Live From the signature mix marketplace!
We're on the air (web) this morning live from the signature mix marketplace to bring you the first market update with trends and highlights from the show.
Through just one thoughtfully designed product in the stationery industry, a buyer's thought process alters from what can this purchase do for me, to whom in my life will this purchase most affect? These are tangible, savable, aesthetically admirable pieces on the cutting edge of design that have the gifting power of communication. In a detached era of emails and texting, the stationery and greeting card industry is thriving, and you can look no further than the signature mix marketplace for proof.
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The booths of stylized typography and whimsical creatures letterpressed to greeting cards were packed. And buyers were reeled in by bespoke desktop items. These pieces are taking a cue from interior décor and elevating the home office to a place of comfort and productivity. The renaissance born from Pinterest and Etsy has inspired buyers to take a step back from the modern commercialism and carefully select paper goods and products with a homemade feel. Furthermore, personalized and design-it-yourself items were aspects of the first day of the stationery show that did not go unnoticed, and this arts and crafts movement is even seen at a micro and macro level.
This is our exclusive list of trends and highlights seen at Day 1 of the signature mix marketplace:
Southern Hospitality
Seeping into the gifting industry is this showing of Southern roots. This printing of graciousness and warmth through Southern phrasing was particularly prominent stamped on greeting cards and frameable prints. From an emphasis on Southern food and drink, to the appreciation of land south of the Mason Dixon line, Dixie had quite the showing at this market. Names To Remember: Belle & Union, Water Knot, Southern Food Design Barn, Stephanie Creekmur.
Design-It-Yourself
Despite living in the age of technology—or maybe because of this—buyers were flocking towards the DIY packs of products that provide consumers with the tools, templates, stickers or cutouts they need to visit their creative side. Names To Remember: Sn@p, Anna Griffin, Emily McDowell
Party Packs
In the perfectly staged, beautifully filtered world of Instagram, the pressure is on for hosts and hostesses everywhere to throw an impeccably trendy and decorated shindig. These on-the-go party packs were everywhere this season. From pop-up food trucks to ready-to-set-up candy stations, these are party go-tos. Names To Remember: Talking Tables, Party Partners, Gartner Studio, Rock Scissor Paper.
All That Glitters Is Gold
Gold accents are here to stay. From glittered banners and gold foil-wrapped notebooks to gilded pencils, all that glitters is gold. Names To Remember: Theresa Collins, Sugar Paper LA, Ecolo, Kate Spade New York for Lifeguard Press.
Home is Where The Heart Is
Exhibitors were making a hometown statement this year with travel-themed accessories. Decorate the office with mapped prints or show your birthplace love with cards and stationery that define geographical bias. Names To Remember: Matrick and Eve, Everything Little Miss, Belle & Union, Rock Scissor Paper
Doggy Day Care
Pet-lovers rejoice! Dog breed stationery, décor accents and greeting cards are getting dressed up, literally. These doggy-themed products are putting on the ritz, and buyers were especially favorable. Names to Remember: Lydia & Pugs, Oh Deer .com, River Dog Prints.
Follow Your Arrow
The Native American motif has made its way from home décor to stationery and gifting products, and its beautifully linear design was showcased in booths across the show. Names To Remember: Fletcher and Fox, Three Potato Four, Pleased to Meet
