Reversal of roles

Anna Moldenhauer: How did the collaboration with Heimtextil come about?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: The collaboration with Heimtextil was born out of a meeting of shared visions rather than technical expertise. Throughout the various editions, Alcova's itinerant platform has intersected the textile industry in unexpected ways, exploring the future of living and manufacturing by transforming fabrics into narratives, spaces and structures. In 2019, Alcova teamed up with Bananatex to transform the exposed panettone factory ‘Ex Cova’ into a temporary exhibition space, showcasing the water-repellent textile in direct contact with the elements. This approach - where materials tell stories in space – was continued in all editions of Alcova. ‘House of Lyria’ brought the tactile depth of artisanal textile production; Buro Belen fused technology with craft, setting new standards in textile production; Beni Rugs honoured the rich tradition of Moroccan weaving and Atelier Luma explored robotic felting as a new technique. Each partnership reinforced Alcova's commitment to rethink textiles, not just as products, but as integral parts of a space. With this in mind, Heimtextil saw Alcova's vision as an opportunity to offer fresh, immersive experiences as part of Trends 25/26, allowing visitors to engage with textiles on the global stage, both as historical artefacts and as materials of the future.

In the ‘Trend Arena’ in Hall 3.0, past textile trends will be reflected and revitalised for the trade fair visitors. According to which criteria did you select the past textile trends for this?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: Our selection of past textile trends was less about nostalgia and more about resonance - how specific moments in textile history express enduring ideas. We focussed on trends that have had a transformative impact, whether through material innovation, social relevance or cultural symbolism. Each selected trend has a connection to the present, allowing visitors to the fair to see how textile history influences contemporary needs and opportunities.

The title of Heimtextil Trends 25/26 is ‘Future Continuous’ – why is looking back important for the development of new ideas in the textile sector?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: ‘Future Continuous’ shows that innovation is not a turning away from history, but a dialogue with it. There is a wealth of historical knowledge in the textile sector – techniques, philosophies, even ethical approaches - that seems more relevant than ever. When we look back, we not only preserve the past, but use it as fertile ground for new ideas and develop our practices with a nod to what came before. It's a reminder that significant progress is often rooted in reflection.

The presentation includes six interviews with designers, textile researchers, and representatives of associations and institutions. The textile industry and its related topics are examined from different perspectives. What was important to you when selecting the interviewees?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: We have searched for voices that challenge the boundaries of the industry, bringing together decision-makers, researchers, textile historians, artists and interior designers. Each interviewee offers a unique perspective – be it on sustainability, craft or innovation - that encourages us to rethink the role of textiles in today's world. This diversity of perspectives helps us to develop a more layered narrative and uncover how deeply textiles are embedded in cultural, social and material manifestations.

For the exhibition, you curated a colour selection with 18 shades from different designers. What was the deciding factor for you?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: Our colour palette has been carefully selected with both substance and history in mind. Each colour was chosen not only for its aesthetic impact, but also for the story it tells – rooted in materials, techniques or cultural influences. Inspired by our dialogues, we created a unique name for each colour and added layers of meaning that go beyond visual perception.

Alcova is a platform for independent design that uses unusual, historical locations in Milan. To what extent can you transfer this character to the presentation in the exhibition halls?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: Alcova is in many ways an event in its own right – albeit a decidedly unconventional one. In the context of Heimtextil, our approach to designing the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0 will not rely on segregated spaces, but will take the opportunity to create an environment that encourages an open dialogue with the public and the industry. We want to stimulate conversations about our research and create an immersive experience that reflects Alcova's unique approach to spaces and ideas.

Which established views should the textile industry question to open up new perspectives?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: One of the biggest paradigms facing the industry is the emphasis on quantity over value. The transition to slow, conscious production practices is essential if we are to create a future that respects both people and resources. A crucial factor in this transition is material sourcing, as the cultivation of textiles and responsible resource management are central to the sustainability of a product. Rethinking the role of local production within a global industry could create new models that are both economically and environmentally viable and promote a textile sector that is truly regenerative.

To what extent do textiles still serve today as a means of expression and communication of profound social change?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: Textiles are central to our lives, they surround us in public and private spaces and are in close contact with our bodies. Home textiles in particular have regained importance after the global pandemic, as people appreciate even more the comfort, warmth and personal expression that textiles bring to everyday environments. This shift reflects an increased appreciation for materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provide tactile comfort and root us in familiar spaces. Textiles in the home have a profound impact and embody values such as care, wellbeing and sustainability as we reflect on how these elements enhance our daily lives.

What is crucial for a holistic approach in the textile industry?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: A holistic approach in textiles must look beyond product to include process, from raw materials to end-of-life. It’s about designing systems as much as it is about designing objects, considering every stage of production as part of an interconnected whole. This means transparency, ethical practices, and a commitment to regenerating, rather than depleting, our shared resources.

What insights did you gain during your research for the Heimtextil Trend Arena?

Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima: Our research underscored the remarkable resilience of textile traditions and their limitless capacity for reinvention. This journey has highlighted a variety of approaches and confirmed that there is no single solution to such a complex, systemic challenge. From the revival of natural fibres and reimagined agricultural practices to cross-industry experimentation, local innovation hubs and shared machinery, each strategy brings us closer to a sustainable future. This balance between continuity and change is at the heart of Future Continuous. We understand that the textile industry has both a responsibility and an opportunity to move forward in a way that is forward-thinking yet deeply rooted in tradition – adapting traditional practices to meet today's needs while fostering a truly regenerative design ecosystem.