Me and You Forever: Ambiente 2018

Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main isn’t just the world’s largest trade fair for consumer goods, but also a reliable trend barometer. What’s new, and what’s going to remain in fashion? The trend presentation by Stilbüro Bora.Herke.Palmisano during the fair will offer answers to these two central questions – with a coffee mug playing an important role.

Whether in fashion, art or design, “anything goes” is the attitude of our time. Everyone seeks out a niche that appeals to them. Yet, again and again, phenomena that just about everybody can agree on continue to arise – be it a brand, a colour, a technology or a travel destination. Trends remain “in”. They show the interest of a broad public and point to that which will soon be part of our everyday life. It is only logical, then, that Ambiente at Messe Frankfurt has been presenting the latest trends to its visitors for ten years now. With 4,460 exhibitors from 94 nations, the world’s leading consumer goods trade fair reliably reflects all relevant currents, influences and sources of inspiration.

Under the title “Ambiente Trends 2018” and in cooperation with Stilbüro Bora.Herke.Palmisano, the fair provides orientation in questions of the zeitgeist. “We want to give the visitor a clear picture as quickly as possible,” says Claudia Herke of Stilbüro. The most important developments in the consumer goods sector are therefore gathered in four thematic areas: Modest Regenerations, Colourful Intentions, Technological Emotions and Opulent Narrations.

The trend presentation in Galleria 1, centrally located on the Messe Frankfurt grounds, fills these keywords with life, as Bora.Herke.Palmisano conceive four encompassing theme-worlds, from the wall design to the selection of the objects. They bring together products of the Ambiente exhibitors, furniture and material samples in tableaus full of atmosphere. But they don’t merely select novelties. “We always also show products that have proven themselves over time, maintained their relevance and thus deserve to be included,” says Annetta Palmisano of Stilbüro.

Stilbüro tracks trends closely year-round. Its members attend trade fairs and travel to exhibitions and industry events. One of their findings: bright, cheerful colours and plastics are again in vogue. But there is more to this than simple joie de vivre. “A second look reveals an unexpected concern,” says Annetta Palmisano. Behind the brightly coloured objects lie questions of their ecological value or of social aspects, such as the conditions of their manufacture. In response, Stilbüro coined the term “Colourful Intentions”. Case in point: a reusable mug made of recycled plastic designed to replace the not-so-sustainable disposable coffee cup.

The three other thematic areas take up further contemporary phenomena. Technological Emotions, for example, resonates with the question of how much technology we want to integrate into our everyday life. A keyword here: smart home – which Bora.Herke.Palmisano lend visual expression through metallic or iridescent surfaces and hybrid materials. The two theme-worlds Modest Regenerations and Opulent Narrations are captivating as well, demonstrating the ease with which starkly contrasting aesthetics can be juxtaposed today – one minimalistic and unpretentious, the other extravagant and ornamental.

Stilbüro will further illuminate these relationships in trend talks during the fair. Twice a day, visitors will have the chance to learn more about the four theme-worlds in the Ambiente Academy. “That has twice the intensity,” says Annetta Palmisano, describing these talks as trend reports pointing to developments well beyond the current season. The message of sustainability is a topic for which Bora.Herke.Palmisano predict ongoing demand. “That’s something we’ll have to continue to deal with,” says Claudia Herke.

There is news from Ambiente in the area of service as well. Even before the fair begins, the Business Matchmaking Programme can help visitors seek out and make the right contacts and appointments for their time at Ambiente. This free service provides access to profiles of exhibitors, buyers and retailers. Business Matchmaking has its own team to respond to inquiries and match mutually suited profiles. Nothing is left to chance or algorithms here – whereby Ambiente may be setting a new trend in the realm of trade fair service.

© Architonic