Heimtextil 2027 Expands New Talent Area with Emerging Textile Design
Heimtextil is expanding its New Talent Area for its second edition. The curated platform will return from 12 to 15 January 2027 in Frankfurt.
More than 30 participants have registered for the upcoming edition. Many will present their work internationally for the first time. The showcase will feature experimental textile designs, innovative materials and products ready for the market.
The New Talent Area is curated by Jennifer Castoldi of Trendease International. It was introduced at Heimtextil 2026 and received a strong response. Following its debut, the 2027 edition has attracted more participants.
Institutions and sponsors are also increasing their involvement. They are supporting emerging talents as they move towards the market. Therefore, visitors to Hall 4.2 can expect a wider range of creative perspectives.
From Experimental Materials to Market-Ready Products
The New Talent Area covers different stages of development. Some projects focus on experimental materials and design concepts. Others have already developed into products suitable for retail or practical applications.
The participating designers also explore a broad range of subjects. These include bio-based solutions, circularity, sustainability, neurodiversity, heritage and craftsmanship.
More than 30 participants currently represent Canada, China, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and Wales.
Most participants will make their Frankfurt debut in 2027. However, two returning talents will participate under the New Talents Plus label.
Elis Blackwood, founder of studio e.L.s designs, returns with her contemporary textile art and surface design. Artist, designer and hand embroiderer Severina Seidl will also return.
Their participation highlights the longer-term opportunities offered by the platform. Beyond an initial trade fair appearance, the format can help designers develop industry contacts. It can also support market positioning and long-term professional networks.
Hallie Graham Draws from Scottish Folklore
One of the new participants is Hallie Graham, who will present Tales of Lost Wonder. The collection features hand-printed textile wallpapers inspired by Scottish folklore and mythology.
Graham works with techniques including devoré, discharge dyeing and reactive dyeing. She combines these traditional processes with digital design applications. As a result, handcrafted concepts are translated into products suitable for the market.
The collection demonstrates how heritage narratives can inform contemporary textile design. At the same time, it highlights the potential of combining traditional craft with digital tools.
Cascavel Explores Therapeutic Patterns and Heritage
Cascavel is another emerging creative agency featured at New Talent Area. The Barcelona- and Zurich-based studio works across three interconnected creative approaches.
Its scientific division collaborates with research partners to develop patterns with potential therapeutic properties. Some designs are being explored for their possible influence on factors such as blood pressure.
Meanwhile, Cascavel’s historical approach focuses on heritage and storytelling. The studio is restoring and digitising its collection of 60,000 rare books. These resources provide inspiration for new designs with strong narrative qualities.
Its third area of work focuses on contemporary handcrafted collections. These collections are developed through a combination of craft and trend research.
FibreLab Advances Textile Recycling
FibreLab will present new approaches to textile recycling at Heimtextil 2027. The London-based start-up works with companies across the UK to develop solutions for converting textile waste into new materials.
The company focuses on materials that can offer practical and commercial applications. At Heimtextil, FibreLab will highlight a paper material developed in-house.
The material is made from 100% recycled textile waste. It is designed for applications including marketing and packaging.
The project reflects the wider direction of the New Talent Area. Emerging designers and innovators are combining sustainability, technology, heritage and material research to develop new possibilities for the textile industry.
