Heimtextil Preview- Durable Values Inspire 2010/11 Trends

The trend theme for the January 2010 edition of Heimtextil is Uni(re)verse. The 10-person trend team took into account the intensity and uncertainty facing us—from obscure financial formulas to obvious ecological issues, from globalization’s pros and cons to the ups and downs of capitalism. So many critical issues demand our attention and force us to redefine what it means to be a producer, a consumer, a developer, a user, and of course, a designer.
Faced with all this confusion, our biggest challenge is to continually develop our creativity, to explore all cultures and all avenues for information. Most importantly perhaps is to learn the lessons of nature: responsible innovation, respect for diversity and an indomitable optimism.
It’s here that we can find the universal values that will help direct us out of the maze of confusion we find ourselves in. Nature’s lessons—time-tested and easily observed—offer gentleness, energy, refinement, elegance and simplicity, universal values to shape the outlines of new lifestyles, simultaneously optimistic and respectful.

REFINED ROOTS: Nature presented with modern, refined aesthetics.
LESSTRAVAGANCE: Between strict minimalism and over-the-top ostentation is a new take on EcoLuxury.
INFINITE TIME: Responsible design—for humans and the environment—over the lifetime of a product. The need for simplicity and the strong demand for quality come together in a responsible approach, where timeless authenticity is captured in a range of earthy colors; these themes connect elegance, ease and character.

INTIMATE BUBBLE: Breaking away—within the safety of closed spaces—to experience our desires of the moment.
IRRESISTIBLE STAGING: Playing with traditional references to confirm our individual personalities; a modern form of theatrical seduction.
DIGITAL CLASSICS: Virtual worlds increasingly offer new possibilities to create an imaginary existence. By mingling modern technology and decorative classicism, we achieve a dramatic exaggeration demonstrated in a theatrical range of opulent colors.

IMPULSIVE CREATIVITY: The beauty of everyday gestures and the energy of spontaneous creation.
GRAPHIC FASCINATION: Understandable, high-impact communication across all global markets.
MAGIC SIMPLICITY: Reinventing rituals and rediscovering enchantment. Instead of austere functionality, the mood is one of creative invention. Modular constructions, reworked geometrics and color-blocking are explored in pigments reminiscent of the 1980’s.

BENEFICIAL INNOVATION: Creating the time and space to allow nature to nurture.
ORGANO’TECH: Reducing daily complexities to enhance global well-being.
LAYERING REALITY: Integrating emotional added-value through technology, blending poetry and science. Natural inspiration for “soft” technologies that improve health and wellness; a range of fresh colors—from washed blues to smoky darks—provides multiple solutions from the most basic to the most complex.

Spotted: Not So Mellow Yellow

Pantone has named Mimosa, an orange-juice tinted yellow, the 2009 color of the year. The hue is best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail.
According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, yellow is the color of change, of hopefulness, of warmth . "We chose yellow based on the ... elephant in the room, the economy," says Eiseman. “The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” explains Eiseman “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”

We spotted yellow popping up all over the place on both sides of the Atlantic.

Yellow provides the POP in color and pattern schemes at Heimtextil 2009.



Window shopping in the Saint Germain in Paris, I spotted this tablescape at Misssionier. They duplicated the window in their booth at M&O.



Houles booth at Editeurs M&O showcasing their Soho trim with citron yellow drapery panels.

Tamara Bed Linens from Marimeko for Crate and Barrel. Who wouldn't be happy under these covers?

Trend Trek

I am off later today to Europe for the first round of design trade shows for 2009. I'll be reporting on Heimtextil, imm Cologne and Maison et Objet. I can't wait. Of course, the carrot at the end of the stick is Paris- my favorite city!!
Here's a sneak peek of the Heimtextil trends. Check back here over the next 2 weeks when I'll be posting direct from the shows. Be one of the first to see what's ahead....



Illusionist
High technologies for featherweight padding, layering and folding create an illusion of mass and bulk. Play a game of hide and seek behind delicately woven drapes and move around freely in layer upon layer of breezy mille-feuilles and soft, structured folds for a natural human beauty. A sculptured volume.
Time Traveler
Only the finest treasures of the past are kept and covered in patina or shiny new coatings, embellished or embroidered, to set the stage for our reclaimed cultural heritage. Cherishing decorative art from deco to nouveau and embracing intricate detailing for the ultimate luxury




Fortune Teller
The all-seeing eye tells of fortune and fame found in chaos and eccentricity. In a world where all cultures collide and yesterday spills into tomorrow, the vagabond, bohemian and free spirit rule. Eco and ethnic folks break all the rules and create a rainbow of new ethics and traditions.