Intergift 08: Between 10th and 14th September 2008, at Feria de Madrid
Intergift 08: The fair has established itself as a key forum for business and an ideal event at which professionals can gain an insight into the latest new features within the industry.
The international character of INTERGIFT is confirmed by the participation of more than one hundred companies from 15 different countries, as well as the attendance of 4,000 buyers from all over the world.
The latest trends reveal a predominant use of light and employment of the colour white, both of which are an indispensable feature of the traditional and modern home. Ostentation is avoided and combinations of different styles reign supreme. Textiles and lighting will play a prominent role under the heading of decoration.
Between 10th and 14th September, Feria de Madrid will host the staging of the fifty-fifth edition of Intergift, an event that will once again fulfil its mission through the direct participation of 1,300 companies and the presence of more than 2,000 brands.
Organised by Ifema, this twice-yearly fair reveals ongoing progress even when the European economy is not passing through the best of times. Intergift's favourable growth in terms of its dimensions confirms the fair's role as a leading event among trade fairs for this industry in Spain and one of the leading events on the international fair calendar. This fair offers a global perspective of an industry that is constantly evolving and provides a business forum for both visitors and exhibitors. In short, it is an ideal venue for promoting commercial activity and enabling visitors to update their knowledge regarding the latest new features.
The international character of Intergift is confirmed by the participation of more than one hundred companies from 15 different countries. Furthermore, the average number of visitors at the last few editions, which comes to 4,000 buyers from all over the world, confirms the fair's role as an outstanding trade forum and a cutting-edge showcase for the latest trends.
Seven Sections in an Area Measuring 150,000 Square Metres
The Intergift exhibition will be distributed throughout an area measuring more than 150,000 square metres. It will be organised around seven large sections and 11 different halls: Atmosphere –Halls 2, 4 and 6; Fantasy –Halls, 3, 5 and 5.1; Textile –Hall 1; Mesa Viva –Hall 8; Decorative Items –Hall 10; Miscellaneous Gifts –Hall 9, and Travel –Hall 5. Furthermore, at this edition two new exhibition areas have been incorporated that will provide more space for new features and products: the central area at the fairground and the extension area in Hall 5.1.
Trends: Whiter, Lighter and More Beautiful Homes
Intergift will renew its exhibition in order to offer professionals a complete repertoire of ideas and solutions for decorating and furnishing the home, placing special emphasis on the Christmas campaign. This selection of products will be strongly characterised by its highly creative and innovative nature, its careful design and high levels of quality, making up a series of trends and fashion lines that are capable of transforming any room in the home.
The considerable volume and diversity of styles at this edition reflects the successful combination of different styles, different accessories, a wide range of details and different colours, thus confirming the "everything goes" concept, provided that the resulting combination is harmonious and aesthetically balanced, in spite of the fact that nothing has been deliberately designed to match anything else. The latest trends incline towards the absolute predominance of light and an overwhelmingly natural appeal. Pure white, or white in its various different hues, such as almond white, bone white, olive white, magnolia, etc., will reign supreme, both in traditional ambiences and in more modern and cutting-edge contexts. Any kind of ostentation, anything that looks extremely new and resplendent is avoided, whilst the emphasis is placed on natural materials such as pine, teak and raffia, which combine with contrasting materials such as steel, varnish and rusted iron. Contrasts are the order of the day, as are antique-modern combinations and ethnic touches. Nothing is consigned to a secondary role, being strengthened by the contrasting effect. Wooden floors and skirting boards are dyed white, whilst mouldings are avoided, unless they are old. Methacrylate in simple designs and without additives, as well as textiles and lighting features, all emerge as essential decorative elements.
In modern houses, considerable care is taken to ensure a pleasant light, given that this is the medium that dresses the home. Ceiling lamps acquire a prominent role, especially large crystal chandeliers featuring large arms and tear-shaped crystals. Other options consist of fitted lights and always practical and cosy table-top lamps featuring cloth shades and designs that brighten up the room and create a warm ambience.
In bathrooms, the latest trend is to replace tiles with glass walls and, if possible, to introduce different furniture items such as chairs, small tables, etc., and decorative items such as pictures, textiles, ...
Textiles play a key role in contemporary decoration, ranging from curtains and blinds to rugs and, of course, not forgetting beds, which are upholstered from top to bottom. It is precisely here where we will come across combinations of different textures, such as silk and velvet, linen and damask, etc., and different colours, such as black and white, different chocolate shades, prints of enormous dimensions featuring stripes and flowers, etc., all of which invite us to create highly elegant ambiences that evoke a certain French appeal.
In order to enjoy lighter and more diaphanous spaces in small-sized flats, blinds present a good option over curtains, except for the bedrooms, whilst curtain ties, flounces and double curtains are strictly forbidden, given that they only detract from the sense of spaciousness and gather dust.
It is also fashionable to decorate the home with large-format photos, which can be placed in the most unconventional places: kitchens, bathrooms, hallways ... especially if they are black and white photos, given that these colours enormously facilitate our work when it comes to combining them with the shade of the wall.
Tableware is another aspect of the home that enjoys an increasing amount of attention. In this respect, the brands will present a wide-ranging and creative deployment of ideas with each of the product ranges exhibited at this edition of Intergift, encompassing cutlery, glassware and crockery, not to mention an entire series of items that are essential when it comes to presenting a proper table: centre-pieces, vases, sculptures, candles ....
Whatever the case may be, the ultimate form of decoration offers the user convenience and a casual appeal. There is no doubt that the homes that are most "alive" are also the most comfortable, as well reflecting a strong sense of personality. Although it is essential to listen to the experts, it is not necessary to follow every fashion or trend. The best approach is to always be well informed so that the best choices can be made.
Imagination Enters the Scene
Another of the most important dimensions at Intergift consists of the halls devoted to Imaginative Ideas, Miscellaneous Gifts and Travel Items, where visitors will find an endless number of curios designed to suit every taste. These products are based on a strong sense of opportunity, being specially designed in some cases for children and young people, whilst in others they are aimed at the company and promotional gift market, a key sector of demand at this time of year. In this section, the value of these products resides in their technological characteristics, their handcrafted appeal and their originality, offering a veritable parade of fashionable items packed with style and design.
The ideas presented by the exhibitors on this occasion will include the following: highly colourful soft toys in all sizes; piñatas featuring amusing illustrations for children; games and toys; dolls; and balloons for professionals and for balloon enthusiasts. Visitors will also come across a range of attractive aprons made of vinyl, the latest in writing items, such as sophisticated pens and diaries, digital photo frames featuring image reproduction, as well as all kinds of USB gadgets. Among the travel items, we might highlight the new trolleys available in all imaginable colours and the lightest of materials, although they are specially designed with highly durable materials to withstand all kinds of knocks and scrapes.
As is customary, Intergift will coincide with the staging of Bisutex, the International Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Trade Fair, and Iberjoya, the International Jewellery, Silverware, Watch and Related Industries Exhibition. Over a period of five days, these three fairs, all of which are leading events in their respective sectors, will turn Madrid into a grand centre for business and information regarding the international decoration industry.
