FRANKFURT Every year, the human-pow-
ered machine behind Messe Frankfurt puts on
over 150 industry trade fairs at its namesake
exhibition grounds. Founded in 1907, the
German event organizer is the biggest in
the world, and its grounds reflect that scale.
Despite wayfinding at every turn in the venue,
it’s quite easy to get off path when a space is
engulfing in its enormity and you’re side by
side, at all times, with small armies of people.
Approaching its 50th anniversary
in 2021, Heimtextil hosts 58 events in 16
global locations; for this edition of the fair in
Frankfurt, the network hosted 2,952 exhibi-
tors from 66 countries. Visitor foot traffic in
2019 broke 600,000, a sharp increase from
520,000 the previous year. The Trend Space
- to which Heimtextil dedicates an impres-
sive 2,000 m^2 – is an essential anchor point.
Conceived and implemented by the Amster-
dam-based Stijlinstituut with Dutch designers
Grietje Schepers and Harm Rensink, this
edition’s centred on immersive microcosms
showcasing five conceptual themes – Maxi-
mum Glam, Pure Spiritual, Active Urban,
Heritage Lux and Multi-Local – through the
work of collaborating artists and designers.
Textile samples from over 1,000 exhibitors
were selected to comprise the showcased
material palettes of each group.
These – in addition to the
overarching fair theme, Where I Belong – were
developed by the Heimtextil Trend Council,
a group consisting of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam
and fellow design agencies FranklinTill and
Spott Trends and Business. The idea for
Where I Belong was born during Heimtextil
Trend Council’s annual meeting, where
the agencies gather to brainstorm and plan.
A topic that they magnetized towards consist-
ently was ‘identity’, referring to the wider
range of societal discourse on gender, cultural
diversity, tolerance and curiosity. The trend
microcosms highlight auxiliary needs: that for
increased spirituality and natural connection,
cultural diversity, flexibility and multisensory
experiences, for example.
‘We are very much aware of the
massive political, economic and environmen-
tal challenges today – these are topics heavy »BELOW Curated by London-based
agency FranklinTill, the Future
Materials Library showcased a
range of innovative and sustainable
materials, such as fabrics made from
human waste.OPPOSITE A calming, refuge-like
space housing Bruce Shapiro’s
kinetic, meditative sculpture
Sisyphus was designed to reflect
the Pure Spiritual theme.78 Spaces