente15-scott_henderson1
[ scott henderson ] I think good design involves a big idea that is so
built-in to the product that becomes its total story. A bad design is one that attempts to get 10 or 15 small ideas to work together, resulting in a muddled or forgettable story. With my own design work, I try to incorporate one big idea that you see right away at a glance that makes you say, “I get it”, and when you get it, you smile and experience happiness. If the idea is strong enough, a very mundane object that was part of the world’s background emerges into the foreground.

design plus. ambiente 2014.

design plus. ambiente 2014.

Feb 10, 2014

above> a smart design competition in a very smart venue | galeria 1 messe frankfurt

Companies from 29 countries entered Design Plus 2014. To be accepted the entries may not have been on the market for more than two years and must meet high expectations with regard to function, design and sustainability. The jury selected 30 products from 24 companies from ten countries. Three Design Plus winners were also showcased in ‘solutions‘, an exhibit about innovative functionality.

ambiente14-designplus-alessi-mu1mu | toyo ito | alessi

tea-jay on the rocks | flöz industriedesign | blomus

fissler bionic | professor thomas gerlach via 4 design gmbh | fissler [ solutions winner ]


lucetta | emanuele pizzolorusso | palomar
[ solutions winner ]

ambiente14-designplus-stelton-goto1
to go | niels kjeldsen | stelton

ambiente14-designplus-skagerak-georg1georg | christina liljenberg halstrøm | skagerak denmark

ambiente14-designplus2

[ products 2014 ]

[ jury ]
Designer: Mark Braun, Berlin
Design trade: Volker Hohmann, Ikarus Design Handel GmbH, Gelnhausen, Germany
Design Management: Hugo Macdonald, Studioilse, London
Design Teaching: Hubert Kittel, Burg Giebichenstein
University of Art and Design Halle
Design press: Stefan Nilsson, Trendgruppen, Stockholm
Design manufacturer: Philipp Mainzer, E15, Frankfurt/Main
Sponsor: Andrej Kupetz, German Design Council, Frankfurt/Main
Sponsor: Julia Droege, German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Frankfurt/Main

Trends 2013/2014. Heimtextil 2013.

Apr 30, 2013

heimtextil13-trends-being3book cover | exhibit (historian)

The first trend analysis in 2013 caught our attention with ‘Trends 2013/2014’ at Heimtextil 2013. The concept, presentation and story-telling in many ways made it a trend benchmark for the year.

The presentation consists of a a ‘Trend Book’ titled ‘Being’ created by Stijlinstituut Amsterdam which spotlights the home as an aspect of personality and reflects four characters: the historian, the eccentric, the inventor and the geologist, each theme under the motto, ‘you are how you live’. There’s also an exhibit to literally touch the senses.

heimtextil13-trends-historytitle1

[ the historian ]
Their personality sets great store by enduring values and, at the same time, discovers new ways of bringing the past into the present. Hence, they love fine products distinguished by superior craftsmanship. They gain inspiration from the late 16th and the 17th century, epochs characterised by a wealth of historical art and exquisite craftsmanship. Expressive ornaments, luxuriant decorations and wonderful details radiate an aristocratic dynamism.

The historian is an aficionado of luxury with a sense for the quality and origins of objects. Thus, textiles with a layer look are part of this, as are net fabrics and artistic embroidery. A variety of different techniques and materials, from lace-making to laser cuts, reveal not only the broad spectrum of historical but also of future-oriented arts & crafts. The home is brightened by shimmering gold, bronze and copper, as well as sophisticated reflections from material surfaces. The colors in rooms tend to be subdued and dominated by mysterious shadings.

heimtextil13-trends-eccentrictitle1

[ the eccentric ]
Their passion is for extravagant discoveries combining timeless qualities with decorative character. The eccentric searches for unique items, curiosities and original articles distinguished by exotic or ethnic influences. At all events, what they find must be traditional and authentic. The modern Dandy and Bohemian loves elegantly made textiles, such as hand-coloured silk, extremely lustrous artificial snakeskin, upholstery fabrics inspired by suit fabrics or oriental jacquards. In their home, we find patterns with ethnic blossoms. The wall coverings take their inspiration from textiles. The dominant colors have an Asian touch and interact in an extraordinary way.

heimtextil13-trends-inventtitle1

[ the inventor ]
To develop things that make life exciting – that’s the inventor’s challenge. They work on concepts that combine function and fun, as well as wellness and pleasures. Their yearning takes them to undiscovered worlds full of marvels and adventure. They love to try new things, a character trait that has a decisive influence on the design process. Fabrics are literally brought to life: they sway, flutter and grow as flowery ornaments – extremely sensuous and tactile. The inventor experiments with extraordinary upholstery fabrics, openwork weaves and meshwork. Foamed textiles create an airy depth and give rooms and furniture a new look. Technical veils, iridescent films and latex are also used. Feather-light constructions play with light and reflections. Lively color ensure extraordinary contrasts and awaken curiosity.

heimtextil13-trends-geologistitle1

[ the geologist ]
The nature lover appreciates and protects the earth and all its treasures. He researches into them down into the deepest layers and travels on a journey of discovery to find the unknown and unexpected. They know the quality and origins of a product. They are fascinated by the irregularities of geological surfaces. In their environment, natural structures are upgraded by colourful marl aspects and winding, viral patterns, as well as rough graininess, bark-like textures and rustic leather, skin or natural cork. Blotch effects bring otherwise sober surfaces to life. Broken, mysterious brightness flashes from the materials. The colour series reflects the enigmatic dark side of nature. Intensive color are rounded off by shades of virulent intensity and metallic lustre.

[ trendtable ]
The Heimtextil 2013 trends are compiled by a Trendtable consisting of international design agencies from six countries which developed a global vision for upcoming interior trends.

heimtextil13-trends-table2

Cem Bora, Gen Lamaud, Grégory Lamaud, Mark Woodman, Dan Namura, Celaine Refosco, Louis gérin, Claudia Herke, Anne Marie Commandeur, Arie Vervelde — Anne Marie and Arie | concept and development of ‘Being’

heimtextil13-trends-annmarie1

Anne Marie Commandeur heads a team of designers at Stijlinstituut Amsterdam (NL) who specialise in the fields of textile innovations, prognoses, color trends and strategic design concepts. She along Arie Vervelde (also with Stijlinstituut) are responsible for the conceptual development of the Heimtextil Trends 2013/14.

[DesignApplause] What’s the process, the gathering of information and pulling it together?
[Anne Marie Commandeur] We do a year-around research with industries like cosmetics, interior products, illumination and paint companies, a very broad range of relavent interests. We also look at past and on-going trends, innovations. We must be aware of unchanged products being repackaged in contents of what’s happening now and what could be next. The research includes many sources: brochures, forms, and films, for example. For this we have teams that do research. Some of the research we have to buy and some accompanies projects like when we work with designers. We also have our experience and intuition that gets folded into our information bank. When the time comes we all get together and put on the table what we think is important in the coming years. Even the talk amongst ourselves we find very interesting. Then we have to conjure up how we put this information together and tell a story. What’s interesting when we put it all together very often what causes the most excitement is the overlap. And especially as designers when you begin mixing this and that it becomes interesting to make that mix. In a way it’s dangerous from the point that you can make it difficult for people to have a grasp.

With “Being” we want the message to be both clear and very optimistic because I think there has to be a boost from optimism and creativity now.

Another important part of the story is that things will be different and not everyone will have to invest in it. Some will standstill and one end and some will find a need to change everything, even every year. Some have very strong personal tastes and don’t wish to change. And if for example, in a home you make a big change in one place and the rest doesn’t match anymore. It’s a very emotional process. As designers it’s important how to put change in context and how you link it, not to what new vs old, but to the personality and attitude.

[DA] We just talked about why you did it. How did you arrive at the content in this project?
[AM] Last March we bring everyone together who is involved on this project. We brought our data and intuitions, some going back many years. We all watched the movie about the eccentric ladies and we brought that aspect into the storyline. There were powerful ideas regarding nostalgia and vintage. This whole emotional feeling was developed throughout the year, years actually, not even one year. Some of the team members like Studio Hey, Graduates from Design Academy Eindhoven they exhibited with their project Melvin The Machine during Design Week Eindhoven, and Arie said, ok this is wonderful, these are inventors, bringing in some very analog processes in a very digital time and why do they do this? So the whole idea of making things.

[DA] When you identify a direction when anticipating a forecast, where do you see it playing out first?
[AM] Many things happen simultaneously: the fashion, interiors, product design, the manufacturing. But sometimes there is one idea that suddenly links things all together. But I must admit, the strength is not about a particular. You can place what we have here in another context and it would work. It’s also storytelling. And it’s not that this is ‘the’ story. We could make eight other stories as well.

heimtextil13-trends-claudia1
Claudia Herke is a fashion designer with stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano (DE). This interdisciplinary team identifies and visualizes new trends in the areas of fashion, furniture, lifestyle and design and have been members of the creative team since the first Heimtextil Trendtable.

[DesignApplause] Claudia, tell us about yourself, your company, and your involvement.
[Claudia Herke] We are a member of the Trendtable and doing the trends for Germany. We’ve worked for Heimtextil for 15 years as well. We are always involved in the trends presentations for Messe Frankfurt. And we are the first members of the team and the Trendtable was founded five years ago.

[DA] Five years doesn’t seem like a long time but maybe it is. Is there a difference between how trends were done before and now?
[CH] Everything has changed through the years, evolved. Today’s Trendtable seems like a natural evolution. The changes have been gradual. And each time we talk about different topics. Today we talk about decorative materials and surfaces. In the past we talked a lot about flat and minimal, structural, and nature was a big big influence for many years. This year it’s more decorative, more luxury, more elegant.

[DA] There was earlier discussions about modern versus traditional. Modern seems to have more press now, at least in the US it does. Do you feel that what’s coming together now speaks counterpoint, there’s a combination of both, a mix and match?
[CH] Yes, of course. For example we can present a 50s or 60s theme but we make it modern, contemporary. Much of the present represents technology and manufacturing breakthroughs. But you notice this year there is a counterpoint going on at Heimtextil, the talk about craftsmanship and handmade. There are even discussions so far as to encourage the next generation to learn the trades vs the service sector.

[DA] Can you give an example of why mix and matching?
[CH] Modern served up with neutral colors is a bit cold for some but modern can be warmed up with the right color and adding texture. This evolution is most likely market-driven but the end result plays out the same. It’s also a way to connect old vs new. If you can’t afford to clean out the closet and replace everything old with a new wardrobe you need do plan and coordinate so you can mix and match and make your new statement in a more practical way. What really works is classic or vintage with modern. You will probably see many producers of classic products introducing re-editions in Milan. To take this thought further, maybe not much changes in the product itself but new ways to use may be introduced. Both concepts find a receptive audience.

[DA] Looking at the color palettes presented this year how do you arrive at the first color?
[CH] Speaking for ourselves, we begin looking at fashion for new color and texture as well as new storytelling. It’s because we have two big collections in one year, summer and winter. There’s a tremendous amount of media coverage and we see the results in the marketplace in just a few weeks. There are some products that also follow this business model. We also look at students, what they use, what they’re looking for.

[DA] Do you think that two or three very big designers may get together and discuss a color beforehand and then go back to their studio and create a collection?
[CH] You know, sometimes I ask myself if this is possible because some collections are really close together. Another thought could be industry driven. The fabric manufacturers create a wonderful textile and give it to the designer(s) to create the collection. I’m sure both the designer and the manufacturer are always sharing thoughts. But maybe it must be simply something that’s in the air.

[DA] Can you identify a trend going on now?
[CH] Maybe color. Seems to have gone from let’s say one color to a range of colors. And maybe the person is more important then in the past. That personal opinions matter and you can see that idea in the storytelling.

[DA] One last question, I love the fashion examples chosen to tell the story. Are the examples taken from the street?
[CH] Yes, not from the studio. A photographer just sipping coffee waiting for the photo opportunity. I find the self-expression and creativity on the street both amazing and inspiring.

heimtextil13-trends-mark2Mark Woodman is head of the North American office of UK based Global Color Research (US) and also founder of design agency Color Marketing Group. He organizes Mix Trends North America, where color nuances are developed especially for North American. His best-known works include furnishing one of the public rooms in the White House.

[DA] Mark, what is the process you use to arrive at emerging trend?
[Mark Woodman] The process? Everyone does their research and then we get together. We gather as a group and as everyone is presenting we’re all taking notes on post-its. And then when the presentations are done all the post-its go on the wall around the room. And then we start culling and pulling things together and then all of us together start seeing things emerging. So-and-so said it, eight of us jumped on it, seven of us said it’s similar to what we have, and five said it’s exactly like this. Ok, here’s something emerging.

[DA] How do you filter what’s relevent and or a one or two-time occurrence?
[MW] This is one of the cool things about having different people from different industries come together. We all have to filter through our daily lives, both work and personal related happenings. In the work world, our clients tweak things for business decisions – this red is not selling but if we darken it and combine it with the taupe tablecloths we sold last year, the product evolves. It’s more evolution than revolutionary regarding color and design because people don’t have the money for that. When we’re done going through this lengthy process the group is able, feels comfortable, to identity and articulate a relevent happening.

When the economy tanked a lot of things came into play regarding home decorating. The market discouraged you from selling your home and you wanted to change something while not maybe being rude to your neighbors who were hit harder. The answer was towels. You luxed out the bathroom, a space not many see. And you did it with luxe towels, the towel warmers. In the end you noticed that the bedding section had shrunk down but the towel section is now enormous in the department stores. I see this as trending.

[DA] Do you notice a change in traditional versus modern genres?
[MW] I’ve seen the influence of modern on traditional. It started in the kitchen. The clean-line euro-style systems replaced the old and when the kitchen was done you walked out of the kitchen and looked at that big over-stuffed sofa.

Rolls Royce just announced a massive increase in sales last year. High-end will always be high-end and this sector operates on it’s own dynamics. Though I’m always intrigued with what the mid-market is doing because they’re the drivers, driving the majority of pieces. But what’s interesting is how the high-end funds the mid-market initially. For example, when Mercedes put in air-bags in the 90s they essentially funded the research. And when the air-bag sells the price comes down so eventually everyone has it. And Audi worked out the technology on the LED headlights for their high-end cars. Now you see LED’s on the Leaf.

[DA] The talk here has been about color and texture and you’re a color specialist. What do you see?
[MW] I think 2012 is a benchmark year in the US for color. Mostly in clothing but it filtered into the home a little bit too. Previously select manufacturers or retailers were the only ones clearly making color statements. And what’s interesting here, in 2012 it was the out-of-country retailers who were bringing in the color and in 2012 everyone in the US jumped on it. Totally a new happening, not something we had.

In good ways, ‘Beings” raised more questions than answers regarding trending so anticipate more trending coverage in the future. [ heimtextil trends 2013/14 ] [ heimtextil trends 2014/15 ]

<a href="527-ronscope200about ron kovach

Solutions. Ambiente 2013.

Feb 21, 2013

ambiente13-bergne1designers hansjerg maier-aichen (tour guide) and sebastian bergne (curator) | click > enlarge

[DesignApplause signs up for design tours led by German designer Hansjerg Meier-Aichen] This is the second year for this exhibit and the 23 entries in 2013 have tripled in number. All these products are being introduced at Ambiente. This exhibition is curated and designed by London designer Sebastian Bergne. Here’s what he says about the new products…

“Truly new, truly useful products and real surprises. Be it clever material combinations, transfers from the professional world to private use or borrowings from different cultures – it is less about aesthetic viewpoints and traditional design topics here, but rather more, and quite explicitly, about functionality and technical solutions. It is often the little ideas that produce big improvements.”

We showcase 12 of the entries.

ambiente13-solutions1in hindsight, should have taken photos off of exhibit ipads

ambiente13-evasolo1lidded bowls | eva solo | where do you put a lid when serving and ensuring that condensation runs back into the bowl

ambiente13-fruitebowl1aireado | royalvkb | fruit bowl with mat that reduces bruising and allows fruit to breathe

ambiente13-poacher1steam poacher | jia inc | inspired by yunnan steam pot ensures even steam distribution preserving flavor and nutrial value

ambiente13-brix1aergo | brix design | bread knife with ergonomically adjusted handle (da: a little like a hacksaw)

ambiente13-sharpener1angle adjust | edgeware | adjustable knife sharpener provides extra precision

ambiente13-zester1better zester | edgeware | integrated measure container and squeegee (da: very practical concept)

ambiente13-tea-jay1tea-jay on the rocks | blomus | iced tea maker (da: enjoyable way to prepare and serve tea)

ambiente13-teamaker1delicha | dalla piazza switzerland | automatically retracts infuser out of water based on dialed in timer (da: no more too strong tea)

ambiente13-blub1blub | unitekno | filtering and descaling bottle | boasts an ion filter that lasts lifetime

ambiente13-stopper1champ | adhoc | champagne stopper (da: ingenius flat solution to fit bottle in fridge)

ambiente13-warmer1warmer basket | mastrad | keep bread and rolls warm (da: heat the basket with integrated stone bottom)

ambientre13-oxo1good grips twist top bottle | oxo | twist open lid keeps straw clean and out of way (da: a little idea that works pretty good)

[ sebastian bergne ] [ solutions 2013 ]

[ winners ]
CHAMP
 | AdHoc
Universal Developer | 
L’Atelier du Vin – Sanbri
PILL | 
Authentics
TEA-JAY on the rocks | 
blomus
BRIX Aergo | 
Brix Design
Delichà | 
Dalla Piazza Switzerland
Spoon Drop
 | DAUDI SARL
Lidded Bowls
 | Eva Solo
Frozzypack No.2
 | Frozzypack
Steam Poacher | 
JIA
Citrus Tool | 
Kuhn Rikon
Citrus Spray | 
Lékué
Silverforce
 | Martini
Warmer Basket | 
Mastrad
OXO Good Grips Press-Sure Corner Caddy | 
OXO International
POKKETMIXER | 
POKKET
Aireado | 
royalVKB
Edgeware Angle Adjust
 | Smith’s Consumer Products / Edgeware
Edgeware Better Zester
 | Smith’s Consumer Products / Edgeware
Merlin | 
Städter GmbH
Blub | 
Unitekno
Shake & Bake | 
W.F. Kaise

Ambiente 2013 quick glance.

Feb 15, 2013

ambiente13-1
click > enlarge

Ambiente is considered the most important trade fair in the global consumer-goods business. Occupying 27 halls, 4,500 exhibitors will show original items and innovations in the fields of Dining, Living and Giving. In addition to a complete overview of the market, Ambiente will be host an assortment of events that provide valuable inspiration for the coming business year.

ambiente-gala1
opening gala image courtesy of @kaihattendorf

[ partnering with france in 2013 ]
This year, as part of its partner country concept, it will be France’s turn to present an extensive programme based on the motto ‘La France un art de vivre’.

[ contract business ]
Around 250 exhibitors will present their offerings and solutions for furnishing specialists, interior designers, caterers and the hotel business. During the run-up to the fair, a digital matchmaking platform enables users to find information about companies and make arrangements for personal contacts at the fair. In addition, guided hotel tours reveal the various concepts for fitting out the top hotels ‘Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof’ and ‘The Goldman 25hours Hotel’. There are exciting talks and presentations for purchasers and decision-makers in the specially created Contract Business Lounge in Hall 4.2

ambient13-trends2

[ trends 2013: open for new ideas ]
A safe path through the jungle of styles is provided by Ambiente Trends 2013 in Galleria 1. There, the trend experts from the bora.herke.palmisano style studio will be presenting the four trend worlds ‘blossom field’, ‘classic ground’, ‘eccentric domain’ and ‘contrasting sphere’. The impressions gained from this presentation will acquire even greater depth in the talks held by this trio of designers, as well as guided tours of the special show.

[ solutions: discovering functional innovations ]
Once again, Ambiente, the leading international trade fair, will focus on exhibitors’ innovations in the fields of tableware, kitchen ware and household goods. After the successful premiere at Ambiente 2012, the London product designer Sebastian Bergne will also curate the upcoming special show in the foyer of Hall 4.0.

ambiente-ding30001ding 3000 | normann copenhagen

[ design plus: an award with a tradition ]
A success for the 30th time: in 1983, with the aim of creating a larger public for products that explore new paths in the world of design, Messe Frankfurt initiated the ‘Design Plus’ competition. The award is presented by an international jury strictly on points of design, usability and materials used.

ambiente-bmw1bmw 1 series one of three models winning awards

[ german design award 2013 ]
The German Design Award is the international premium prize awarded by the German Design Council. For the second edition of the prize an independent jury of experts selected a total of 90 award winners in ten categories from more than 1,500 nominated products. The award ceremony will be held at Ambiente 2013 on the first day of the fair and the products will be on display on every day of the fair.

ambiente-youngtalent1interior lifestyle tokyo award 2012 winner will be invited to ‘talents’ at ambiente 2013

[ talents: fresh design ideas from 13 countries ]
‘Talents’, the successful scheme for promoting newcomers, combines creativity and business. Ambiente offers selected nextgeneration designers a free opportunity to present their works to an international trade public. This time, they come from China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal and the Czech and Slovak Republics. In a specifically designated area in Loft Hall 11.0, 18 young designers and design studios will present themselves and their work.

[ next: new product ideas from design oriented small enterprises ]
In the ‘Next’ promotion area, young companies with a background in design will present exciting innovations in the product segments ‘Loft’, ‘Young&Trendy’ and ‘Carat’. A total of 35 small enterprises from 14 countries will be exhibiting their products in the three special areas in Halls 9.3, 11.0 and 11.1: witty presents, unusual jewelery and creative accessories for modern lifestyles which make that subtle difference to the assortment. Anyone looking for new product ideas at Ambiente should not pass up the opportunity to visit the ‘Next’ special areas.

[ international lifestyle studies: the trend scouts of tomorrow ]
In cooperation with Ambiente, the Fontys University of Applied Science from the Netherlands will be sending trend scouts to the fair for the second time. It is one of the few universities in the world to offer young, up-and-coming professionals a course of studies in ‘Trend Watching’. The young trend watchers will focus on future-oriented, innovative and trendy products. They will be deliberately on the lookout for megatrends at Ambiente. The trend scouts will present the results of their research at their own stand and while making the rounds of the fair.

plagiarius-latina1street lamp “latina” installed on “al waab street” in qatar given ultimate compliment

[ plagiarius: innovation vs. imitation ]
Every year, as part of the Ambiente programme, the plagiarism campaign Aktion Plagiarius e.V. awards the ‘Plagiarius’ negative prize for especially brazen copies. An exhibition will compare the counterfeit products and the originals.

[ Kitchen Innovation of the Year ]
The ‘Kitchen Innovation of the Year’ award is organized by the LifeCare Initiative and pays tribute to products that are especially user-friendly.

[ Pro-K Product of the Year 2013 ]
It’s already clear who will be the winners of the ‘Product of the Year 2013’ competition, which is organised by the pro-K Industrial Association for Semi-finished Products and Consumer Products made of Plastics. A jury of experts has awarded 18 prizes, the winners will be on display.

[ Present: a new setting for everyday things ] The ‘Present’ project deals with the theme of how to provide a new setting for everyday things. It is all about the microcosm of one’s own four walls and the various functions they perform. Students from Faculty III – Media, Information and Design – of the University of Hanover will present designs that were created as part of this project.

ambiente-addream1

modular thatch panels | ratia rabemananoro |france | 1st prize architecture

[ adream 2012 ideas competition ]
For the second time, the Free State of Thuringia and the Region of Picardy have invited applications for the ‘adream’ ideas competition. The competition is about linking architecture and design with the theme of renewable resources and ecological materials. From a total of 532 projects submitted from all over Europe; some will be on display at Ambiente.

[ Cafés with added value ]
In the ‘Café Manufaktur’ French designer Olivier Gagnère uses a selection of exhibitors’ products to create a special atmosphere. The ‘Metropolitan Garden Café’ and the ‘Café Seeds in the City’ give visitors an impression of what the topic of urban gardening is all about. These and many other cafés and restaurants are an invitation to the visitor to relax and network during the fair.

[ about ambiente ]
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen, household, giving and decorating, as well as for home and furnishing accessories. For five days at the beginning of the business year, around 4,500 exhibitors occupy 27 exhibition halls to show what consumers will be able to see in shops around the world throughout the year. In tandem a wide variety of events, promotional programs, trend presentations and awards ceremonies.

[ about messe frankfurt ]
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 538* million euros in sales and 1,891* active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries and approx. 50 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations. In 2012, Messe Frankfurt organised 109* trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent. * preliminary numbers (2012).

Trendwatchers. Ambiente 2013.

Feb 14, 2013

ambient13-trends2

A joint venture with Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg (The Netherlands) takes place for the second time, this time six students have set themselves the task of filtering out the year’s mega-trends from this unique range of consumer goods.

They are setting out as ‘Trendwatchers’ at Ambiente, looking for exciting products that reflect the latest trends. “Our consumer-goods fairs have a long tradition of sponsoring young talent. With initiatives like the ‘Trendwatchers’ scheme, we offer help and support to young designers and create exciting interfaces between the trade fair, its exhibitors and the new generation. At the same time, we create a situation in which the young trend scouts can make their first contacts with the consumer-goods sector and the design scene,” says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President Ambiente/ Tendence.

The ‘Trendwatchers’ will present the results of their investigations at their stand in the Foyer of Hall 11.0. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to view Ambiente through the eyes of these young experts: from Saturday through Tuesday, at 2pm and 4pm each day, they will lead guided tours covering selected exhibitors and their new products. Those interested can sign up either at the stand or in advance via: ils.ambiente@gmail.com.

With some 40,000 students, Fontys University is one of the largest higher education institutions in The Netherlands. It is one of the few universities in the world, where students can study ‘trendwatching’ as part of their course in ‘International Lifestyle Studies’.

[ about ambiente ]
Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen, household, giving and decorating, as well as for home and furnishing accessories. For five days at the beginning of the business year, around 4,500 exhibitors occupy 27 exhibition halls to show what consumers will be able to see in shops around the world throughout the year. In tandem a wide variety of events, promotional programs, trend presentations and awards ceremonies.

[ about messe frankfurt ]
Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser, with 538* million euros in sales and 1,891* active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries and approx. 50 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations. In 2012, Messe Frankfurt organised 109* trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent. * preliminary numbers (2012).

Interview with olaf schmidt. Heimtextil 2013.

Feb 5, 2013

olaf-HT_Trend_inventorthe ‘inventor’ themed trend | click > enlarge

This past January at Heimtextil 2013 we talk with Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

[DesignApplause] Heimtextil is a diverse and comprehensive event. How many different companies are represented in the exhibitors?
[Olaf Schmidt] I would say around 2,600+ exhibitors of which 150 are first-time companies from 62 countries.

[DA] Do you know how many from the U.S.?
[OS] 42. It’s also increasing. Of course, there isn’t a lot of the textile industry in the U.S. any longer. I think 42 is very good.

[DA] Do you know why the U.S. companies are here? Who they wish to engage with?
[OS] My answer is quite speculative in that I think maybe buyers from Europe and China. We have a lot of Chinese and Indian companies that are looking for U.S. buyers. It’s an international fair. It’s a meeting platform. We have roughly 65% international visitors. Today Asia is providing new market opportunities and there’s a significant increase of visitors from China. 10-15 years ago, few thought to sell fabrics to China. They are now looking for high quality design. Branding is very important too. It’s a very interesting development.

[DA] Is there a trend on what’s being exhibited in the last 5 years or so? What’s the mix? Are you creating a market or responding to the needs?
[OS] We respond to the needs. This fair is a picture of the market. We have now 43 additions. A long, long history. Like an old mother, a very established fair. 20 years ago we had more European and less Asian companies. This year, we have a growth of European companies. Why? They’re looking for new markets. Companies from Spain, Italy and Portugal, their local markets feel the economic conditions. These companies are looking for international business with China and the Middle East. With Russia and the U.S. as well.

The exhibitors motivations have changed. For example, the Chinese companies are now focused on their rapidly growing local market. We in fact have an inter-textile show in Shanghai every August. 1,500 exhibitors are featured here. It is the 2nd largest show of textiles and mainly for the Chinese market. Here in Frankfurt, we introduce companies to world markets where they can sell their fabrics. That’s our main agenda.

[DA] Speaking of satellite shows, at a Techtxtil press conference (interesting insight on smart fibers and the future) someone said that Messe Frankfurt is cannibalizing their brand with so many shows being served up. He adds that it’s a difficult decision to make concerning which shows to attend. Mr. Braun (Detlef) responded saying one big show is indeed more efficient. He added that maybe companies need to send more than one person to trade fairs.
[OS] I think we have a very clear strategy. We have one focus show: Frankfurt, a very large international gathering of buyers and exhibitors. However, there are specific markets of interest such as the Russian market and the Chinese market, but of course not all buyers are here in Frankfurt. So we reach out by bringing regional local shows to these markets.

[DA] What are your other markets of interest?
[OS] In addition to Frankfurt, Russia, and China where we have three shows, there’s also India, Tokyo and New York. We have InterTextile, Home Textile Sourcing and Interior Lifestyle there as well. A the new show will be in New Delhi: Heimtextil India 2014

[DA] How much do you wish to expand your markets? What are some of the challenges?
[OS] We always are looking for new markets but at the moment, we have seven shows. With India eight shows. From this perspective, that’s enough at the moment.

South America is interesting, of course. But the taxes are very high to import fabrics to Brazil putting a great burden on the companies. There aren’t enough European brands who are interested in the U.S. market.

[DA] Is it because the customers aren’t good at that end?
[OS] For each country you need a different cutting. You have to deliver very fast. When you are a German manufacturer, usually you are not successful in Spain because they have a local manufacturer. In the textile market, it’s a very fragmented local market. We don’t have many international trends like in the fashion business. Branding for a home textile market is very difficult. In Frankfurt, you find a lot of companies looking for private label businesses. They work together and then the branding is not important. It’s the quality, design and supply that is. They are here and buy the fabric. A complex mix.

Factor, for example, in Turkey, they supply to the U.S. but not many other companies do. To get European brands to the U.S. has been very difficult. Now we have the Home Textile show in N.Y. It’s mainly Asian companies who are focused on this segment. It’s a smaller show but it’s for companies who have to order short quantities and it’s very easy for them.

[DA] How should a designer best absorb Heimtextil?
[OS] I think definitely the designer should visit the trend areas because this is the first step where you get what’s on trend for the coming season.

olaf-trends-intro1entering trends pavilion

[DA] Trends 2013/14 is such a creative and beautiful presentation.
[OS] Thank you. The designer will discover what the fabrics on trend feel like and what their colors are. They will learn what are the new materials, structures and colors. Also, to better understand a trend, not in the perspective of colors and design, we present function. We have this issue of recycling for example. We speak of functional fibers. We have 30 fiber companies here in Frankfurt that produce new functionality like sun protection. We speak about climate things, fire resistance. For a contract interior designer, this is important because they look for fabrics for hotels and restaurants. When the designer first comes to Frankfurt, I would recommend they go to the trends.

[DA] What is ‘Design Live’. Is that new for this year?
[OS] We’ve had companies from different nations who offer design patterns for jackets and printing for many years, but the concept of presenting ‘Design Live’ is new. We created a new area called ‘Design Live’. It’s a new styling of this area. A new branding.

olaf-live1

[DA] We found it a very tricky model, though. They wouldn’t let us take pictures because they were afraid people would steal their designs. If someone bought the designs, then they would no longer own it. Only two companies let us take a picture but only a shot of one example. Are the participants or exhibitors of ‘Design Live’ selected by you?
[OS] They are normal exhibitors who come and say they would like to sell their patterns. It’s not a selection.
[DA] We enjoyed the aesthetic continuity and the feeling provided within ‘Design Live’, very distinct from the other offerings. You knew that they were smaller, more artisan style companies, but with a much more contemporary sensibility.

[DA] We had a hard time finding contract booths. We didn’t hit every building but are they sprinkled around or only a few contract exhibitors?
[OS] They are sprinkled because there are companies who not only produce contract textiles but many also produce for private segments too. In this regard, we spoke to the exhibitors and asked if they wanted to have a separate area and they said that it didn’t make any sense. It was a requirement from the exhibitors.

It speaks to where we are with production, especially textile production, where one company doesn’t just do one thing anymore. There are a myriad of applications. What seems to be only a residential company of course has contract clients.

[DA] What’s the percentage of contract versus the non-contract at this moment?
[OS] We only know that 15% of our visitors are looking for contract textiles. You see the guide lists around 400 companies but these are only companies that wish to be listed, it’s not mandatory. Though to be listed is a good marketing tool it’s possible companies here are not listed. We know that contract generates 40% of our total revenue.

olaf-wallgallery1one of many idea galleries

[DA] Do you feel you need to differentiate yourself from other fabric shows?
[OS] Of course we look at the competition. The concept is that we would like to show all kinds of textile products in Frankfurt. All kinds of countries which offer these kinds of products. We thought many years ago to have some accessories, but at the end we have to concentrate on the core business and then we are successful.

[DA] Tell us about ‘Let’s Talk About.’ What are you trying to achieve with this format? How was it conceived and is it well received?
[OS] ‘Let’s Talk About’ is a format that offers a different topic each year. We spoke last year about the future of hotels. Issues on design and fabrics for the future. This year we had a seminar about ‘Webchance’, a competition between internet shopping and retailers. We offer retailers lectures and education on how they can use their shop and also the web to sell the fabrics. The smaller retailers don’t know what to do. We would like to give some support to the industry and talk about sustainability. A lot of retailers don’t know what that is. We have seminars on architecture for larger retailers. It’s a service palette where we change every year according to what’s happening in the market.

[DA] What are some of the topics that you think you’ll address in the next edition?
[OS] I don’t know. I think this was a fantastic show in terms of growth from the European companies. We had a good audience from all over the world. We’re working very hard to determine what will be the trend for the next year and that takes time. There is no specific subject.

[DA] In yesterday’s Techtextil press conference, the future represented an emphasis on lower energy, sustainability and innovation. There was mention of not only innovating how it works and the end result and what the fiber can do, but also a revolution in thought process. This process included a thought-provoking concept of a European sense of self-identity, that Europe has much to gain with a united business and marketing effort.
[OS] There’s always value with any unified effort so that thought is important.

[DA] Tell us about challenges. Running out of space?
[OS] Space, no. For me, the quality is more important and maintaining it requires a great deal of effort. A way to maintain quality is to curate what is presented at our show. To exhibit in Frankfurt a company must send samples and also demonstrate they have capacity to export. We offer great quality and good suppliers. The offerings are also a consideration. The segment of decoration is a very interesting topic. Wall coverings, Hall 11, offers house textiles like bed and table linens, towels, and big brands.

[DA] Textiles, more than say objects such as kitchen appliances require more than photos to truly appreciate the offering. You have to touch the fabrics. A website or photo does not generate enough emotion. Do your exhibitors offer fabric samples to interested parties?
[OS] Yes, I think so. It’s safe to say that materials offer more sample opportunities whereas ready-made products does not.

olaf-messecampus1diverse and comprehensive messe frankfurt

[DA] Is there anything we haven’t covered that you might want to say?
[OS] I think the main message is directed for anyone who’s interested in the textile market should come to Frankfurt. A very easy message.

olaf-mug1olaf schmidt

[ heimtextil 2013 ]

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