Techno-craftsmen at work

The Milan-based design platform Alcova has given its Heimtextil Trends 2026 a provocative title: Craft is a verb. This headline is particularly provocative because the aim this season was to reflect on artificial intelligence – a technology that is not immediately associated with craftsmanship. It is exactly this bridge that the design experts want to build with their trend outlook.

While new technologies are increasingly shaping the way we live together, our everyday lives, and our work—including that of designers—fear of this change is also growing. As a result, handcrafted items are currently more valuable than ever. This is not a new phenomenon, reported Joseph Grima from Alcova. Even during the Industrial Revolution, which fundamentally changed the way we produce goods, fears such as job losses were very much present. In response to faster industrialization, the value of classic craftsmanship was rediscovered, for example in the Bauhaus style and the Vienna Movement. 

“There will be displacement,” Grima admits, “but at the same time, these developments also offer an opportunity for empowerment.” After all, many innovations that people benefit from today were only made possible by new technologies. The design platform does not see the benefits of artificial intelligence as a paradox, but rather as an extension of human work, for example in the form of the techno-craftsman, who is the focus of one of the six trend directions that have been identified by researchers for the next edition of the Heimtextil trade fair. “Visible Co-Work” is the name of the approach in which humans and AI work hand in hand on a project. This allows, for example, digitally embroidered linen or 3D-knitted patchwork to be created.

The first trend, “Re: Media,” looks at the back-and-forth between different types of media. Drawings are first converted into digital renderings, then converted back into jacquards or hand-embroidered patterns. This creates motifs based on so-called glitches—broken aesthetics, pixelated color blends, and digitally reworked hand drawings.

In “Sensing Nature,” on the other hand, nature is the generator of shapes, colors, sounds, and structures. Artificial intelligence records them and uses them to create patterns. In one example, the motion of the sea was recorded and transferred to textiles; other artists translated sounds from rural regions into designs; and in another fabric, images of tree bark were used as templates.

“A Playful Touch” is intended to be a counterpoint to times characterized by utility and efficiency. Small decorative details ornament the objects and serve a single purpose: to be beautiful. A ruffle on an otherwise minimalist curtain, a neon element on a natural-colored linen blanket, or an unexpectedly placed tassel serve as intentional interruptions.

“Crafted Irregularity” celebrates what the name suggests: Fabrics with knots, irregular dyeing, visible seams, and asymmetrical finishes take center stage. “We want to counteract smooth, perfect surfaces,” emphasizes Valentina Ciuffi from Alcova.

The last trend is a little eerie and interesting at the same time. Distorted, unfamiliar symbols meet designs that place technology in a human context. Some objects look as if the inner workings of a machine have been turned inside out.

The tension between new technologies and craftsmanship is also reflected in the color palette that Alcova has put together for the upcoming Heimtextil trade fair. It features earthy tones as well as artificial-looking colors. The color palette is visually polarizing, notes Alice Moretto from the Milan-based design team. Nevertheless, the trend experts see the colors in combination: the intention is that the unexpected pairing will have a disruptive effect on the homogeneous result. At the same time, the mixture enhances the other palette, says Ciuffi.

Unexpected was also the keyword when the trend research team discussed whether and in which field of business artificial intelligence could replace humans. Joseph Grima is convinced that designers need not worry about this. “Design should be original and surprising; it should create meaning.” This is something that AI cannot do, nor can it act intuitively. This, in turn, is an aspect that plays a major role for the Alcova team. Experiences and feelings are just as important here as touching the textiles. “At the end of the day, physical space is crucial for connecting with new trends,” Ciuffi is convinced.

The curators want to create this space with the Trend Area, which will be on display at Heimtextil from January 13 to 16, 2026, in Hall 6.1 of Messe Frankfurt. “We want to showcase,” says Grima, “create something that can be experienced intuitively, without boards covered in text.” Perceptible textures meet generative patterns, natural structures meet algorithmic precision. With “Craft is a verb,” the curators illustrate the designs that emerge when craftsmanship and digital design methods merge.

“Heimtextil Trends 26/27 illustrate how artificial intelligence will change the textile industry and open up new perspectives in combination with craftsmanship expertise. They provide the industry with impetus for sustainable production methods, innovative cooperation models, and the development of future-proof business strategies,” adds Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.