Camille Khouri: Will this be your first time at Heimtextil?

Stephanie Moffitt: I have been twice before but not for quite some time; the Mokum brand sits in the high end of the market and, in the last decade, Heimtextil has been mostly about mid-market drapery, so it hasn’t really been a key fair for us. However, Heimtextil is changing and there are going to be a lot of high-end mills exhibiting this year. There is going to be a diverse product mix. I will be at the fair with Ben Moir, the managing director of our parent company James Dunlop Textiles, and we will also be looking out for products for the James Dunlop brand.

CK: What are your plans for the fair?

SM: I go to trade fairs looking for constructions, not actual designs to purchase. I source samples so I have a diverse range of constructions and weaves to put our own designs in. There is a broad range of products at Heimtextil, including wallpaper and a hall of surface pattern designers to look through. We are working with Catherine Martin at the moment on a range of textiles, trimmings and wallpaper, our third with her. She is the wife of Baz Luhrmann and a wonderful designer. We will be looking for complex techniques, grash cloths and embossing.

CK: What do you think will be the highlights of the fair?

SM: The Trend Forum is always visually really interesting, but to be honest I haven’t yet had time to look at the program for this year’s fair, as my main preparation for the trip is to book appointments with the huge list of suppliers that I need to meet with. I will also block out periods when I don’t have appointments to go hunting for inspiration.

CK: What is the future of textiles?

SM: The big change I have seen in the last five years is through the growth of digital printing and the creation of business models with access to custom design and colouring. There have been major technical advances in high performance indoor/outdoor products that are very much focussed on the residential market, with an indoor feel, but that are durable, easy-clean and sun resistant. There has been a focus on natural fibres and linens. Twenty years ago you would have an amazing new fabric hit the market and everyone would be supplying it, but that doesn’t happen anymore. Now we are spoilt for choice with products, and brands have to work on building customer relationships and a brand aesthetic through their products and marketing.

CK: Are environmentally friendly textiles a growing part of the industry?

SM: The textile industry was hard-hit by the financial crisis. People wanted environmentally conscious products, but price took over. It’s there and available but people don’t want to pay a premium. If a project is green building certified then it drives the choice, but it’s currently not as loud as it was.

CK: As someone who has been to Heimtextil before, what are your hot tips for the fair?

SM: Aside from having your product shopping list clearly defined, I highly recommend, due to the scale of the exhibition, you arrange your appointments by hall to maximise your time. Also wear comfortable shoes, as you are on your feet all day!

Heimtextil will run from 12–15 January at the Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.

Interior magazine will be attending and reporting from the event. More information on the fair here.