Guests enjoy themselves at the GLM/41 Madison Reception at Ambiente, The Show

4,700 exhibitors from more than 80 countries attended Ambiente, The Show Feb. 7 – 11 in Frankfurt, Germany which showcased an international range of consumer goods. Around 140,000 people attended the show buying and browsing the Dining, Giving and Living sections. Numerous events took place over the four-day period including special presentations, award ceremonies and receptions. The GLM/41 Madison Reception was one of the many highlights.

Paolo Cravedi of Alessi, Randi Mohr of NY NOW, Christian Falkenberg of NY NOW and Tom Gottlieb of Two's Company.

Cathy Steel of Steel Associates, Simmin Taleghani of Red Pomegranate, Mark Badash of Badash Crystal and Sudi Taleghani of Red Pomegranate.

Hosts of the GLM/41 Madison Reception (front row) Marc Delman, Jack Haro, Jeff Little, Scott Kramer and Patti Stracher of GLM, Laurie Burns of 41 Madison; (back row) Colvin English of ByHand Consulting, Christian Falkenberg and Randi Mohr of GLM, Cathy Steel of Steel Associates and Allison Garafalo of GLM.

NY NOW Exhibitors See Market Gains

NY NOW

Quality was the key measure of success for companies participating in the winter debut of NY NOW, the Market for Home + Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF), February 1-6, 2014. Many exhibitors among the market’s total 2,500 reported strong order writing, most notably from new accounts and large retailers, despite two winter storms and the overlap of the 2014 Super Bowl.

“NY NOW had several very strong days of attendance – particularly on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday – and buyers who made it to New York City and to the Market were here to shop,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. “Exhibitors reported seeing their key accounts and making new connections with both domestic and international buyers.”

NY NOW attendees represented all 50 states and 74 countries, with Canada, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Australia, and the United Kingdom representing the top sources of international visitors. “A lot of international buyers stopped by, and we expanded many connections, not just with the USA, but with the world,” noted first time HANDMADE Designer Maker exhibitor Dominik Kowalik of Dominik Woods. “We are from the west coast and wanted to connect more with the east coast. It’s been really positive.”

Many exhibitors experienced specific days of strong order-writing from quality accounts, which resulted in overall success for the week. “This show has been absolutely fantastic for us,” said HOME Collection exhibitor Kathryn McCoy of Kathryn McCoy Design. “We worked with over 80 stores on Sunday, and Tuesday was non-stop. This show is tremendous for our business.”

NY NOW LIFESTYLE exhibitor Rachel Clapp of Harry Barker, agreed, “We’ve had a lot of traffic despite the weather. We’ve seen our current customer base as well as new customers and also few international buyers. It has been a good mix.”

A five-day schedule of educational and social programming supplemented market activities, with more than 40 educational sessions, industry social events, product awards and feature displays. The seminar series, sponsored by industry publications and associations, covered topics such as design and color trends, social media and online marketing, merchandising and retail strategies, and importing. Industry events included the Gift For Life 22nd Anniversary “Party for Life” Fundraiser, the 2014 Housewares Design Awards Gala & Ceremony, and a NY NOW “Night On Broadway,” featuring MOTOWN THE MUSICAL.

Giftware News' February Digital Issue is Now Available for Viewing

 

February Digital Issue

Finding Bliss: Candles for every occasion

• Dress up any neckline with these statement pieces

• Mix and match Pantone-ready fashion accessories

• Gifts for every type of mother

• Beautifully printed coffee table books make for giftworthy purchases

• Outdoor essentials to elevate summertime dining

• Plus much more!

NY Now Is For Trend-Spotters

NY Now

This week, NY Now is proving itself to be a gift show that keeps on giving. Hardy buyers who braved an 8-inch snow storm and Super Bowl crowds are finding trendy treasure for their stores.

There’s still time to shop thousands of new lines today, the final day. The Home and Lifestyle collections will remain open at the Javits Convention Center through 2 p.m. 

During two excellent seminars, industry experts identified key consumer trends in color and styles for the home. Here’s a quick recap, with photos from the show floor to help you see the hues, patterns and influences highlighted as emerging for 2014 and beyond. 

The experts:

• Tom Mirabile, contributing editor for Pantone View and senior vice president, Global Trend & Design for Lifetime Brands.
• Tori Mellott, senior design and market editor at Traditional Home.
• Sabina Jahic of Sherwin-Williams.

The trends:

• Colors with softer, warmer and calming spirit are emerging including cream, latte colors (also called cosmetic colors), warmer grays, rose pink and other aged-looking pastels, orchid and indigo blues. Metallics are also dynamic and feature gilded items, bronze, rust and copper colors. Patterns are positive/negative: Think lace with a strong light-and-dark contrast.
• “The language of luxury is mixed materials,” Mirabile says. For example, mercury glass with wood.
• Wings, angels, diaphanous fabrics, shadows and clouds for the home, where we seek peace.
• “Divine Womanhood”: images of women whose beauty evokes both strength and femininity.
• Restoration: objects that look like they’ve been “collected over the course of years,” aged, distressed surfaces.
• Neoclassical influence: busts, Corinthian columns, Greek key patterns.
• Marriage of science and art in objects: molecules, vintage medicine, and curiosities that push boundaries of quirkiness.
• Geology has also become influential: geodes, agates and fossils.
• In men’s gifts, references to Industrial Revolution are big, specifically everyday objects (footed tubs, old fans, household tools) rather than factory equipment.
• Heritage is revered. Look for objects that let families showcase a special heirloom or keepsake. The glass-topped, cloche display container is back.
• Witness the comeback of pop culture inspired by the art of Lichtenstein and Warhol. These dot and pixilated graphics/comic books are big. For the young, it’s fresh. Saw it first-time around? Now it’s nostalgic.
• Spectrum color-blocking in accessories and furnishings: It was inspired by the protected designs of the artist Mondrian, and reinvented in new tones. Rainbows also are hot.
• Large-scale graphics with statement-making power make a room feel modern.
• “Keepsake Garden”: Victorian florals, cabbage roses.
• Pale, weathered wood. Accessories made of wire, including bird cages (with and without birds).
• The “Downton Abbey” look moves into the Jazz Age.