PROMOSEDIA: Quality remains show's focus
By Jenny Heinzen York -- Home Accents Today, 10/1/2007
Last month's Promosedia exhibition in Northeast Italy offered a look at some of the cutting-edge chair designs from the European residential and contract markets.
The show, which has struggled over the last few years, is still working to define itself in a business environment where there are fewer buyers and the ongoing weakness of the dollar is hurting all European exporters. Last year, the show was closed to any non-Italian exhibitors, but organizers relaxed that policy this year, only to include other European exhibitors.
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| All shades of pinks and purples were important, evidenced by the Bolide and Ross chairs by Blues. |
In these chairs from Belgian producer De Zetel, the dark gray background is punched up with hits of black and silver for a sharp contrast against the white frame. |
"We made the decision about widening international participation, but only at a certain quality level," said Pierpaolo Constantini, the newly named president of the show, through a translator. "In other words, we will not be open to low-cost Oriental manufacturers."
He said the show was working to increase its promotions, in coordination with manufacturers and the local governments in this historic chair producing region, to boost attendance and keep the show vital.
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| A nubby apple green cover offsets the striated, bent-wood design of this chair from Interior Beltramini. |
Embossed leathers adds a punch to mainstream designs, such as on this classroom-style chair from ILS Collection. |
As it becomes more important in the United States, the issue of environmental consciousness has for some time been top of mind for Europeans, and the exhibition reflected that.
"In this area, there is a lot of sensibility and awareness of green," Constantini said. "The whole of Europe wants to know where timber comes from and about the reforestation of the trees." He also noted that 30% of the region's producers use only water-based paints and varnishes. "Green is progressing very satisfactorily," he said.
The mood on the show floor was generally upbeat, and manufacturers brought some sharp new designs to capture the eyes of buyers, representing a variety of countries around Europe and the world.
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| One of the few traditional designs on display, this elegant twist-back chair from Minotti Sedie is adorned with a shiny blue embroidered cover. | Lilac and apple green meet in this striped chair design from Portugal's Fenabel. |
Small-scaled contemporary looks reigned, as befitting any European market. Darker finishes were significantly more apparent, but most striking in the wood veneers and laminates was the dominance of zebrano, wenge and other heavily striated species.
The palette was generally neutral with the most dominant color being a soft shade of lilac. Apple green was also strong, shown sometimes in combination with purples. The oranges and reds that have been so prevalent were still available, but were most effectively used as a punchy twist on black and white combinations.
