AI accelerates creative processes and reshapes working methods across the entire textile value chain, from design concepts and material visualizations to data migration and everyday workflows, to the implementation of new products and concepts. Heimtextil 2026 makes these advances tangible and brings together renowned experts who demonstrate how AI is used in practice and what potential it offers to the industry.
Heimtextil 2026, taking place from January 13 to 16, will explore how AI is reshaping the global textile industry. Through expert talks, trend exhibits, live demonstrations and immersive installations, the fair highlights practical applications of AI. Key attractions include Alcova’s Heimtextil Trends 26/27, Patricia Urquiola’s “each other” interactive installation, and a live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu.
AI from stage to practice
The central knowledge center is the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0. This is where Heimtextil brings together a forward-thinking, business-relevant content program and translates technological innovation into actionable insights for the industry. One of the highlights is the live chat with Tim Fu: the London architect and AI pioneer talks about interior design in the age of AI with Simon Keane-Cowell, Editor-in-Chief of Architonic. On the first day of the fair, Anja Bisgaard Gaede (founder of Spott Trends & Business Aps) talks about workflows, data integration and the textile future shaped by AI. Elisabeth Ramm (Atelier Brückner) shares her insights on AI and materials in exhibition design. Martin Auerbach (Association of German Home Textile Manufacturers) explains with tangible examples how AI is used in daily work and how companies can cost-effectively integrate it into their daily workflows. Sleep expert Markus Kamps moderates sessions dedicated to the sleep megatrend and technology, featuring numerous guest speakers. In the Talk Spot in Hall 12.0, Architonic organizes a debate with exhibitor Oriental Weavers on rugs between craftsmanship and global production.
Heimtextil Trends 26/27: AI boosts for design, retail and industry
How can AI-driven design processes be combined with traditional textile crafts? The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 offer answers and guidance for the next season under the motto “Craft is a verb”. In the Trend Arena in Hall 6.1, the Alcova design platform presents six stylistic directions that explore how high-tech and craftsmanship interact. This interaction becomes visible in a vibrant color palette, where “glitches”, unexpected digital interruptions and radical synthetic accents deliberately break the natural color spectrum. Daily talks and guided tours with experts translate trending topics into concrete business insights.
“among all”: AI-generated design experience by Patricia Urquiola
What happens when we ourselves become part of AI-based creation? Patricia Urquiola explores this question in her installation “among all” (Pavilion 3.0). The designer combines futuristic textile elements, sustainable materials and new artificial intelligence technologies. “among all” shows how textiles can function as transformative and intelligent materials and actively involves visitors in the spatial staging. In a live talk on January 14, 2026, the design icon discusses his visionary approach on the Texpertise Stage. Daily guided tours bring tomorrow’s interior design to life.
AI as a creative partner for the contract business
With Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil offers decision makers in the field of interior design, architecture, hospitality and contract a personalized program. In the dedicated Talk Spot in Hall 3.1, Mauro Brigham (founder of ncbham) discusses why design is never static. Helen Häkli (independent architect, bdia) shows how AI is used as a creative partner in interior design. Further specialist lectures, including contributions from Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk (JOI-Design) and Robin Hepp (Kids Studio), complement the extensive hospitality programme.
New opportunities for crafts and interior decoration
What AI can specifically offer to the interior decoration and craft sector is demonstrated by AI expert Alexander Ligowski on the DecoTeam stage in Hall 3.0. Using selected examples, it provides practical insights into AI-based interior design, from room and color concepts to sales support, social media copy generation, and budget optimization.
New Talent Area: perspectives of the next generation of design
How does the next generation of designers relate to AI technology? In 2026, Heimtextil offers new ideas with the debut of the New Talents Area in Hall 6.1. The curated exhibition features emerging design talent from around the world and allows for direct exchange with international newcomers.
Heimtextil 2026 will be held from January 13 to 16, 2026.
Note: The headline, ideas and image of this press release may have been refined by Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fiber2Fashion News Desk (HU)
