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| Bridge from Africa at NYIGF 2012 |
The New York International Gift Fair is on now through February 2, and covers a range of gifting categories from tableware to soft accessories and handmade. With a large international contingent, exhibitors from Japan, Germany and others have their own country-specific pavilions, and the fair is the destination for house ware buyers who want to browse the latest that the world of home accessories and gifts has to offer.
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| Alexandra Von Furstenburg at NYIGF 2012 |
Laboratory: In confirmation of WGSN-homebuildlife’s spring/summer 2012 macrotrend, accessories had a decidedly experimental theme, with translucent materials and day-glo colours that seem inspired by tomorrow’s science experiments.
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| Artecnica at NYIGF 2012 |
Curiosities: Pieces that break through boundaries of the ordinary and experiment with the strange and novel include a giant gift wrap bow that functions as a lamp at Artecnica.
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| Sweet Bella at NYIGF 2012 |
Reinvented tradition: Designers are taking classic designs and ideas and finding new ways to present them in fun and functional forms.
Top three exhibitors
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| Sweet Bella at NYIGF 2012 |
Sweet Bella is a small Brooklyn-based company that acts as the exclusive US distributer for many collections familiar to the design world. The company recently opened a shop in Manhattan that carries the products that were previously only offered wholesale.
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| Sweet Bella at NYIGF 2012 |
Key direction: Sweet Bella is based in the hipster hub Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and it shows in its product selection. Pieces are oddly nostalgic, or simply odd, and are especially appealing to the distributor's Millennial audience.
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| Harry Barker at NYIGF 2012 |
Dog brand Harry Barker has an origin story that is filled with drama, tragedy and triumph. Founder Carol Perkins was a top model for many years and appeared as a fire-eater on Broadway with magicians Penn & Teller. Carol was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and while recovering started creating dog beds, toys and robes for friends as a form of therapy. The line is named after Carol’s own sheltie dog.
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| Harry Barker at NYIGF 2012 |
Key direction: The line of dog products is playful and tasteful with highlights including large lettering identifying plainly a food bowl, a treats jar and a good dog in minimal form.
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| Pendleton at NYIGF 2012 |
Pendleton blankets are an American tradition that have seen resurgence in recent years. A family owned business for over 140 years, Pendleton’s roots are grounded firmly in wool blankets traded with Native Americans for centuries.
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| Pendleton at NYIGF 2012 |
Key direction: Expanding on its rich legacy, Pendleton now regularly introduces 100% virgin wool blankets in updated patterns. The designs bring authentic American heritage into the current day with relevant colours and patterns and undeniable heirloom quality. See how the equally classic Hudson's Bay Stripe has also been revitalised here.