Under the banner “Texpertise Focus AI”, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.
MarketTime, a leading B2B commerce platform for the gift, home and apparel industries, today announced the acquisition of Aleran Software’s RepDesk and VendorDesk platforms, further strengthening its position as the most comprehensive solution for sales agencies, vendors, and retailers across the wholesale ecosystem.
Design Network News Editor in Chief Courtney Porter steps back from the month-to-month churn to identify the five themes that defined the design conversation in late 2025 — and will shape how interiors, furnishings and materials evolve in 2026. From indoor-outdoor performance luxury and contemporary chintz to nervous-system-driven spaces, collectible design as cultural R&D and the industry’s most credible experiments with AI, this quarterly briefing captures where taste, technology and client expectations are heading next.
How does a fast-growing furniture brand scale without losing its design integrity? In conversation with DNN, Adam Dunn, SVP of Design at Four Hands, shares how the brand balances creativity, functionality, and market demand—from 500-plus–piece product launches and hospitality expansion to customization, artist collaborations, and its enduring partnership with Amber Lewis.
Getting a furniture or décor design from imagination to the wholesale floor is a complex, hands-on journey. Product designer Austin James unpacks the realities of designing for retail success—from concept and prototyping to freight, factories, warehouses, and showroom floors—revealing why some designs thrive, some fail, and why not every beautiful idea is meant for mass production.
Among this year’s major highlights, the special project by MOOOI which will present a large immersive installation by Marcel Wanders, in collaboration with Superstudio at its historic location in the Tortona Design District. In parallel, at Superstudio Maxi, Giulio Cappellini signs a new visionary installation that broadens the perspective on the cities of the future.
The 29th edition of the WOW Awards will be held during the Las Vegas Market, on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at ANDMORE’s World Market Center, Worldview-B16. The WOW Awards Gala will begin with networking and cocktails from 6-6:50pm, a 7pm gala dinner which is followed by the awards ceremony from 8-9pm.


