I’m excited to be returning to Heimtextil January 9-12! Will you be going? Here’s how to get the most out of this massive event.

OVERVIEW

Heimtextil is a key international trade fair dedicated to decorative textiles, primarily drawing retail buyers and specifiers seeking textile and made-ups suppliers; few exhibitors engage in direct sales to interior designers. Held annually in January at the expansive Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, the event unfolds across 11 multi-story buildings and 8 halls, totaling over 4 million square feet. With more than 2400 vendors participating, strategic planning is crucial. Having refined my game plan over the years, I’m happy to share my insider tips.

Fibres & Yarns display. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra

It’s important to understand the breadth of vendors: from bed, bath, and table linens to floor and window covering, upholstery, sheers, drapery systems, down products, and soft accessories. A complete floor is reserved for Textile Designers to display new designs to clients, and specialized firms (sample-makers, design and trend publishers, and CAD companies) also show. Luckily, the fair is well-planned, grouping similar products and organizing exhibitors into an online directory. They also excel at curating products from many vendors into specialized areas (like the Trend Hall, which I’ll delve into later), so you are sure to discover something new when you are there.

In preparation for the show, I use the site and the IOS app to prioritize old favorites and also research new suppliers . I try to avoid making appointments so I can be thorough about seeing as much as possible. Running from one end of this giant fair to the other is not feasible, so keep the map in mind when planning your visit.

Above: Moments from the Heimtextil preview day. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra

FOCUS

Each year, my focus is the same: introductions and innovations in high-end decorative textiles. I’ll be sourcing from mills for my clients, and making note of trends for The Textile Eye.

The European and Turkish mills and printers are in Hall 4, with high-end mills 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.) Some excellent Indian mills and embroidery specialists will be in Hall 6. Yarns & fibers will have a special section, and I’m hoping to get some nerdy questions answered there.

Above: Decorative & furniture fabrics. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra

Below: A buyer views a display of bed & bath fashions. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Jean-Luc Valentin

In Hall 12, I look for emerging trends from the bedding companies, whose surface design embodies the ingenuity and creativity of textile design. In years past I’ve seen many beautiful things in Hall 12.0.

Hall 3 is where the textile design studios are found: 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 3.0. More on this below!

The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY is a materials library. It focuses on the following properties: flame-retardant, sound-absorbing, lightfast, antimicrobial, dirt-repellent, and scrub-resistant. These properties are just some examples of the specific market demands for sustainable options. You can find these materials on show in the LIBRARY in Hall 4.0.

*The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY 2023. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra*

THE TREND HALL

Year after year, I make a beeline to the Trend exhibit. This area (found in Hall 3.0 in 2024) is my first stop - not only is it fun and inspiring, it also presents a great summary of all the products at the show. It’s an efficient method to take in a ton of textiles and get familiar with new suppliers to visit later in the week. The area is also a wealth of technical information, with innovations in fibers, circularity, and sustainability taking center stage.

The 24/25 Trend presentation New Sensitivity was curated by the Heimtextil Trend council. This year it includes Anja Bisgaard Gaaede from SPOTT Trends (Germany), Anne Marie Commandeur from Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, and Caroline Till and Kate Franklin from FranklinTill Studio (London). The themes concentrate on deliberate consideration regarding sustainability and innovation in textile design.

“Heimtextil Trends 24/25 is about approaching the future of textiles with a New Sensitivity. In this context, sensitivity means considering impact when making a decision or product. We need a sensitive way of thinking and considering our relationship with each other, technology, and nature as linked functioning as a nexus. Specifically, we are seeing New Sensitivity emerging in home textiles through three different approaches: plant-based, bioengineered, and technological textiles. All three directions show different pathways towards a more sensitive world of textiles.”

Above: Color inspiration for the 24/25 Trend presentation

Below: The Trend Hall at Heimtextil 2023. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Photography by Thomas Fedra

Below is a sneak peek at New Sensitivity, the 24/25 Trend presentation for the show.

Trend #1 - Plant-based Textiles

Materials that are grown, rather than fabricated, are the basis of this emerging trend. Both plant crops, like cactus, jute, and seaweed, and plant by-products can be transformed into new materials for innovation.

**Plant-Based Textiles** Jute samples by textile designer Amy Lewis

Trend #2 - Bio-engineered Textiles

Bio-engineering closes the gap between nature and tech to reimagine the way textiles are made. This trend consists of nature-inspired strategies for textile production and enhancing biodegradable textiles.

**Bio-engineered Textiles** by Modern Meadow

Trend #3 - Technological Textiles

From upcycling and recycling to textile construction, technological advances in textile design are helping to reveal a path towards a more sustainable industry overall. Considerations of durability and energy usage are also informing the advancement of textile production.

**Technological Textiles** Studio Pauline van Dongen & Suntex

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 2024, 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.