Sep 15, 2011

Christmasworld Trends 2012/13: Color is the Crucial Signal

With around six months still to go before the next Christmasworld from 27 to 31 January 2012, Messe Frankfurt has announced the new trends for the festive-decoration sector in 2012/13. Based on the current trends of the international fashion and design scene, the Christmasworld Trends show clearly today what will dominate in the coming season. Every year, Christmasworld joins forces with designers of bora.herke.palmisano to develop four worlds of style and thus give the sector a guide to the individual product groups and a description of the colours and materials of the coming season.

Colour, light, material and processing

“Colour is the crucial signal for the coming season”, explains Claudia Herke of designers bora.herke.palmisano. “Particularly intensive and rich shades will be the emotional standard bearer of an optimistic and future-oriented philosophy in 2012/13”, adds the designer. In addition to the new colours, a conscious and sensitive examination of light, material and processing is to be seen. Bright colours achieve their maximum impact and depth especially in combination with light effects, lustrous surfaces and interesting structures.

The designers have brought together the most important influences, ideas and products from the festive-decoration sector in four worlds of style. The trends for the next 18 months range from a gentle, restrained manner, via natural freshness and elegant glamour, to brightly coloured purism.

‘Soft Cloud’ – harmony and charm

The ‘Soft Cloud’ world of style gives expression to a sensitive character. The look is soft and feminine, as well as light and transparent. The colours are restrained and match the calm design. A bright range of warm and creamy shades, such as natural white, sand grey and taupe, dominate the spectrum of colours. However, an important role is also played by fresh shades, such as aquamarine, apricot and a pale violet. The unobtrusive colours are combined with sensible materials with fine and pure-looking, chalky-dry surfaces or a matt silky lustre. Tender flowers set accents. Other materials include chiffon, organza and lace, which round off the elegant, feminine style.

‘Fancy Folk’ – a modern interpretation of folklore and tradition

Hand-made products and visuals supplemented by flowers, handi­craft elements and a little kitsch are the determining elements of the emotional and humorous look of ‘Fancy Folk’. In this case, the spectrum ranges from traditional ethnic art to unadulterated nature. Rich, brilliant shades, such as fuchsia, forest green, cerulean and poppy red, are combined with stone grey and deep gold-ochre The cheerful look is supported by lively surfaces, irregular textures, dyed or natural wood, quilts and leather. The motifs are reinterpreted and integrated into a modern and creative context.

‘Late Night Glam’ – disco, seventies chic and glamour

The designs are opulent, exclusive and sensual – but always casual. Decorative elements are interpreted in a sophisticated and modern way. The world of style celebrates life not as an everyday event but something special. And this is also underscored by the intensive and warm colours that generate a mystical and exotic flair. Deep brown, dark plum blue and caviar black form the backdrop for orchid shades, mandarin and hints of gold. Essential for a perfect late-night look are sequins of all sizes in a random arrangement, as well as surfaces with a pearl shimmer, while the use of crystal, leather and textiles such as satin and panne velvet ensures a high degree of glamour.

‘Cool Vibrancy’ – strong colours for reduced design

‘Cool Vibrancy’ demonstrates optimism and forward-looking excite­ment. The look is high in quality, clearly defined and adult. Accents are set by graphic patterns and the interaction of colour overlays, shadows and different degrees of transparency. The colour catches the eye through its almost fluorescent intensity. The luminosity of brilliant white, sunny yellow, sparkling emerald green and challenging pink leaves no doubts in the mind while contrasts, such as deep ink blue and a dark shade of cyan, round off the look. The materials are characterised by high-quality designs and materials and glass of all kinds plays an important role. Haptic effects are created by plastics, rubber, leather, taffetas and fine wool qualities.

A visual interpretation of the worlds of style can be seen in the Christmasworld Trend Show in Galleria 1 during the fair from 27 to 31 January 2012. Then, the design experts of bora.herke.palmisano will hold daily tours of the show and, in the subsequent lecture, explain the impact and implementation of the trend themes. The Trend Brochure showing the most important colours, materials and patterns will be available free of charge at the Trend Show information stand.

Christmasworld 2012

The next Christmasworld in Frankfurt am Main will take place from 27 to 31 January 2012. Further information about the international trade fair and the trends can be found on the internet at: www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com.

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is Germany’s leading trade fair organiser with € 448.3 million in sales and more than 1,600 active employees worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 28 subsidiaries, five branch offices and 52 international Sales Partners, giving it a presence for its customers in more than 150 countries. Events “made by Messe Frankfurt” take place at more than 30 locations around the globe. In 2010, Messe Frankfurt organised 87 trade fairs, of which more than half took place outside Germany.

Messe Frankfurt’s exhibition grounds, featuring 578,000 square metres, are currently home to ten exhibition halls and an adjacent Congress Centre. The company is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com