The Muse
Marjorie Gage is on vacation this week.
Ok…that's a lie. She and the rest of the print team are on deadline, working feverishly to finish up next month's issue. So I'm filling in this Wednesday. Big shoes to fill and all, but I'll try.
So despite the early morning snow (more likely because of it) I made the trek over to the Jacob K. Javits Center today for my very first visit to the New York International Gift Fair.
For those of you who were following me on Twitter, I apologize for going dark around 2 p.m. My excuse is not that exciting: my phone died :( .
I admittedly hate going to the Javits. I mean, it's on 11th Avenue! Who ever goes all the way over there?!! AND, it's the only major convention center I can think of that is not easily accessible by public transportation. Although, to their credit, they do often offer free shuttle buses to various major points in the city for most of their shows. I just never have the patience for them to get moving so I always either end up in a cab, or walking back to Grand Central.
The NYIGF was a complete 180 from the Winter Antiques Show I attended with Jason last week (and no, he was NOT able to break me of my Surrealist streak).
This quirky accessories show has a lot to offer; as far as category, customer, and price range goes, it covers the whole spectrum. I was able to cover most of floors one and two and my advice, if you go, is to stick to the 2nd, especially the "Accent on Design" (booth #s 3600-4000) and "Studio" (4100-4200) sections.
Here are my picks from those sections, and just a couple more from beyond:
My first stop was at Modulari™ Lights by RAZORTOOTHDESIGN (Booth #4000). These lights (and room partitions or window shades) are made up of one-ft.-sq. modules, that can be connected to make pieces that are as small or large as you like. Each kit contains a set of 12 squares, made of EVA non-toxic foam. There are two styles to choose from (leaf or swirl) and two colors (black or white).
Plank (booth #4264) yoga mats, made from natural rubber and recycled rubber, were a reaction to the market craving something for design- and artfully-driven people. Since they've just launched there are only four images available in the series, but all are adorable. Below is the "Pill Mat."
Spilzshotz from phuzeDESIGN (booth #4015) give you somewhere to rest your chaser before you down it. A variety of colors or a mirrored spill is available.
Design House Stockholm (booth #4020) had a variety of talented artists featured. Right across the aisle from Design House Stockholm is Working Class Studios, a product development venture of the Savannah College of Art and Design. The work of SCAD students, alumni, and faculty artists is sold in retail stores around the globe. Their "Puffy Frames" were great, and designed by Ashley Olson (B.F.A., fibers, SCAD). They are screen printed cotton that comes in two different sizes (18 in. by 26 in. and 14 in. by 14 in.) and four colorways.
You will not be able to miss Little Nest (booth #4054), which was represented by Karen Alweil Studio at the show. Their range of child-sized replicas of iconic mid-century designs had people stopping dead in their tracks in the aisles. I'm not sure how well they'd fair in a playroom though. At any rate, here's a shot of the mini Eames lounge.
The cardboardesign booth (#3964) was pretty packed as well--although I'm mad at them because they wouldn't let me take a picture of their product. So you'll just have to satisfy your curiosity by going to their Website. They offer chemical free, recycled and recyclable cardboard housewares, furniture, and toys.
Nervous System jewelry (booth #3971) satisfied that Surrealism obsession Jason is trying to both foster and squash all at the same time. Their web-like pieces are said to be "inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians."
I have no idea what a radiolarian is, but the pieces were both intricate and more importantly, far out, all at the same time. See their Website for my examples as I did not get enough or for that matter good photos to do their best pieces justice.
Woolly Pocket Design (booth #3979) is an LA-based company, whose founders wanted to make plants and gardening easier and more accessible for everyone, particularly those who live in smaller spaces. They offer both freestanding and vertical pockets for planting, made of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles (linings are 60 percent recycled).
Desu Design™ (booth #3882) had the home field advantage working for them, as they're a Brooklyn-based company. They do offer a line of furniture, but were featuring their unique accessory pieces today, such as candleholders and coat racks.
Ronel Jordaan (booth #3842), represented by Amaridian, offered felted creations that are fun, yet classy and eco-friendly. Especialy liked her stuffed, wool stones:
Pablo's ® (booth # 3837) Solis suspension lighting system is striking, particularly the larger model. But it is surprisingly light weight, as the laser-cut streams are simply polyester fabric held in tension between two polished stainless steel rings. It comes in 24-in, 48-in, or 72-in heights.
Blomus ® (booth # 3620) seems to offer cooking utensils and accessories for outdoor kitchens specifically. Smart move as those have continued to grow in popularity.
Timebeam (booth #3777) by Design Limited is a funky little product that actually projects a clock onto your wall. It runs on a simple battery and can be projected upward onto a ceiling as well. A version with remote control is available as well as color filters which can be added. There is a 50-watt version, as well as a 25-watt. The 50-watt recommended more for commercial applications.
Koyo Ibushi, located in the Japanese pavilion, (booth #2776) featured a clay smoking process that is more than 1,000 years old and was originally used for roof tiles. Small vases, planters and wall ornaments were on display. Each is odor absorbent and holds temperatures well.
Last but not least on my journey, I want to call out Cake Vintage Table & Home, represented by KnobStoppers (booths #3240, #3242) for their spoon and door plate chandeliers, all handcrafted in the U.S. A fun, and unique find for the oddball in all of us that probably unknowingly highlights a growing trend.
I say that with love, from one oddball to another.
Resting some very weary feet right now,
~AnnMarie Marano, web editor
