Up Next: Ambiente 2019

From February 8-12 Ambiente 2019, Frankfurt will present the newest consumer goods for the global market for 2019 in the areas of dining, living and giving. The international trade fair attracted 133, 582 trade visitors from 168 countries at last year’s 2018 edition.

This year’s edition sees Ambiente hosting the special guest country, the Republic of India. Curated by designer Ayush Kasliwal, the Indian section will focus on traditional crafts as well as delve into the mythology, architecture and culture that inform the contemporary Indian aesthetic. Kasliwal says: “Many of India’s craft ecosystems still exist and have not been completely overwhelmed by industrial mass production. India makes a huge variety of handmade goods and this opens up enormous opportunities for the country. The future, especially for India, lies in craftsmanship.”

This potentiality of the Indian design scene is explored in two sections. This first is a gallery-like display entitled “Timeless and Handmade” that celebrates everyday designs, the Indian color palette and individual artisans. The second section will present established and emerging craft entrepreneurs and organizations and focuses on the manufacturing techniques behind products.

Furthermore, there will be the Starry Night Café designed by the multidisciplinary designer, entrepreneur and educator Sandeep Sangaru. The designer worked with north-east Indian artisans to materialize the bamboo structure within which there is an opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy an Indian-style ambiance.

This year’s edition will also examine consumer goods for contemporary lifestyles such as living in small spaces, the sharing economy and “kitchens for living in” with people cooking less and less at home.

Ambiente 2019 will be held at Messe Frankfurt from February 8 to 12

Cover image: Sandeep Sangaru designer of the Starry Night Café, Hall 4.1