On Monday, I dove into the New York International Gift Fair and focused my time on the Accent on Design section, which typically houses the best stuff for design and decor-minded folks. While the recession has definitely hit the design world, knocking down and out dozens upon dozens of small stores across the country that typically buy at this fair, the booths were full of energy, new ideas and hustle from both old and new companies alike. Here's what I liked.
>> Org Bedding - A new Italian company (part of a larger company) that makes completely organic, high-end bedding, I was taken with their stylish soft hues and the incredible softness of these beds. If organic needs a quality and style leader, I would put Org right up there. They will be sold in the US starting next month through ABC Home.
>> Ink Dish - These folks make fine ceramics out of other artists work. A novel concept, I was most taken with the tattoo artist who did plates and cups for them, named Paul Timman. These things rocked!
>> Aesthetic Movement - Keep Calm JUST WON'T STOP, and this company is responsible for getting this cute new application out to retailers in the US.
>> Dwell Studio - These folks, led by designer Christiane Lemieux, are breaking even further away from the bold geometrics that they made popular with some really beautiful, outlandish designs. These will be available in a few short months.
>> Alice Supply Company - I've seen them around before, but their booth was totally delicious and over the top. As the father of a 3 year old girl, I can see one of these in my future.
>> Chilewich - Meanwhile, Sandy Chilewich is breaking into bold geometric color in a very convincing way. These placemats called out to me from across the aisle. I can smell spring in the air and bet these will be very popular.
>> Brelli - How do you make a 100% biodegradable umbrella? I don't know, but at the rate my umbrellas get lost or break, I could use one. The folks make these stunningly designed umbrellas, which are conversation pieces as well as environmental statements.
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Comments (13)
I need/love those placemats!
I need the org bedding.
The placemats will be in stores starting in late February!
I love Tocca candles!
you are really limiting your self by only going to "accent on design" . the sources there are all the established companys that we all know!! break out and find new treasures in "handmade"...there definitely is a trend towards the touch of the craftsman!!!!!
Good to see Chilewich branching out into some brights. thanks for bringing highlights from the show--couldn't make it this year.
like the umbrellas - so do they dissolve with water?
I heart Chilewich.
I hope you will remind us what those Dwell lines are available--I must have the peacock.
Love the Ink Dishes & the Alice tools!
I'm really excited to see the new Chilewich and Dwell Studio offerings. Aesthetic Movement's Keep Calm line, though? That's a set of new applications of an old idea, and I'd love to see more coverage of whatever's brand-new at the Gift Fair. Keep these posts coming, please!
I too spent a few day's at the show, and i was really impressed with a few of the smaller vendors such as
Giacini Altelier - their canvas bags, Pom Pom at Home by
Hilde Leiaghat for their beautiful organic bedding, Patch, NYC
had a new yummy line of scented candles and a charming company called Bailey Doesn't Bark for their stationery and
dishware. I also thought the show at the Pier was just fabulous as i loved all the burlap!
Keep Calm and Carry On – uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh. Move on is more like it. It was okay the first time the world saw it. But how about the 154th time? Or the 387th time? It's morphed into a symbol for uncreative people who want to look hip and cool.
You should realize that by displaying this Keep Calm stuff in your house, it's just confirming the fact that you can't make a design decision without copying something you saw in a magazine. And isn't that saying exactly the opposite of what you want to be saying?
"You should realize that by displaying this Keep Calm stuff in your house, it's just confirming the fact that you can't make a design decision without copying something you saw in a magazine."
Heh, well, I have a Keep Calm print... bought it before I knew how popular it was. I bought it almost immediately upon seeing it - and I suppose hundreds of others did, too! It's like an overplayed song on the radio.... Cool the first time, right? Anyway, my reason for buying was inspiration, certainly not emulation. I think lots of people felt that way.