Heimtextil, the German trade fair dedicated to textiles, returned to Messe Frankfurt in January for four days of creative dialogue and innovation.
This spirit is encapsulated in Patricia Urquiola’s Among Us installation, which focuses on hospitality and retail applications. Located in Hall 12.0, the exhibit offers an immersive experience with optical and structural surprises, from lounge islands by Kettal with fabrics by Kvadrat to hanging textiles by cc-tapis with a regenerated nylon yarn by Aquafil and seatings by Moroso. The hanging cement structures by Cimento add additional architectural dimensions.
“The ephemeral installation we designed for Heimtextil 2025 is like a big island,” explained Urqiola during the fair’s Opening Conference. “There are multiple levels to be read and interact with: you can just walk around the installation or cross over it and stand there. The name among-us conveys a sense of conviviality and shared experiences – something that happens between us or in our midst. It also alludes to a line of small fungus-like toy creatures.”
Defined by a grid-shaped carpet, the installation invites visitors to encounter softly upholstered, anthropomorphic textile forms – or gentle monsters as Urqiola refers to them – that they can touch or relax on, enabling sensory engagement. This approach highlights her innovative take on materiality and combines conventional and unconventional elements to push the boundaries of textile design.
After listening to Urquiola explain her inspiration for the exhibit, visitors were invited to remove their shoes and fully immerse themselves by experiencing the textures and concepts first-hand. “The real barrier isn’t physical, it’s accepting to take off your shoes, step onto the platform, and explore the tangible and intangible world that the works present allow you to imagine,” she revealed.
Meanwhile in Hall 3.0, Alcova Milano curated the 25/26 Trends space. Entitled Future Continuous, the display addressed challenges facing retailers such as price pressure, reluctance to buy and changing demands on the longevity of products, across three distinct themes, before offering inspiration and conclusive solutions.
Naturally Uneven celebrates the rawness and authenticity of natural materials. Fabrics such as linen, hemp, jute and wool stand for organic structures and handmade perfection in the imperfect. Small imperfections and natural grains make each piece unique and tell stories of craftsmanship and originality. The colour palette emphasises this natural aesthetic: soft grey like untreated stone, unbleached fibre tones and the delicate ‘Rose of Permanence’, which symbolises authenticity and timelessness.
Radically Restructured demonstrates how advanced technologies and environmentally conscious design merge. The focus is on recycled materials that minimise the consumption of resources and set new standards in textile production. Heavy and light, transparent and opaque – these contrasts create a fascinating interplay of structure and appearance. In terms of colour, bold shades such as ‘End of Petrol’ and ‘New Green Deal’ dominate, visualising the upheaval. Techniques such as 3D weaving, digital printing and laser cutting reflect the innovative power that characterises this approach.
Regenerative embodies the principles of renewal, growth and circularity for customers who want to help shape a more sustainable future. Here you will find a mix of natural, recycled and bio-based fibres from linen, hemp and recycled wool to textiles that have been upcycled or reused. Handcrafted elements and techniques underline the focus on imperfection and individuality, while colours such as ‘Regenerative Azure’ or ‘Repairable Green’ convey the theme in all its many facets.
