Friday, February 5, 2016

gift show wrap up

Well, that's a wrap on gift show season. I had a productive trip to the Gift Mart in Atlanta in early January and just recently returned from a fun stint in NYC and the show at Javits. Some might think attending both shows excessive but I think it's imperative in order to bring my customers the best.
Here's a little summary of a few trends I observed at market.

Jewelry is small and delicate, light chains, small stud earrings. Lots of semi precious stones in natural shapes ( roughly cut and just lightly polished). These designs are really young and beautiful and somehow remind me of summer.
It's written in the stars....the constellation necklace with herkimer diamonds, now in stock.

Purses are big and slouchy...some with laser cut patterns, lots of vegan (non-leather) materials. Hobo is still the shape to have, I only wish everything didn't get so lost in the bottom of this silhouette. Try as I might to utilize numerous zippered pouches- I still end up scrounging around the bottom of the bag in search of something. Colors are toned down and soft. Sadly, fringe remains.


Interiors are BLUE again. There was a distinct absence of blue for the last few years and I am so happy to report that there was a ton of blue....navy, sky, aqua and my favorite gray-blue on upholstery, walls, pillows and tabletop in all of the showrooms. Let's face it, Connecticut likes blue and always will with or without "designer" approval. It's just nice to be able to access lots of what we like. Green was well represented in these categories too. Embossed green drinking glasses will be arriving in Essex shortly.


Animals....cows, goats, chickens, dogs are represented in whimsically collaged fabrics on pillows, hand towels and wall art. Super cute for casual spaces inspired by the "prairie style" that HGTV's, Fixer Upper, has popularized. 



Metallics are everywhere. I found this most interesting when put with raw woods and rustic materials. I like the adjacency of refined formality with rustic. Think delicate champagne flutes decorated with gold flowers (now in stock) on a rough-hewn wooden tray. I love pops of the metallic in the form of candles, rims on trays and glasses and in holiday decor. Next Christmas you will see some warm gold garlands and ornaments at The French Hen...a more formal look for the holidays. 
fabulous flutes festooned with gold. kir royale? (now in stock and ready to put into to action for your valentine festivities)

Nautical was plentiful and I sourced the good stuff for Essex...think easy breezy entertaining at the cottage or on the boat where sandy feet and wet bathing suits are a sign of a summer day lived right. Machine washable, unbreakable, relax.