Messe Frankfurt is taking its latest trend forecast beyond the confines of its Frankfurt exhibition grounds, bringing the Ambiente Trends 26+ to audiences in Tokyo, São Paulo and Shanghai …
The show organiser says the move is significant not simply as a programme of international presentations, but as another indication of how quickly design trends are being translated across increasingly interconnected global markets.
First unveiled at Ambiente in February, the three trend worlds – brave, light and solid – were developed by trend forecasting specialist Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano. Their subsequent rollout through the Conzoom Circle network reflects a growing emphasis on giving retailers, designers and contract professionals practical insight into the influences shaping future interiors, says Messe Frankfurt.
“The three themes offer distinctly different perspectives,” the show organiser continues. “Together, however, they demonstrate the breadth of the current design landscape, from more expressive and confident approaches to interiors through to lighter, quieter aesthetics and a renewed appreciation of solidity and substance.
“Importantly, the trends are presented not merely as visual concepts, but as guidance for developing commercially relevant product collections and living spaces.”
The international roadshow began with Interior Lifestyle Tokyo from 10-12th June, followed by Interior Lifestyle South America in São Paulo from 22nd-25th June. Interior Lifestyle China follows in October, from 8-10th October. Each event presents a curated selection of the Ambiente forecast, giving local audiences the opportunity to consider how wider design movements translate within their own markets.
Tokyo’s fair also hosted a presentation from Annetta Palmisano of bora.herke.palmisano, who discussed the Ambiente Trends 26+ on the Lifestyle Salon stage. “Such direct engagement is particularly valuable in a market where design has its own distinctive cultural and commercial context,” Messe Frankfurt explains.
“For exhibitors, the initiative arguably carries an even more important message. Trend forecasting has traditionally been most useful when it connects creative direction with commercial opportunity. By taking selected products beyond Frankfurt, Messe Frankfurt is effectively extending the sales and marketing reach of participating exhibitors into additional international markets.
“That approach also reflects the changing role of major trade fairs. Their influence is no longer confined to the days when buyers and exhibitors meet in one physical location. Instead, successful exhibitions increasingly operate as platforms within broader networks, using content, trends and product discovery to maintain engagement throughout the year.”
Messe Frankfurt says the international rollout is also providing valuable feedback from the markets in which these trends are presented: “That exchange could prove just as important as the additional exposure. Global design is not a one-way process, and understanding how different markets respond to emerging aesthetics can help shape future trend forecasts and exhibition formats.
“As the furniture and interiors sector continues to navigate changing consumer expectations and an increasingly international marketplace, the ability to identify emerging directions and turn them into commercially useful ideas is becoming ever more important.
“The Ambiente Trends 26+ roadshow therefore represents more than an international extension of a successful Frankfurt presentation.” Messe Frankfurt concludes. “It is a clear statement about the continuing role of trade fairs as global sources of design intelligence, connecting inspiration with the markets and businesses that ultimately turn trends into products.”
Ambiente Frankfurt 2027 will take place from 29th January to 2nd February at Messe Frankfurt.
