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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

NYIGF...a newbie's perspective

The last time I was at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York City was in 1992.  I was sitting for the New York State Bar Exam.  Eighteen years later, I returned again to attend the New York International Gift Fair (as a first time retailer).  I have to tell you, the Bar exam was a cake walk compared to this experience!  I was warned to bring water and wear comfortable shoes...but, each time I was given this sage advice, I privately rolled my eyes...I mean it's a gift fair for goodness sake, I wasn't going off to war!  Now I get it.  Not only were my dehydrated feet killing me, but both my phone and camera batteries gave out, in some sort of weird mutiny.  I plan on returning in the Summer, and seeing some of the booths I missed.  Like Lazy Susan, CocoCozy's new line and Go Home, Ltd., just to name a few.  In the meantime, here are some of the vendors that really wowed me... (before the camera gave out).


Jonathan Adler debuted a fabulous new pillow line,

a dazzling new lamp and ceramic line,
and a fresh take on bedding! None of which disappointed.  This man really knows how to merchandise, market and create great products.


The Stray Dog booth had a fun, Dr. Seuss vibe to it.

By the time I stumbled downstairs, I was ready to crawl into this amazing John Robshaw display.  I got some odd looks from the people working this booth.

Penguin classics inspired journals and products from Wild and Wolf.  The retro book trend continues.

A mini fireplace that can go anywhere, from Brasa.  Portable atmosphere, cool.

My takeaway from the whole experience, (aside from being completely unprepared), is that the bold  color trend reigns supreme... as do prints, especially in a tribal, batik, ikat or chevron motif.  I did manage to find a lot of really fun and special new items for the store.  I will be sharing these picks in the weeks to come.  Off to put my feet back up and drink some more water! 
Posted by coopermultimedia at 5:05 AM
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53 comments:

  1. A Perfect GrayFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    those journals are awesome and those JA things? wonderful!

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  2. Mr. Goodwill HuntingFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Everything thing is so festive! I cant wait to see what you add to the shop!

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

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  3. style'nFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Such a huge John Robshaw fan! I have several of his pillows and my entire guest bedding is by him. Love all the geometric prints here and the color. :)

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  4. The BuzzFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Given I was stuck in a booth on the Piers, I love the fact that I got the zhush tour of Javitz,,, Love the flamestitch JA is doing!
    xxoo

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  5. ASHLEYFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    I'm so jealous! Sounds fun and that John Robshaw bedding! WoW!

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  6. CaraFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    Fabulosity! I can't wait to see what you bought :) I help my friend buy for her boutique and we have a BLAST going to market trade shows! So much fun!!

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  7. Diana MieczanFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    Those pillows and the lamps are so stunning. Have a great day
    Kisses

    Ps: I am hosting Paloma’s Nest GIVEAWAY later today:).Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

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  8. KrystalFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    all of the designs are so amazing!

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  9. bentleyFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    Lazy Susan and CocoCozy are two of my faves. And those John Robshaw bedding - gorgeous!

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  10. things that sparkleFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Those flame stitch JA pillows are to die for. Cannot wait! Sounds like a ridiculous experience, weirdly enough, I am jealous!

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  11. Janell @ Isabella and MaxFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    The Javitz Center...Ha! The last time I was there was about the same year, for a fabric show! Exhausting to be sure...this looks like a lot of fun, though. Hope you'll show more of your finds, in your shop? Janell

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  12. AmandaFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    I did the same thing! Now I carry a pair of Flats in my purse just in case!

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  13. Mosaicista AppassionataFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    What a wonderful worthwhile adventure you had!
    Chevron indeed is everywhere!
    looking forward to your shop update.

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  14. LiliFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    OMG! i would be so lost with all those gorgeousness!

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  15. HamptontoesFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Sue,
    I'm smiling knowing that it absolutely sounds silly to tell someone it's an exhausting experience, but truly it is. I always start at Pier 94 and then brave my way over to the Javits...both which leave my feet tired (even with flats on!), energy level zapped and eyes ready to be shut for sleep. Love seeing what caught your eye! Fun to grab dinner afterwards!

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  16. KathyFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    I remember the first time we went to Javits...We were all dolled up in heels and cute skirts.....I had to take my shoes off (in winter) for part of the walk back to the hotel! The next time we wore tennis shoes.....you're on a mission..it's not a party.....Looks like you were prepared though...and what great finds!... k

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  17. Calmly ChaoticFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    I love that bedding! They have gorgeous crib bedding but it costs a small fortune!

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  18. Carissa @ the Fabulous Design FileFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Jonathan Adler... is there anything he can't do??? Love the ceramics line!

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  19. pretty pink tulipsFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    So fun to see your tour of the show and some of things that I just ran out of time to see. I definitely want to return this summer to....and this time, I'll have a gameplan!

    Can't wait to see what you bought for the Zhush store!
    xoxo

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  20. I Dream OfFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Thanks for the tour! Hope your feet have stopped throbbing. I can see how all that fabulousness could be pretty overwhelming. So much to look at and take in! XO
    Jeanne

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  21. AnnFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    I wasn't able to go (family emergency), so between you and Lisa (Hamptontoes), it's covered!

    You pretty much need to swallow your pride and accept the fact that comfort has to reign supreme for two days. Between good shoes, water and a light handbag, you can tackle it. Oh- of course, extra camera batteries.

    -Ann

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  22. quintessenceFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Fun round up! I had fully intended to go but husband decided to go skiing over the weekend which left me on child duty and then the snow days killed this week! Looking forward to seeing what you selected for the store!

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  23. stylebyrachaelFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    The whole experience sounds amazing!!

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  24. lisaroyhandbagsFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Looks like a feast for the eyes! I've been to the gift fair in Toronto and even that is huge - I can only imagine the one in NY! Hope your feet have recovered and I can't wait to see what goodies you bought! :)

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  25. Teresa at Splendid SassFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    So much color! Looks like you are having a great time, Sue!
    Hope all is well with you.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  26. StitchforkFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    So much to look at there! Can't wait to see what zhushs into your shop! xo Cathy

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  27. TabithaFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    What fun! Thanks for the pics, I would want so much, it wouldn't be safe for me to go.

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  28. StephanieFebruary 2, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    I remember taking the bar there in July 1993 - and can I tell you how absolutely freezing it was there? We were shivering in the a/c. I've been seeing some great posts about the gift fair this week - some great finds here.

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  29. Chassity (Look Linger Love)February 2, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    The bedding, the lamps- so lovely.

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  30. jeanette from everton terraceFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    How funny. I'll have to tell my daughter this story as she'll be sitting for the bar next year.

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  31. Laura TreveyFebruary 2, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Wow... love everything especially those cool lamps!!

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  32. Dancing BranflakeFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Bold prints and colors for sure! Love love love Jonathan Adler.

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  33. eclecticrevisitedFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    experience it the best teacher...now you can pass on this sage advice to wear comfortable shoes and have it fall on deaf ears, as well...but you'll know... ;)
    nice you had a good time...market and shows are so much fun...
    maureen

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  34. JennyFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Wow, it looks amazing - I'm totally digging all the color!

    I had a similar reaction for my first High Point Furniture Market - totally unprepared and wore shoes that made my feet swell up. I mean I grew up near High Point and had been by the buildings, it's not like I didn't know how large it was but I was all style over comfort. I knew better next time!

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  35. VictoriaArtFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    A feast for the eyes! You are in your world!
    xoxo Victoria

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  36. LiveLikeYouFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    YES comfortable shoes, loaded cell phone, light overcoat, snack and bottled water needs to be in the NY Gift show survival kit!!! Its like climbing a mountain!!

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  37. Party ResourcesFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    I so wish I could have been there with all of you - what fun! xx

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  38. swedecollectionFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    Thanks for taking me along on your buying trip. I am shocked and amazed when I see Jonathan Adler selling bargello patterns from the 1960's. I don't see how even one pillow would sell -- would have to be to someone who wasn't around in the 1960-70's. It is as gross now as it was then. Anticipate seeing what other displays you post in the "beautiful" category.

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  39. EstelleFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    O.k. here starts my official freakout over bedding. I want all of those JA pillows and a new blanket from Jonathan Robshaw. Dying right now. Thanks for sharing...I think.

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  40. La Petite GalleryFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Happy to see the old Flame stitch is making a comeback. Lovely colors and items. Thanks for sharing.

    yvonne

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  41. The Red UmbrellaFebruary 2, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Such treasures to be found! Thanks for the look.

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  42. JosieFebruary 2, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    This looks like SUCH a fantastic time! I love all of the pretty prints!
    xo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

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  43. sarah, flourish design + styleFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    ... JR.. I think I am so completely smitten :)

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  44. Noe @ ADELLA AVENUEFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    It is so great to see these pictures! I love some of Jonathan Adler's new pillows, but, as always, its John Robshaw that leaves me speechless. I LOVE his collection. Thanks!

    -xoxo Noe ADELLA AVENUE

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  45. Amber Blue BirdFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    love that pillow line. I know from living in NY for a few years that it is always best to bring along a comfy pair of flats. Nothing is worse than having to walk around with aching feet :(

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  46. SarahFebruary 2, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    What a treat. So much eye candy it must have been inspiration overload. Must check out your shop now for the latest and greatest.

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  47. IsabelFebruary 2, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    looks like a great time even tho your feet hurt :)


    Isabel @ Walk of Fashion

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  48. David TomsFebruary 2, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    All that pattern together is wonderful, and it all works together. The lamps are particularly stylish

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  49. Chic 'n Cheap LivingFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Jonathan Adler's new lamps are gorgeous!

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  50. shari @ little blue deerFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Ah Sue, I forgot you were an attorney too! So smart AND stylish! Can't wait to see the new finds, and I heard you guys had a fab birthday dinner the other night! ;) XX!

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  51. Mandi Smith TFebruary 2, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    I am loving the the comeback of the flame stitch from Adler. I must have some in my house!!! M.

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  52. yvonne@designvignettesFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Jonathan Adler is such a favorite of mine, great pics! While I was lucky enough to have on a comfortable pair of platform heeled boots (I, too, was warned) I didn't take the gazillion pictures I usually do. I am collecting photo tours from others who went, so I added a link to your post on my blog. Looking forward to seeing what you chose for your shop!

    http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-i-loved-at-nyigf.html

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  53. Marcus DesignFebruary 2, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Oooh so many goodies that I almost don't know where to look! How overwhelming it must have been in person! No wonder you missed out on a few booths. Thank you for sharing the eye candy with us, I love what Jonathan Adler is putting on the market :)
    Nancy xo

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