Anticipating Heimtextil 2023
I am excited to be returning to Heimtextil January 10-13 for the first time since 2020! Curious about the show? Here is a rundown of how I am planning to get the most out of this sprawling event.
OVERVIEW
Heimtextil is the largest international trade fair for decorative textiles, with most attendees being retail buyers and specifiers for textile suppliers; very few of the exhibitors sell direct to interior designers. The show takes place every January at the immense Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. There are 11 multi-story buildings that comprise over 4 million square feet, and the Heimtextil show is spread across 8 of the Halls. Over 2400 vendors will be exhibiting—so doing a bit of planning ahead is essential to get the most out of the event. My strategies have been honed over many visits, so I hope they are helpful!
Above: A vignette from the Heimtextil Trend hall from the special summer edition held in 2021. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Pietro Sutera
The first step is to understand the broad range of vendors: all levels of the market are represented in products including bed, bath, and table linens as well as floor and window coverings, upholstery, sheers, drapery systems, down products, and soft accessories. Textile designers have an entire floor to display new designs to clients, and specialty firms like sample-makers, design and trend publishers, and CAD companies also show. Happily, the fair does a pretty good job of grouping like products, allowing for easier perusal, and has a good online directory of exhibitors HERE.
Before the show, I use the website to save a shortlist of existing suppliers and also search the exhibitor list for new products that are of interest. Although it’s harder for the suppliers, I try to avoid making appointments so I can be systematic about seeing everything. Nothing kills a day like running from one end of this huge fair to the other!
Above: Moments from the Heimtextil special summer edition held in 2021. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra
FOCUS
My focus, as always, will be on high-end decorative textiles, and I’ll be sourcing from mills on behalf of clients, as well as scouting trends for The Textile Eye. The European and Turkish mills and printers are concentrated in Hall 4, with the majority of high-end mills located in Hall 4.2, the third floor of Hall 4. (4.0 is the ground floor, 4.1 is what Americans think of as the second floor, and so on.) I’m also looking forward to visiting the new yarns & fibers section in Hall 4.0. There have been few yarn suppliers at past shows, and the fiber companies have been spread out, so I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn about breakthroughs and geek out on how things are made.
Above: Upholstery fabrics on display at Heimtextil 2020. Photography by The Textile Eye
Below: A buyer reviews upholstery fabric at Heimtextil 2021. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra
The trip won’t be complete without a look at some beautiful embroideries, velvets, and warp prints, which can be sourced from some of the fantastic Indian suppliers located in Hall 6.1. Hall 12 is where most of the bedding companies will show, and I love to see the creativity of the surface design and look for emerging trends in this area. In past years I’ve seen many beautiful things in Hall 12.0.
Hall 9 is another important stop, with 9.0 being the place to find the textile design studios and document dealers: almost 90 will be exhibiting! Heimtextil always curates a large selection of products together in the Trend Hall area, which will also be located in Hall 9.0. More on this below!
Another curated section is entitled Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY, and features functional textiles from 85 exhibitors. An expert panel curated the selection based on five different characteristics: ‘flame retardant’, ‘sound absorbent’, ‘light resistant’, ‘antimicrobial’ and ‘water repellent’. The products will be on show in an area called LIBRARY in Hall 4.0.
Above: The textile design section in Hall 9 Heimtextil 2021. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra
THE TREND HALL
I love to go to the Trend exhibit first. This area, found in Hall 9.0, is my first stop not only because it is fun and inspiring, but because it presents a great overview of all the products at the show. You can quickly peruse and touch a ton of textiles, and discover new suppliers to visit later in the week.
The 23/24 Trend presentation, called TEXTILE MATTERS, was put together by the Heimtextil Trend Council, which includes FranklinTill Studio (London), Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, and Denmark’s SPOTT Trends & Business agency. The overarching focus is on sustainability and circularity.
"Considering the state of environmental emergency we are currently living through, the textile industry has a responsibility to examine its processes, and change for the better. That is why for this edition of the Heimtextil Trends we are taking a materials first approach, and focusing on the sourcing, design, and sustainability of materials. Textiles Matter showcases the potential of circularity and celebrates design initiatives that are beautiful, relevant and importantly sustainable”, explains Marta Giralt Dunjó of FranklinTill.
Above: Vignettes from the Trend Hall in 2020. Photography by The Textile Eye
Below: The Trend Hall at Heimtextil 2021. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra
Below is a sneak peek at TEXTILE MATTERS, the 23/24 Trend presentation that will be presented at the show.
Trend #1 - Make and Remake
Pre-used materials, deadstock, and remnant textiles are the focus of the Make and Remake theme.
Trend #2 - Continuous
The Continuous trend theme describes closed-loop systems in which materials are recycled into new, waste-free products again and again.
Trend #3 - From Earth
This theme focuses on the natural world and harmony with the nature of organic materials.
Trend #4 - Nature Engineered
A reinterpretation of the concept of “natural”: Nature Engineered uses mechanical means to elevate and perfect organic materials, such as bast fibres, hemp, linen and nettles.
LOGISTICS
It’s always freezing in Frankfurt in January! Bring lots of cozy outerwear and plan to use one of the many COAT CHECKS to stash your stuff, the halls themselves can be quite warm. Take note of the location of the coat check and remember you’ll need to pass by at the end of the day so plan accordingly. Tips are appreciated!
The Messe has a ton of coffee bars and restaurants which means keeping fueled up is easy. Most of the restaurants are cafeteria-style, so you grab a tray and order from the folks behind the counter. Many of the eateries have themes, so if you don’t care for the look of one just move on to the next. Personally, I love to sit and have a little break over a warm meal in the middle of the day. Very civilized! And helps me stay energized.
At the espresso bars you will likely be asked for a 1 euro deposit on your ceramic cup; bring it back when you are finished for a refund.
The underground/tram stop "Festhalle/Messe" is directly at the Festhalle, so if you are not staying within walking distance you can arrive easily by public transit.
Wear comfortable shoes! Despite the long moving sidewalks, you’ll be doing lots of walking.
You will need to register and buy a ticket, you can do that ahead HERE.
I’ll be posting about the show on Instagram; feel free to reach out there if you have any questions about planning a visit.
I am honored to be included in the press contingent for Heimtex 2023, and I’ll be sharing updates from the show in January! And probably pictures of jagerschnitzel and snow as well. Below are some fun memories from past trips.
