As closer we get to the launch of Arfai’s new collection, as bigger is the expectation on what will the new year bring for home accessories. After BETWEEN Collection, in 2018, and EXPERIENCING in 2017, what can we expect for the upcoming seasons?
“To know what tomorrow’s homes will want is our motto and the question we have been asking ourselves over the last few months. Targeting trade buyers, we have the mission to keep being ahead: We have observed the main trendsetters, visited fairs, read statement magazines, researched and studied the finest sources to finally find how the main trends evolved and how (and which) home accessories will actually fit next seasons.” says Tânia Gonçalves, Arfai Senior Designer.
THE BEHAVIOR: MINDFULL CONSUMPTION
The negative effect of mass consumption is a fact and consumers are concerned about changing the flow, pressing the reset button and assuming their responsibility in creating a better world. This attitude influences the way they choose the products they buy: being conscious about a product’s origin, avoiding the unnecessary, and seeking essentialism (not minimalism). As long as interiors are concerned, the focus is on refusing the disposable, choosing meaningful and mindful products that express one’s self and identity – consumer do want their homes to reflect their stories.
.Expect then meaningful designs; designs that tell a story and that will pop out in any shelf.
THE NARRATIVE: NOSTALGIA, NOSTALGIA…
Our experience tells us that current trends are not more than a maturation from the previous ones. In BETWEEN Collection, we have explored the past and future dichotomy to bring indoors a touch of grandma’s house: a refuge from the unknown future that is found in the comfortable memories of the past. This NOSTALGIA keeps present but has evolved, so for 2019, we will have a revival of the 70’s.
. Expect boldness, indulgence, enthusiastic geometry, opulent colors and some of the theatrical environment we had back on the 70’s.
AND: CALL IT RAW, HONEST, SIMPLE, NAKED…
The presence of the natural element is undeniable and impossible to avoid. For interiors, for fashion and for lifestyle in general. The narrative here is not new: disconnect from the overstimulated world by embracing the simple, honest nature. What’s different from before?
. Expect rawness, consumers do want to dig deeper into nature in its naked form: earthy faded tones, sandy textures, and a lot of inspiration from the landscape in general.
How did we apply this to ceramics? Just wait for it.
WHAT’S NEW FOR SHAPE?
And finally the shape. The narrative behind 2019 collection has forced us to create a handful of new shpes: Arfai Design Team will present 10 new product lines, a total of more than 30 pieces that will certainly reformulate Arfai product library. “We usually re-create current product lines by applying new finishes and decorations. Many times this new garment gives already existents pieces an all new life and a stamp of “NEW DESIGN”. This time, this was not possible: we needed to have shapes that could wear (and bear) the strong novelties new collection will bring”, explains the designer.
. Expect more 30 designs, that were never seen before.
SAVE THE DATE
Arfai new collection will be launched during the next edition of Ambiente Fair, taking place in Frankfurt from the 8 to 12 February – contact us and make your appointment. Or do you need an entrance ticket? Arfai team will be glad to see you there.
