Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2017 (Issue 104)

HOMI, Italy’s leading lifestyle trade fair closed its doors on the 18 th September, following an edition characterised by its variety of innovative offerings and areas for experimentation. The event, which celebrates ‘the art of living,’ welcomed 62,000 visitors, with 18 per cent of these coming from abroad, from 34 different countries: Spain, France, Germany, Greece and Portugal were the most widely represented of European countries, and were joined by operators from Russia, China, Japan and the United States, with the latter being particularly well represented. The event also attracted visitors from Central America for the very first time. The lifestyle trade fair cemented its esteemed status, with plentiful offerings that were in line with buyer expectations of a renowned, appreciated and now consolidated event, capable of presenting a new and more evolved concept of ‘Italian- ness’ without foregoing Italy’s decorative homeware tradition. The eighth edition of HOMI saw the exhibiting companies take centre stage once again, owing to the participation of 1,370 exhibitors, with 34 per cent of these coming from 37 different countries, with Spain, France, Germany and India being the most widely represented. HOMI represents a point of reference to discover new trends presented in dedicated themed spaces, such as HOMI Trends , which brought together the various stylistic trends identified by WGSN; HOMI Smart , with products and initiatives with the combination of technology and design as their theme; Creazioni , the section that HOMI dedicates to young creatives at every edition; Da Uno a Cento , the initiative dedicated to original or limited-edition pieces; and HOMI ASIA Design , which hosted designers inspired by the styles and techniques of the world’s largest continent. HOMI Fashion & Jewels showcased the eclectic world of jewellery and fashion accessories with a diverse mixture of long-standing Italian and international brands, as well as young talents. It attracted great interest and constituted the main stage for the conventions and workshops that brought the event to life. Meanwhile, special initiatives and events dedicated to research and experimentation enriched the already wide offering. Well-established and emerging designers displayed their as-yet- unseen designs, while traditional brands demonstrated Italy’s craftsmanship. A new section – HOMI Beauty Style – provided beauty and personal-care solutions. Here, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and offerings of the world of beauty: make-up, fragrances, nail varnishes, men’s and women’s beauty treatments, hair products, and accessories. HOMI Beauty Style also provided the opportunity to test the showcased products, through experiential journeys guided by experts and consultants. Brimming with both innovation and creativity, the ninth edition of Homi will take centre stage once again at the Fiera Milano fairground from 25 th - 28 th January, 2018. g the art of living Homi’s eighth edition was another successful meeting of living trends, traditional values and product innovation NEXT TIME Show: homi Venue: Rho Fiera Milano, Milan Dates: 25 th - 28 th January, 2018 Website: homimilano.com/en/ Twitter: @homimilano 74 giftfocus