Another iteration of imm cologne has come to an end, with positive numbers on several fronts. Not the most brilliant performance of the fair’s long history, but far from negligible on the complex international scene.
Internationalism, in fact, is the key factor for this event that welcomed a total of 82,000 trade visitors, 50% from foreign countries: in particular, the rankings are Holland (+11%), Belgium (+10%), Italy, Switzerland (+18%) and France. A significant boost was also seen in visitors from North America, up 14.1%.
128,000 interested specialists and private visitors entered the Koelnmesse, or 3000 more than last year, during the seven days of the fair.
“Imm brought new creative energy to the whole industry – says Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. – Its international appeal makes it a dynamic event and an excellent start to the new year.”
There were plenty of new developments, inside and outside the fair facility.
From Design Post to Passagen: destinations for the trade
A reference point in the city, Design Post confirmed its role as a hub of emerging and minimalist design, attracting new names on the scene with new display corners. First of all Muuto, which presented a preview of the 2020 collection (like the Cover Side Chair, the Post Wall&Floor Lamp, new water-base colors and finishes, and the Kink vases), bringing overtones of northern Europe in furnishings poised between the living room and the office; other new entries included BuzziSpace, Emeco and Wall&Decò.
Coordinated with imm cologne as part of the range of ‘off-fair’ events of Passagen, Minotti opened the new “Minotti living concept” in collaboration with long-term local partner Pesch: 160 m2 completely updated to narrate the Minotti lifestyle, with the company’s latest furnishing proposals.
Other outstanding appointments for collateral happenings, grouped in the Passagen circuit, included the celebration of 15 years of Boffi | DePadova Köln at Spichern Höfe, where CEO Roberto Gavazzi narrated the philosophy and new products of the group. Other protagonists of the evening were the Combine kitchen designed by Piero Lissoni, part of the Code kitchen system by Boffi.
Products, collections, settings: novelty and wonder
The most eagerly awaited debut at imm was clearly the outdoor collection launched by Cassina in collaboration with a trio of stars, Dordoni-Stark-Urquiola. The distinct interpretations of the Cassina spirit for outdoor spaces, all with warm finishes, innovative materials and lively colors, in the name of maximum comfort.
The outdoor sector was undoubtedly the main focus this year; Flexform (which also launched its new logo at imm) premiered Grandemare Outdoor, a reinterpretation of the sofa of the same name designed in 2011 by Antonio Citterio.
There were also new indoor products, with Gallotti&Radice showing five new items for the living area, including the Tama Vitrine. Natuzzi Editions continues with its philosophy “Crafted for Humans” with the new Immenso sofa, featuring an electric mechanism to increase comfort and ease of use, along with the organic, minimalist design. DeSede wagered on the recliner DS-266, a sum of over 30 years of research conducted by the designer Stefan Heiliger on seating, ergonomics and pragmatism. Among the offerings for 2020 of Walter Knoll the name of Norman Foster stood out, with his design for the 620 tables launched two years ago, expanding the series with new widths.
At imm Riva1920 began the celebrations for its centenary, with a collection created by a range of designers like Terry Dwan, Renzo & Matteo Piano, Gabriele & Giuliano Cappelletti and Claudio Bellini.
Corporate news also came from Effegibi, which for the first time at imm was on hand with the new brand Effe, in a growing focus on global “Perfect Wellness” systems and items made to measure.
