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ZOW in Moscow: A Design Show for Russia
The suppliers' show with innovations for tomorrow's furniture

The second edition of ZOW in Moscow, the suppliers' exhibition for the Russian furniture industry, will take place from 18th to 21st April 2005 in Pavilion 57 of the All Russia Exhibition Ground (VVC). Following the debut event in 2004, which attracted 150 exhibitors and 3500 trade visitors, the organisers, SURVEY Marketing + Consulting and RESTEC Exhibition Company confidently expect an increase of these figures about more than the half.

"The quality of the contacts generated in 2004 was particularly high and very valuable" states SURVEY Managing Director, Peter H. Meyer. An impressive level of over 70% of the visitors were decision makers within the Russian furniture industry. At ZOW in Moscow, international supplier companies will present their very latest introductions in materials, surfaces, fittings, components, and built-in accessories.

Imports of accessories and fittings from Western Europe are particularly strong within the Russian furniture industry. The coming year is expected to provide dynamic economic growth in Russia - providing a stimulus for a strong surge in demand by consumers for more high quality products, particularly furniture. This encouraging situation provides ample grounds for an annual ZOW in Moscow. Many west European suppliers are developing their East European business at present, but are doing so entirely through their own individual sales and marketing activities. ZOW offers these companies - plus a growing number of Russian suppliers - an attractive market place of concentrated supply and demand, to aid further growth in their business.

"FurniFab" Furniture Fabric Show in Moscow for the first time in 2005

For the first time, the "FurniFab" Furniture Fabric Show will run as special exhibtion in Pavilion 57 parallel with ZOW in Moscow from 18th to 21st April 2005. Upholstery and seating represents a large proportion of the demand for furniture in Russia and "Furnifab" will provide the opportunity for suppliers to show their latest designs in fabrics and prints, synthetic leather, microfibres, fillings and cushions. In addition to the event in Moscow, SURVEY is running a "FurniFab" in Poland from 8th to 10th March and will run a similar fabrics show alongside ZOW in Madrid from 7th to 10th June.

What will be the trends in 2005? For fabrics and covers the combination of material and colour dominate all. Strong, single colours "Uni" remains the main influence of the season. Collections showing more textured structure are using 'toned' colours in gold, red purple, king blue and fir green. They are completed by natural tones in beige, terracotta, aubergine and brown. Greys and fine silver shades are evident in the distinctly young, but elegant lifestyles. Microfibres form the ideal, and cost-effective alternative to alcantara or hide. Pleasant to the touch, definitive to the eye - this is the course for cover materials in the upholstery sector.

ZOW shows Design Trends 2005

In frontal finishes and surfaces, once again we will see the 'Retro' move, - a look back at the past that will show us the future. The Mediterranean influence is strong in texture and colour as against so-called 'fantasy-decors', with perhaps copies of polished or ragged textures. Generally, texture will play an increasingly important role. What appears to be promised by the visual appearance of a surface must be matched by the right texture for its tactile appeal. In this context, close cooperation between the décor material and the pressed core material is crucial. Synchronised grain structure is the buzzword - used to match exactly the printed colours with the correct feel of the details of the pressed products. The latest examples of this sophisticated combination can generate completely new character into the materials.

Fittings manufacturers, who have particularly felt the negative pressures of the last few years, are now coming back strongly with new-look fittings as the central thrust of a revival. 'Design' is the key that is opening the door to renewed dynamism in the furniture markets and this shows in the ergonomics, the use of space, and the functionality of fittings. This is particularly so in the field of Kitchens, where developments in fittings technology are influencing the function and effectiveness of the kitchen.

Light and lighting will always play an important role in furnishing. In this area 2005 will see further new developments in the use of LED technology, although still in its relative infancy. The use of light generally is a second major issue and one that has many subtle psychological influences. New control systems, dimmers, and selective illumination of various shapes are features that will gain further prominence in the near future.

A host of new ideas for the furniture industry and interior designers, architects and designers, and a glimpse of the future is what a second, successful ZOW in Moscow will provide. This is the exhibition that works as a trend barometer, a launch platform for new lines and the key meeting point for the industry. The Russian industry will shortly meet tomorrow's furniture in Moscow.

E-Mail contact for those interested in exhibiting: aki@survey.info