Imaginative gifts, extraordinary jewellery and creative accessories for a modern lifestyle – anyone looking for new product ideas at Ambiente from 15 to 19 February 2013 should not miss the ‘Next’ special exhibition with numerous international design entrepreneurs showing completely new collections, small product series and unique pieces.
 
Altogether, 35 small companies from 14 countries will be making presentations in three special areas in Halls 9.3, 11.0 and 11.1. The majority of them present their own creative ideas: “‘Next’ stands for the ‘next step’ taken by young creative personalities who have decided to market their own designs and products. With our promotional programme, we give them the chance to position themselves in the international market for relatively little money and to make important contacts to the international retail trade here in Frankfurt”, says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President Ambiente / Tendence. Thus, visitors to ‘Next’ can look forward to a host of fresh and unique impulses for expanding their product assortments.

Young & Trendy: Urban style meets family happiness
 
Genuine Berlin style is to be found, for example, on ‘Berlindesign.net’, an online portal that will be taking part in Ambiente in Hall 11.1. Over 300 young designers from Germany’s capital present their products under this unique umbrella brand. The spectrum covered ranges from furniture, luminaires, stationery, jewellery and accessories to fashions. Everything for one’s loved ones also comes from German studios. While ‘Lady Dog’ has some extraordinary articles for man’s best friend, ‘Rotzlöffel’ (roughly = snotty-nosed brat) and ‘Lausejungen’ (= rascal) offer unusual romper suits, children’s shirts and accessories, not to mention the coolest bed linen for young people.
 
Other ‘Next’ exhibitors in Young & Trendy put the creative spotlight on a favourite material or subject. For example, the core of the presentation by ‘Ursanina’ from Slovenia comprises emotional and wonderful articles made of felt while ‘Aveva Design’ from Sweden gives free rein to the pleasure of timeless design and retro-motifs. And then there is ‘Hotelloftthings’ from Lithuania with some surprisingly elegant ideas for travellers, not to mention the Hamburg-based label ‘Luftstoff’ (Air Fabric), which offers original products made from airbag fabric.

Loft: digital meets analogue
 
There will be a great atmosphere in Hall 11.0 thanks to the ‘Pokketmixer’ from Berlin. The digital turntables in pocket format link mobile devices and music systems without the need for a battery, which means the party can begin anywhere and at any time. Also from Berlin is the ‘Njustudio’ label that, for example, transfers well-known graphic PC symbols to the analogue world with the ‘Neuer Ordner’ (= New File) metal shelving system. In complete contrast to this is Japan’s ‘Paper Tool Shop Kamigu’ with amazing, humorous and practical things made of paper. Under this joint brand, different designers market their air vases, origami street scenes from Amsterdam, water-proof trays and other products, all made of paper.
 
Fully in line with the latest trend is ‘Linedyr’ from Denmark with its knitwear lamps and hand-made accessories. Another Dane, Dorte Niedziella, is also obsessed with knitted and fabric products and, with ‘StrikAholic’, brings modern graphic design to bed linen, blankets, pillows and other home textiles. SEMdesign from The Netherlands invites visitors to see everyday articles in a different, surprising way. Thus, common furnishings are distinguished by a subtle touch of humour, e.g., when a carpet is folded up into a table or a table runner gives diners the chance to solve innumerable riddles. The focus of Ragnheiður Ösp from Iceland is also on things that make life more attractive. Under her brand, ‘Umemi’, she embroiders a variety of products, such as modern wooden stools, or makes individual, friendly monster.