10 years ago, I wrote the following while reviewing the 2008 edition of Revestir, the Brazilian tile exhibition that will be the next stop on Tile Addict’s world tour. “Sao Paulo is a vast and sprawling city and, with a population of around 25 million, one of the largest on the planet. However, like Brazil in general, it offers a very warm welcome. Indeed, while Brazil enjoys a reputation as a nation that likes to party, it is equally true that it is a nation that likes to entertain. The Anfacer team, and indeed all of the companies at Revestir, proved excellent hosts: welcoming, generous and keen to help.
Revestir also had a notably different atmosphere to either Cersaie, Cevisama or Coverings. Perhaps this had something to do with the gender mix. While the other events are largely male preserves, Revestir, both in terms of stand employees and visitors, was more feminine, perhaps 60% female, 40% male. And, while the show’s hours were long, 10.00am to 7.00pm, by around 5.00pm most of the throng – and the show was very well attended – had made their way to one of the large stands where liberal liquid refreshment was dispensed.
The favoured relaxation spots included Portobello, where a large team of waiters poured lavish measures of Scotch whisky, French champagne and some unknown fluorescent green cocktail. Or you could choose quality jazz at Portinari, or enjoy flamboyant mime artists with Eliane. Or, if your feet were truly begging for mercy, chill out in one of Anfacer’s upholstered armchairs.
The show itself offered a full range of coverings and displayed worldwide trends in colours, textures, formats and ceramic technology; as well as a generous smattering of wood, laminate, glass, natural stone and composites.”
Frankly, when I head out from Heathrow on 12th March, I am not expecting to find that much has changed … except the tile designs themselves. So, on that front, here are a few sneak peaks. Movement, textures and special cuts are the key features of Portobello’s new ranges. Gathered under the Pura Matéria umbrella, the additions will include Magma Rock, based on basalt from Mount Vesuvius. This will be shown in three colour options, and both parallel and transverse cut designs. I am also looking forward to seeing Tangram: a new concept that takes the traditional eastern game of geometric pieces as its starting point. It will be interesting to see how the various combinations work together.
One of Cevisama’s stars, Dune will be shining the spotlight on four ranges, starting with Shapes 2, which delivers new volumes and fashion colours, including a bronze finish. The Stripes range, 250 by 250mm, emphasises texture and geometry, while reproducing textures such as woods, fabrics, Calacatta marble and on-trend metallics. The Transverse range is a new 150 by 150mm porcelain range, and will be shown alongside Megalos; a third-fired porcelain tile in 300 by 900 and 600 by 1,200mm.
A less familiar name in Europe, Castelatto will present the Colors Collection that features the surface textures, reliefs and hues on which this brand has created its reputation in Brazil, while adding some new colours and surprising effects. Highlights will include the Infinity range in a travertine texture that offers new interior design options.
Delta Porcelanato will be majoring on products inspired by the classic beauty of marble. The company will present three collections: Gaua, which recreates the tradition of elegant Italian travertine in polished porcelain using digital technology; Egon, a classic option with many applications; and Furnas, a discreet design in high gloss polished porcelain, available in large formats to highlight the decoration.
Always one of the must-see stands at Revestir, Nina Martinelli is going geometric in 2018 with Esagonale and Diamante. Esagonale (photography by Cris de Rossi.) has an organic format (870 by 870mm), with beehive designs and a perfect fit between the pieces. The range will be launched in two versions: Esagonale Scortese for internal floors and balconies; and Esagonale Atérmico Naturale for swimming pools and outdoor areas.
Diamante (photography by Robson Salgado) features three pieces of concrete united in one, in 200 by 200mm and 150 by 370mm formats. The colour nuances are reminiscent of burnt cement. When properly lit, this unusual shape produces amazing visual effects. It is suitable for external façades and internal walls.
Expo Revestir will take place between 13th and 16th March 2018 at the Transamerica Expo Center, São Paulo, Brazil.
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, March 2018.