"For the first time in years, the atmosphere at the Heimtextil is really buoyant. Our exhibitors

confirm that visitor quality is high and that there has been a significant increase in orders

placed", says Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

"The number of visitors has remained stable at over 89,000. We are very pleased with the

overall result."

            Under the motto 'Room follows Fantasy', the fair presented the textile trends for the

2007/ 2008 season. Compared to the last Heimtextil in 2006, the number of exhibitors climbed

by 100 to 2,907 (+3.4 %) while the number of visitors from outside Germany rose by almost

4%.

Economic potential for the sector foreseen 

            The results of the exhibitor and visitor polls were very good: the overall level of visitor

satisfaction reached 94%. This represents an increase of 10% compared to the previous year

and is in line with a much more optimistic estimation of the economic outlook for the sector on

both the visitor and exhibitor sides.

            The Heimtextil clearly reflects the economic potential of the sector: in addition to the

export business, which continues to be profitable and benefits from the high degree of

internationality at the fair, the contract business, i.e., textile furnishings in business premises,

represents the main area of growth for home textiles. The Heimtextil has included the

complete range of products for hotels, planning and interior architecture for many years.

New Concept theme proved to be a hit  

             For the first time this year, suppliers active in this segment were spotlighted t

hroughout the Exhibition Centre with a 'Contract Creations' logo. Two special shows bridged

the gap between theory and practice. The 'Hotels' showcase, a visionary hotel-room study by

the Graft firm of architects, Los Angeles/ Berlin/ Beijing, showed how textiles can literally

merge with architecture.

            "Thus, folds in a fabric represent new storage possibilities and replace cupboards",

said Thomas Willemeit explaining the future-oriented concept during a guided tour. The

seaworthiness of textiles was demonstrated by the 'Cruises' showcase: the Peter Deilmann

shipping line, owner of MS Deutschland, the ship made famous in the 'Traumschiff' ZDF-

television program, and yarn manufacturer Trevira offered realistic insights into modern textile

furnishings for a cruise liner.

            To take account of the increasing quality of products made in Asia, Messe Frankfurt

has created 'Asian Vision', a special area focusing on premium products in distinction to the

existing 'Asian Feeling' and 'Asian Selection' segments.

            Aiming at new target groups of today and tomorrow, for example, families with small

children, mobile, trend-oriented singles, the new patchwork families or the 50+ generation,

promises further growth. For such consumers, exhibitors presented innovations ranging from

heated baby's changing-table pads with travel adapter to new bed systems for the active 'silver

generation'.

Set the trend

            "First clear out and tidy up - then recombine, preferably, modern and classic",

suggested trend expert Gunnar Frank before calling on visitors to "Show their true colors". And

this was the motto of the international home-fashion trends for 2007/ 2008 in the Trend

Forum. Lots of color and large-format decorations reflected different artistic styles: on the one

hand, art of the early 20th century and, on the other hand, that of the Renaissance (standing

for tradition).

            The next Heimtextil will be held in Frankfurt am Main from 9 to 12 January 2008.

Further information can be found at http://www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/

Caption

Bed Linen. (Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH - Jean-Luc Valentin)