There is always something new to see at Heimtextil, but I cannot help but be delighted when I see an exhibitor that has not shown in Frankfurt before. Today I came across two that I liked very much.
Kentia S.A. has been around since 1977. This Greek company’s sheets and pillowcases are ultra-colorful. That’s what caught my eye as I walked through Hall 9.2. They are also quite youthful. Kentia says their target market is females from 25–45 years old, but in the U.S., their designs would appeal at a younger level, probably to teens or tweens. Bright Yellow and Hot Pink could not be ignored in designs that feature outlined flowers, wavy lines or words (Don’t Worry Be Happy). In one design, dots read like bubbles floating along a pillow. One of my pictures is at left. Very fun.
I also stopped at Elllee (no, that’s not a typo) because of a color story but walkedaway knowing there was so much more to admire about this line. The color that hooked me was Petrol (think Peacock Blue). Electric Blue was also intriguing. This VERY Red-cast Navy sits between Blue and Purple and is a 2006 forecast color in The Trend Curve Colors™ 2006.
Designer Ellen Jacoby walked me through the stand. She showed me asymmetrically styled placemats and a table cloth/napkin set called The Secret Dinner Conversation of Queen Elllee. In this group, the napkin carries a jacquard woven story—words run in lines from top to bottom. The tablecloth, however, has no words at all. Only the punctuation has been woven in. But the display gets better. Table settings are projected onto the table and, when someone approaches to look, music begins to play.
I also have to mention the props Ellen designed to show off her textiles. They are faux plates, flatware and stemware made of acrylic. They are cut in discs (used in stacks to represent a wine glass) or like flatware “silhouettes”. I snapped a shot of clear acrylic pieces on their fabulous runners that you can see here. New customers for her linens are also asking to buy the props, so she will develop a price list. Could a first showing at Heimtextil get any better for Elllee?
Möve is not a new company but I have to mention my favorite product in their booth. Soaps so thin that they appear to be sheer stole the show. Made in Thailand, these 100% natural soaps are right for a single use. They come individually wrapped inside of a silk covered box (see picture or click on it to see a larger version). Now THAT is luxury!
My Heimtextil Trend Flash™ will be emailed to subscribers after I finish my day tomorrow. It will include topline trends in color, pattern, fabrication and more, plus my Not To Be Missed List for those of you who are also in Frankfurt for the fair. If you are a subscriber and Cathy DeBono does not already have your email address, you can call her at 800.531.6614 or email Cathy@TrendCurve.com and update your records so you will receive the Flash. It’s another benefit reserved exclusively for subscribers to The Trend Curve™.