For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting her, or reading her regular commentaries on the hard copy pages of the Chiasso catalog, Nanette is the company’s CMO and CCO (chief merchandising and creative officer). She recently stopped by the Blogissimo virtual office for a chat.

Blogissimo: So you were recently in Europe. What’s it like?

Nanette: (Laughs.) Sounds like a Monty Python routine. I was there this time attending the Heimtextil Fair in Frankfurt , where you get the most “trend” information in regards to color, especially.

Blogissimo: Were there any themes that really stood out for you?

Nanette: There were six, actually:

Magical - a take on luxe neutrals, metallics, black, crystal, deep blue, deep purple, and grey.

Metallic - showing lots of silver, but also gold, coppers, pewter, pearlized whites and beiges. Designs were cubistic and geometric in black and white.

Vibrant - total color saturation in combinations like peacock/orange, yellow/grey, royal/black-and-white, peacock/white/wood—even pink/lime/silver!

Visionary - very pretty white and grey with blue, green and yellow pastels.

Original - can’t forget those earth tones (gray, dark brown, shades of green—and orange (deep melon was a fave), light blue and white.

Structure - shades of bright to winter white.

Blogissimo: I especially want to ask you about white, because so many of my friends (sans toddlers) are choosing that color for their sofas.

Nanette: They’re making a good choice. White furniture will continue to be strong as the modern market continues to grow.

Blogissimo: Where’s “glam” headed?

Nanette: It’s definitely trending upward, with the metallics I’ve already mentioned, plus faux fur and crystal. It’s opulence with a “nudge, nudge, wink, wink,” and lots of fun.

Blogissimo: What’s the “new black” for Chiasso?

Nanette: For us, I love grey, I think it’s the new chocolate. It mixes well with everything and doesn’t have to be cold.

Blogissimo: What about accent colors?

Nanette: At the top of the curve are yellow and bright or royal blue, as we’ve seen on the fashion runways for Spring. I also like the new peacock blue and dark melon jewel tones. They look great mixed with grey or white.

want to see more about heimtextil - click here… take a peek at the video too!