Market Report — Frankfurt, Germany
By Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 2/11/2008 1:19:00 PM
February 12, 2008 — Ambiente got off to a good start on Friday, February, 8, in Frankfurt, Germany, with plenty of buyers and vendors expressing their satisfaction with how the fair began. "It's too soon to tell, but things are looking good," one vendor told Gifts & Decorative Accessories.
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| The Ritzenhoff booth |
In fact, the fair was busy throughout the weekend, and by Monday there were still many buyers walking the show floors. So many, in fact, that it was sometimes difficult to get through certain halls. "This is better than any U.S. show I've been to this market season," said Joe Kim of Design Ideas.
Most of the vendors we spoke to were very pleased with business. Maria Buytaert, of Maria Buytaert Candles in Germany, said she was having a very good show. Another vendor pointed out that while traffic was steady, she felt the market was a little slow, but said the economy is slow and that could be a reson. Still, she had written 15 orders earlier in the day, so she “really couldn't complain.” Maurao Spigarelli of Spigarelli Ceramics said, "This is an important show. It's an order-writing show. It's an information show. And it's important to be here."
Gallery of Intros
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| Phillipe Deshoulieres |
We also got a nice look at what's to come in April from Villeroy & Boch; the dinnnerware company has turned to the outdoors in its Urban Nature line. Influenced by a rustic concept, the dinner plates have organic shapes and feature a unique, bridged
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Rosemarie Benedikt |
The new Love Conquers All collection from Orrefors features pairs of champagne flutes, wine glasses and martini glasses, as well as a cake plate with a ring around the stems that reads Love Conquers All. Also from Orrefors, From Here to Eternity features a floating glass ring inside a glass block. The new pieces have a sentimental quality perfect for wedding gifts.
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| Donatella Versace for Rosenthal |
Maria Buytaert Candles are made from paraffin and food grade wax, and are poured using a special technique that allows the wax to burn outward to create a scrolled shape. The designer was quick to point out that the candles are made in Germany; this is a selling point for buyers who want to avoid buying products that are made in China. In fact, this is a big issue in Frankfurt, and many vendors posted signs in their booths stating where the product is made.
Trends: Glamour and Glitz
Black and white was a big color combination at this market, especially when paired with red. Many vendors also showcased a casual, shabby chic, almost French-flea-market look in their products. There were furniture pieces with a distressed look, and textiles featuring floral motifs in soft pink, blue and green, as well as brighter tones of red, blue, orange and green.
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| Wedgwood |
One company called Rice, out of Denmark, offered a wide selection of decorative accessories, kitchenware, clothing and textiles that would be right at home at American retailer Anthropolgie.
Meanwhile, glitz and glam continues strong in gifts. Many vendors offered wide selections of lighting with crystal and glass, as well as Baroque motifs. The look is a bit more kitschy than the sophisticated designs we have been seeing the last few markets. But its fun and youthful approach and is perfect for young, urban consumers.
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| Royal Crown Derby |
There were many American buyers walking the show floor. Crate & Barrell, The Container Store, Red Envelope, and other smaller retailers were also spotted. The big news for Messe Frankfurt is the Design Life show scheduled for July 4–8. There are 3,500 exhibitors already lined up for the new summer market, and since the show is taking place Over American Independence Day, Messe Frankfurt is hosting a party for its U.S. attendees.
Knock-offs are also a big issue here and three years ago, Messe Frankfurt began Messe Frankfurt Against Copying, and since its inception there are half the numbers of copies. Three years ago there were 1,000 copies, now less than 500 products are affected.
Next up, a look back at West Coast shows in Seattle and San Francisco.
