Annual Trend Event Calendar for Homewares and Furniture.
Kate shares her recommended watch list for key global fairs and trend events that occur every year and shape each design season. Read on…
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Essential design information milestones happen throughout the year in the forms of design fairs and tradeshows, trend forecast releases and seasonal launches.
These are amazing ways to tap into global product trend movements. These events are more than just gatherings of designers all geeking out on the latest thing (although that certainly happens!), they are an open door into the ever-shifting landscape of global product trends, offering invaluable insights that shape the future of our industry.
Staying connected to global design events isn't just inspiring—it's essential for staying ahead in our fast-evolving industry.
Attending international trade fairs in person is an incredible experience, bringing together similar product categories under one roof and offering a firsthand look at emerging trends.
These events serve as vital pulse points for design innovation, where new aesthetics, materials, and concepts take shape long before reaching mainstream markets.
By actively engaging with these movements, we can better interpret their significance for our consumers and develop collections that truly resonate.
Here are just some of the key design events to mark in your calendar.
January:
- Maison et Object
February:
- Ambiente
- Autumn/Winter launches in Australia
March:
- VIFA Vietnam Furniture Fair
April:
- Milan Design Week
- Canton Fair
June:
- Trend Reports for Spring Summer are released
July:
- Decor + Design
- Spring/Summer launches in Australia
August:
- NYNow
September:
- Maison et Object
- Shanghai Furniture Fair
October:
- Canton Fair
December:
- Trend Reports for Autumn/Winter are released.
As wonderful as these events are, travelling to trade fairs comes with challenges.
The logistics of travel – the steep costs of flights and accommodation, the sheer physical stamina required to navigate sprawling venues (to truly grasp the scale, consider that the Canton Fair dwarfs the Melbourne Exhibition Centre by a factor of twenty!) – can present significant hurdles.
Thankfully, the digital age offers a compelling alternative for those unable to journey in person.
A wealth of trend forecasting services, both subscription-based and freely accessible, provide invaluable glimpses into the trends of tomorrow, distilling the essence of the world's leading design fairs.
If you're interested in trend forecasting subscriptions, here are some of my top recommendations*:
*Ps. These are not affiliate links and I’m not associated with any of the following, I genuinely use and recommend their resources.
WGSN
Trend Union
Trend Bible
BDA London
Fashion Snoops
Scout
Here are some great free sites to keep an eye on, or check out the ultimate Design Week Guide here.
Yellow Trace
Arcipanic
Wallpaper
Architonic
Design Milk
Dazeen
The design world is a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem. By actively participating in the global conversation through these key events and resources, we can all contribute to its vibrancy and innovation.
I encourage you to explore, engage, and discover the inspiration that will fuel your design journey.
