Tableware International

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: Nov/Dec 2014

Issue: 5

2

134

Volume: 136

ȩ ZZZ Oeander F] ȩ

Modern traditions Ambiente 2015 Hall 4 4.1 1 A80 Feb: 13-17

+420 224 494 442

Tableware Team

TableWare

EDITOR KATE BIRCH kate@lemapublishing.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL

From Greece with Love

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER PAUL YEOMANS pyeomans@lemapublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHER MARK NAISH mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR MALCOLM NAISH malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR PAUL NAISH paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

To subscibe to the magazine email: ROBERT THOMAS robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Published by Lema Publishing Ltd. 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness Berkhamsted Herts HP4 2UB PUBLISHING

At the heart Tel: 00 44 (0) 1442 289930 of retail Fax: 00 44 (0) 1442 289950

Front cover illustration supplied by Mahmood Saeed Glass. For more information see the website www.msgi-sa.com

TableWare www.tablewareinternational.com

INTERNATIONAL

Month: Nov/Dec 2014

Issue: 5

2

134

Volume: 136

L

ast month, the team at Tableware International Towers were lucky enough to be invited to Athens

by Greece’s leading retail company Sarafidis. The objective? To peruse, and report upon, its chain of 52 multi-brand tabletop stores, Parousiasi.

Not only were we impressed with the locations and layouts of these stunning tabletop stores, but also with the way the company has adapted to the recent recession that hit Greece hard with smart measures, such as adding supplementary product categories and setting up a retail academy to educate staff.

“The financial crisis made us look closely at our stores and make changes – we decided to downsize, close some stores, streamline the company and make it fitter and healthier,” CEO George Sarafidis told us. Find out exactly what changes Sarafidis made and more about the successful chain of Parousiasi tabletop stores in our interview on page 18.

In addition to visiting Greece, we also travelled Stateside to the October edition of The New York Tabletop Show and joined in the celebrations of the building (41 Madison honoured its long-term tabletop residents for its 40th Anniversary) and of various brands; while Wedgwood celebrated the 50th anniversary of its iconic Wild Strawberry pattern with a new creative collection; Royal Doulton looked forward to its 200th anniversary with a range of limited-edition contemporary interior gifts. There were also a number of cool collaborations announced at the show, including designer Kim Seybert with the DeVine Corporation. Read our review of the show and all the introductions for 2015 on page 42.

Another cool collaboration that has caught our eye this month is that of contemporary floral designer Kim Palmer and Lifetime Brands… find our interview with her on page 16.

Also prolific at the 41 Madison showcase was the presentation of new barware brands and collections – from Libbey’s new ranges of barware under its new brand Just Indulge, to Lifetime Brands’ new boxed set barware programme, to complete new barware collections from Michael Aram and Vista Alegre. And this month, we celebrate the ‘rise of the bar’ – craft beer and cocktail products, in particular – with our in-depth barware feature on page 26.

As well as looking back to the October Tabletop Show, and the HOMI show in Milan (page 38), we are very much looking forward to the 2015 shows. And this issue, we are exhibitiondriven, delivering a 13-page Show Season Special, which starts on page 46, with the aim of informing you about what to expect next show season.

Here, you will find dates and venues for all the upcoming tableware-relevant trade events in our 2015 Show Diary; discover why you should attend and what you need to know with top tips from our trade show experts; and find in-depth show previews on all the key tableware-relevant trade fairs.

It’s the perfect guide to navigating the shows and will help you decide what suits you and your business best… and if you can’t, then as experts in the tabletop territory, we are only too happy to help – email us at kate@lemapublishing.co.uk

“This issue, we are exhibition-driven, delivering a 13-page Show Season Special, with the aim of informing you about what to expect next show season”

Kate Birch Get social with TableWare INTERNATIONAL

See our latest news: www.tablewareinternational.com ‘Like’ us: Facebook.com/tablewareintmag ‘Follow’ us on Twitter: @tablewareintmag ‘Pin’ us: pinterest.com/tablewareintmag

C

O

N

T

E

N

November/December 2014 • ISSUE 5

News

T

S

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

8

News A round-up of international stories

10

Retail news News and views from buyers/retailers

12

Exhibition news News from the shows worldwide

14

Product news The latest releases and launches

16

Licensing news We spotlight some of the industry’s most exciting designers/licenses

Features 18

Retail: Parousiasi We visit Greece and report on how the 52 multi-brand tableware store brand of Parousiasi has weathered the financial storm

22

Licence focus: National Trust / Creative Tops We discover why the historic archives of such heritage brands are proving so successful

24

Profile: Soizick High-end French tableware brand Soizick returns with new owners

26

Product focus: Barware We discover highperforming sectors and outline the latest trends

26

Shows 34

Show Preview: Home Discover what you can expect at the London show for discerning retailers

40

Show Review: BLE 2014 Discover why licensing is big business and where tableware comes into this

36

Show Preview: NY NOW We look at what will be on show during the Winter edition of NY NOW

42

Show Review: 41 Madison We highlight the latest introductions for Spring 2015 from the show

38

Show Review: HOMI We outline the tabletop trends from the second edition of this show

Show season special 46

Exhibition Calendar Your definitive list of all the tableware-relevant shows in 2015

48

Why Tradeshows Matter Exhibition experts offer their advice on attending tradeshows

50-65 Show Profiles We outline the must-visit tabletop shows for 2015, including: 41 Madison, Spring Fair, Ambiente, Hong Kong Housewares Fair, Chicago, HOMI, Home, EPCH India and Maison & Objet Paris.

66

18

Eye on Design Spotlight on British bone china specialist Richard Brendon

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or Lema Publishing Ltd. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

S H A PE OF YOU R BUSI N ESS + 420 224 494 442

w w w.rudolf kampf.eu See You at Ambiente

4.1 A80

general News Richard Brendon’s Speck-tacular designs debut at New York’s Michael C. Fina Sought-after London-based tabletop designer and British bone china specialist Richard Brendon has chosen New York’s Michael C. Fina as the first exclusive US retailer for his new Speck collection. “Michael C. Fina has worked with Richard Brendon for just over a year now and we are thrilled to see him launch Speck with us,” says Ashley Fina, CEO, Michael C. Fina. “We love his fresh approach to design and his commitment to maintaining historical production of bone china. Being a family-owned company for almost eighty years we appreciate his dedication and understanding of doing things the old-fashioned way, albeit with a modern twist.” A modern celebration of manufacturing bone china, the Speck Collection draws attention to, rather than hiding, the random and unavoidable imperfections that are a side effect of the creation process. Speck covers imperfections with a small, circular copper dot and the pieces are finished with cobalt blue edging, delivering a collection where no two pieces are the same. www.richardbrendon.com

Christofle develops super-silver technology Always on the cutting-edge of innovation, French silverware brand Christofle has developed a process called SilverEver that slows the effect of oxidation on silver and silver metals. It involves the application of an invisible protective nanometric layer that makes the metal water-repellent. Contrary to a classic varnish, this technique does not dull the metal’s shine. It has already been applied to a selection of Christofle pieces, including trays and a ‘vide poche’. www.christofle.com

News in brief

Robert Welch wins two awards The British design brand was recognised for its innovative products at the 15th Excellence in Housewares Awards in October, picking up the Excellence in Homewares award for its Signature Cookbook and Tablet Stand and the Top of the Table award for its Radford Gourmet 5-pce Cheese Knife Set. www.robertwelch.com Artel launches its online shop Czech crystal glassmakers Artel has launched its online shop – www.artelshop.com – offering its bestselling items, as well as the chance to purchase bespoke pieces from Artel artisans.

Libbey announces a strong sales performance Libbey has reported a 189.7 per cent jump in its thirdquarter net income, totalling $13.8 million. Net sales rose 5.7 per cent to $216 million in the quarter, which ended September 30. “For the second consecutive quarter, we were able to defend and grow our market share in an extremely competitive market,” said Libbey’s CEO, Stephanie Streeter.

Did you know…? One of the most controversial and sought-after contemporary artists Jeff Koons has reproduced his Play-Doh designs on a porcelain plate for Bernardaud. Originally an oil painting on canvas representing a pile of Play-Doh on a reflective Mylar background, the challenge for Bernardaud was to render the bright colours of the painting on porcelain. There are just 2,500 pieces available. A Jeff Koons: retrospective exhibition will be held at the Centres Georges Pompidou in Paris from November 26, 2014 to April 27, 2015.

8 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Reiko Kaneko WINS TOP UK TABLEWARE AWARD British-Japanese designer Reiko Kaneko has confirmed her place as a rising star in the design world, winning an award for her Rin Collection at last month’s House Beautiful Awards 2014, which was held at the Science Museum in London. Reiko’s Rin Collection of bowls beat entries from industry giants such as Wedgwood, Alessi and Sainsburys to win the gold award for Best Tableware or Cookware, chosen by an expert panel of judges, including John Rocha and Nick Munroe. The fine bone china Rin range is defined by a beautiful curved shape and some pieces are stone dipped with an irregular glaze banding. www.reikokaneko.co.uk

Nominations open for bira Retail Awards 2015 UK Independent retailers can now enter the prestigious bira Independent Retail Awards 2015, an awards ceremony scheduled to take place on May 13, 2015. The bira awards recognises the very best in the industry within four categories: Independent Retailer of the Year; Retail Employee of the Year; Charitable Champion; and bira direct Supplier Awards; and independent retailers can enter as many of the awards categories as they wish. Contact Jo Cooper: Joanne.cooper@bira.co.uk

PARIS / JANUARY 23-27, 2015 / SEPTEMBER 4-8, 2015 PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE

BORN AND RAISED WITH MAISON&OBJET POLS POTTEN, AT M&O SINCE 1995

WWW.MAISON-OBJET.COM

138

The percentage rise of mobile shopping in the UK in 2013 compared to 2012, with 84 per cent of mobile transactions made on tablets. In fact, according to the IMRG Capgemini etail sales monitor, UK online sales had reached £91bn by the end of 2013 and accounted for a fifth of all retail sales across the country; and online Christmas shopping in December 2013 produced a bumper receipt for £11bn, up from £9bn in 2012.

INFO@SAFISALONS.FR SAFI ORGANISATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF ATELIERS D’ART DE FRANCE AND REED EXPOSITIONS FRANCE / TRADE ONLY / DESIGN © BE-POLES - IMAGE © FRANÇOIS COQUEREL

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 9

retail News 3 STEPS

HOW TO CREATE A…

TO SUCCESS

Shabby Chic Tabletop By promoting and having in-store Trunk Shows – Donna Marie Territo, president of the 100 per cent Made in Italy tabletop company Abbiamo Tutto, is able to show retailers how easy it is to display and create trendy shabby chic tables. “The nice thing about the Shabby Chic style is that you don’t have to use the same pieces in the same way every time. Shabby chic allows you to use your imagination,” says Donna.

Donna offers a quick lesson in creating a shabby chic table setting: “First, use an old table, paint it or glaze it to look distressed, then for placemats,

add antique hand towels or use lacy fabric as a runner. This is where the layering process starts.

We combine our Antica Toscana (white ceramic with a terracotta raised relief design) with our classic white Barocco collections alternating the place settings. We wrap raffia around the rims of masons jars that hold votive candles; we use wine bottles as vases and add a few fresh-cut flowers to the mix and create a centrepiece. Our colourful glasses are filled with fresh-cut flowers and are placed around the table, which brings a natural element to the setting. And then we add a touch of Italian pewter and sterling silver.”

Another example of shabby chic styling is the combining of the Butterfly collection with Barocco, adding more colour to the setting with new Abbiamo Tutto glasses and Uccellino (small bird) tealite/salt cellars. Antique napkins are tied with twine and crochet doilies are used as coasters for the ceramics. The ceramics are filled with iridescent beads, the beads adding a sparkle, and which are scattered around the table, too.

Donna Marie Territo will be scheduling trunk shows with customers during NY NOW.

“Tableware continues to be a key category at ACHICA. Whilst white crockery will always remain a firm favourite, we have seen success with more organic shapes which appear handthrown, and sales of everyday stoneware in greys, stronger neutrals and brighter colours. The trend for mixing and matching even in fine bone china also continues with customers buying highlight pieces and mixing these with white, especially as the party season starts as this can be an easy way of extending a crockery collection without it all becoming too matchy matchy.”

Liam Butler, brand director, ACHICA, an international online lifestyle store, with 45 per cent of its offering dedicated to dining

10 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Innovative Chicago retail store P.O.S.H. boasts a mix of vintage and new items – mainly tableware pieces – from all over the world and that tell a story. Karl Sorensen, owner, founder and director of P.O.S.H. delivers the three things that have been key to keeping P.O.S.H alive and kicking throughout the recent recession.

1.

A unique product mix If we stocked the same stuff that is found at a department store, we wouldn’t have survived this long. Be unique.

2.

A focused point of view A shop’s selection must have a connecting thread – if a shop feels out of focus to the customer, it will not be successful at all.

3.

A broad range of price points We work hard to offer something unique regardless of the customer’s budget. So, a student with limited means, or a socialite who has ‘everything’ could both come in and leave with something unique that they will either treasure for themselves or be proud to give as a gift. www.poshchicago.com

News in brief

Saks to open first Canada stores in 2016 Parent Hudson’s Bay will open its first two Saks Fifth Avenue stores in.

Canada in the spring of 2016, debuting its Off 5th outlet chain also. CEO Richard Baker said he plans to pursue Toronto but not Ottawa or Quebec City, which he does not see as “major luxury markets.”

Macy’s to open in Abu Dhabi in 2018 Macy’s will open its first location outside of the United States in Abu Dhabi in 2018, as part of a strategic partnership with United Arab Emirates company Al Tayer Group. Within this partnership, Bloomingdales’s will open its second international store location in Abu Dhabi in the same year (the other international Bloomingdale’s is in Dubai).

Tabletop Talk We talk to three international tabletop retailers to discover where they source and what sells well for them ARTICLE Ireland Contemporary tableware and decorative home accessories Dublin-based store, which won The Irish Times’ Best Gifts/Design/ Ineriors store for 2014. www.articledublin.com Owner John Adams What shows do you attend? A mix of tradeshows. I always go to Maison & Objet Paris and generally to Top Drawer and Home in London, though the latter is more for stationery and decorative items. I also spot things on-the-go, in magazines, and visiting shores while in other countries.

What sells well for you? Glassware, mugs and serving dishes. Home baking continues to grow for us, which means serveware, such as cake stands and platters are popular. There is also demand for Tapas-style serveware, such as mixed serving bowls and wooden boards for a more eclectic look.

Dinnerware sets or individual pieces? We tend to source and sell individual pieces.

Ocado launches online dining retailer Sizzle Online supermarket Ocado has launched Sizzle, a new online kitchen and dining retailer that will give customers in the UK one-stop access to more than 12,000 premium kitchen products. The retailer is geared towards an “up-market specialist audience – people with a passion for food, style and life,” said consultant Richard Buchanan.

Smaller stores the future, say Bloomingdale’s Bloomingdale’s remodelled store in Palo Alto, California, has been scaled down from 220,000 square feet to 125,000 square feet, making it the smallest of the chain’s 34 full-line stores. The smaller-format store boasts 68 designer shops, 100 new brands and cutting-edge technology, such as smart fitting rooms and touchscreen tablets. “It is the model of the future – a smaller upscale department store,” Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring told Women’s Wear Daily.

Williams-Sonoma plans Mexican expansion Williams-Sonoma is partnering with Mexican department store chain Distribuidora Liverpool to expand its operations into Mexico, with its first store expected to open in 2015. The franchise agreement extends to all of the company’s brands.

LA MAISON COUTURE, Online UK Luxury home and lifestyle e-sourcing site offering a carefully edited selection of product in a unique online environment www. lamaisoncouture.com Founder Anna McNab

ToTT, Singapore Award-winning kitchenware and tableware store that is the biggest in Asia, offering a 360-degree holistic approach www.tottstore.com Director Grace Tan What shows do you attend? Our sourcing department visits some 9 to 11 shows each year, including the major ones like Ambiente and the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. We also maintain strong relationships with our brand partners who share their knowledge on market trends and the latest designs.

What sells well for you? Homeowners in Singapore are increasingly choosing to buy tableware that is found on the tables of fine dining establishments, so premium tableware like Legle and Royal Porcelain dinnerware and Laguiole en Aubrac flatware, which graces Singapore’s fine dining restaurants work for us. Neutral tones and subtle décor on clean, contemporary, geometric shapes sells well here.

Dinnerware sets or individual pieces? Functionality and price remain key for the very practical and costconscious ToTT consumer, which means that multifunctional products and cookware or tableware sets, which all offer great value for money, remain popular here.

What shows do you attend?

We visit Maison & Objet, Ambiente, 100% Design, Pulse and Fashion Week, as well as doing continual sourcing online, which we find is vital to finding new brands. Maison is most important for us as it is so huge and offers such a wide variety of exhibitors.

What sells well for you? We’ve noticed that consumers are looking for individuality, uniqueness and a way to be different. There’s a lot of interest in vintage china and antique pieces, French style dining and antique linens.

Dinnerware sets or individual pieces? We are finding that more people are leaning towards a more individual way of dining with interesting mix and match sets, vintage pieces and unusual designs, which also serve as conversation pieces.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 11

general News exhibition News

The debut of HOMI Russia attracts 8,160 visitors The first edition of the successful Fiera Milano event that takes place in Milan, Italy, twice a year, launched successfully in Moscow in October 2014, confirming the potential of Fiera Milano’s internationalisation strategy.

Taking place alongside I Saloni Worldwide and during Moscow Design Week, the 120 exhibitors at this four-day launch lifestyle event attracted 8,160 visitors. “The success of

this first edition confirms the potential of the internationalisation strategy at Fiera Milano,” said Michele Perini, president of Fiera Milano.

This launch show marked HOMI’s debut internationally. The next edition is due to take place at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center in Moscow, Russia, from October 14-17, 2015. www.homirussia.ru

“

I am extremely pleased to welcome to Forty One Madison both Godinger Silver Art, which includes Ricci, plus Home Essentials and Beyond, which is also under the Godinger umbrella. The dedication of an additional floor to the Tabletop Market reflects the Rudin Family’s continued dedication to this industry. The Godinger family’s commitment is equally strong with the signature of a long-term lease. The space they are creating, which will be ready for a grand opening at the April Tabletop Show, is going to wow all who visit, and buyers will find it tremendously convenient to shop these important resources year-round.

”

Laurie Burns, senior vice president and director, Forty One Madison, on The Godinger Group signing a long-term lease with 41 Madison to take the 27th floor 12 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

28% buyer increase for Interior Lifestyle China Growing demand for lifestyle products in China’s middle and upper classes led to a surge in visitors to Interior Lifestyle China 2014, held September 18-20, 2014. A total of 21,773 buyers attended, a 28 per cent increase on the 2013 edition, hailing from 60 countries, up from 37 the previous year. “This fair has been in existence for eight years now, so to have such a large increase in buyers for an already wellestablished event really shows the strong recent growth in this industry in China,” says Wendy Wen, senior general manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK).

Many buyers came to the fair looking for highquality products and left satisfied: “The products here are of very high quality; in fact, we cannot find them in other fairs in China,” said Peter Liu, owner of Xi Bu Luo Er Café in China; while overseas buyer George Gleditzsch, Taicheng Kentong Science & Trade, found the fair useful to understand the domestic market: “This fair is good for high-end products and to get new ideas about what’s popular in the market. I’ve seen products here from overseas brands I never thought I would see imported to China, so market demand changes so much” The next Interior Lifestyle China is Sept 1719, 2015 at the Shanghai New Int’l Expo Centre. www.messefrankfurt.com

products News

Everyone’s talking about…

TROPICAL TABLEWARE From birds of Paradise to exotic flora, tropical motifs and colours have found their way on to the latest tableware.

Villeroy & Boch has merged two of its most successful concepts – the contemporary shape Anmut and the popular pattern Amazonia, inspired by the tropics, delivering Amazonia Anmut, a perfect pairing of the subtle round shape with vivid colours. Each

piece is complemented by a delicate band of gold and it comes as a complete dinnerware service with 16 different items.

But that’s not all – the brand’s New Wave Café collection of mugs have been given a tropical makeover for Spring 2015. Debuting its animal theme for this collection series are four tropical bird prints, including the Kingfisher, Parrokeet and Flamingo.

Portuguese earthenware brand Bordallo Pinheiro also turned to the tropics for inspiration launching its newest collection, Tropical, which is inspired by exotic flora.

This includes lilies, birds of paradise and Alpinia – think vibrant reds, oranges, pinks and yellows, all contrasted against a dark background of silhouetted vegetation.

Handpainted and offset with transparent glazes,

bringing the flower to life, each piece is fully embossed, both inside and outside.

Finally, new from Abigails is a collection of generously proportioned ceramic serving pieces, including a platter and serving bowl, featuring the tropical Palmetto leaf design. Handmade in Portugal, these pieces have a traditional feel with a neutral cream base and glaze.

Spotlight on…

Zieher Cloches German hospitality tableware and buffet brand Zieher delivers a collection of cloches for the presentation of everything from fine truffles to cheeses. Available in nine sizes, the cloches are made from borosilicate glass, delivering both high heat and breakage resistance. Pieces are handblown and manufactured by hand, making each one slightly unique.

www.zieher.com

“

Tirol is inspired by the winter scenes from the Tirol region of Austria, delivering a festive, yet quietly sophisticated winter table setting. Snow-capped mountains, wooden chalets, horse-drawn sleighs and off-piste ski tracks are all captured in this collection of drinkware and decorative accessories.

”

Monika Lubkowska-Jonas, creative director, LSA International, on the new Tirol glassware range 14 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Country Kitchen Collection Finest quality • British design

Burleigh teams up with Highgrove Inspired by HRH The Prince of Wales’ Wild Flower Meadow at Highgrove House, Burleigh has produced a tableware collection exclusively for Highgrove. The Coronation Meadows Collection is named after the project set up by HRH The Prince of Wales to establish meadows of wildflower species like the one at Highgrove throughout the UK. The tableware design features a finely detailed botanical illustration of meadow flowers and includes plates, mugs and bowls, as well as a two-tiered cake stand and rectangular serving dish.

www.denby.co.uk

Simax redesigns carafe

Renowned for creating kitchen products made from the highest grade of borosilicate glass and with nearly 180 years of tradition and expertise in glassware production, the SIMAX brand has launched a glass carafe, the newly redesigned Carafe Indis. Suitable for both cold and hot drinks, the borosilicate glass carafe comes with a glass handle and guarantees heat resistance up to 572F/300C. Cadmium and lead-free, the carafe comes with a 10-year guarantee.

Country Kitchen collection Inspired by the National Trust =bgd]fYX Vm h\Y cf][]bU` aUW\]bY df]bhYX ƁcfU` pattern wallpaper, dated late 19th or early 20th century in the collection at Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, we have lovingly created kitchen products for the modern home.

For a free brochure call +44 (0) 1536 207710 or visit www.creative-tops.com See this stunning collection at

The Spring Fair NEC Birmingham, Hall 9, Stand G10-H11, 1st - 5th February

www.simax.cz TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 15

Licensing News

Spotlight On… Kim Parker American artist and author Kim Parker has made a global name for herself with her floral designs.

We talk to Kim about her licensed artwork and recent collaboration with Lifetime Brands

L

aunching her namesake label in 2001, internationally acclaimed artist, lifestyle designer and author, Kim Palmer, is renowned for her modern floral designs, which in the last decade have graced a vast number of products through licensing.

Kim has licensed her brand to some of the world’s finest companies, from renowned retailers like Crate & Barrel (a home furnishings range) and Marks and Spencer (a calendar) to manufacturers like porcelain brand Spode and card company Hallmark, delivering her signature style of modern floral design on a range of lifestyle products, such as rugs, tableware, giftware, wallpaper, bedding, stationery and accessories.

Full of rich colour and bursting with details, Kim’s designs all feature handpainted floral designs inspired by gardens. “I love to work with rich colour and the gardens I paint are celebrations of life,” says Kim of her design aesthetic. “I get my inspiration for painting gardens from living a creative life… this is my garden. My love for the garden also comes from my love of storytelling. I see the garden as a metaphor for a ‘community’ and flowers are the ‘players’. It’s a place where all kinds of relationships take place – through the bending and

16 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

positioning of flowers, there is a visual narrative, one that I hope ultimately communicates harmony,” says Kim And Kim’s latest visual floral narrative has been translated to tableware with her latest licensing agreement with provider of tableware Lifetime Brands (Mikasa, Towle, Pfaltzgraff, La Cafetiere). This provides the company with an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement to manufacture, import, market, promote and distribute tabletop and housewares products.

On the collaboration, Kim says: “After a few meetings with Lifetime’s design director, Hugh Biber, and his team, I felt that Lifetime Brands was the right fit. As a designer, being able to freely express your creative vision is an important factor in choosing licensing partners,” explains Kim. The result is a new tabletop range consisting of six visually exciting dinnerware collections featuring six different handpainted floral designs – think vibrant, bold and colourful modern prints – which can be used alone or mixed and matched with each other. “These new collections celebrate my long love for painting flowers,” says Kim. “They feature a

number of different looks, some feminine watercolour patterns, and others, more dramatic layered florals in vivid colours,” says Kim, pointing to the fact that the six patterns (India Garden, Provence Garden, Tatiana, Tulips, Spring Eternal and Woodland Floral) are inspired by global gardens.

“It allowed me to travel with my paintbrushes – from India and Russia to the French countryside, designing the gardens I envisioned there.”

India Garden (pictured below) was inspired by the colours and patterns found in the textiles/fabrics of India; Tatiana is a feminine floral pattern with a bit of a gypsy soul inspired by the beauty of vintage Russian embroideries and shawls; and Provence Garden, with its painterly blossoms is the perfect interpretation of a French countryside garden. Then there’s Woodland Floral (flowers and leaves appear to have fallen from the sky); Spring Eternal (a pastel bouquet of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths) and Red Tulips (inspired by the bright red tulips in Gramercy Park, New York).

Tabletop isn’t new to Kim, who has collaborated with Spode on

dinnerware, and she admits that designing dinnerware feels natural.

“I enjoy working within the confines of a certain form or shape. Round shapes are very pleasing to work with and I like how dinner plates can be stacked upon each other, creating a visually rich layered look upon the table,” says Kim, explaining how she loves seeing a dinner plate become more visually exciting when a salad plate with full coverage sits in the middle of it. “I just enjoy the feeling of abundance with layered pattern and feel that it gives the consumer the option to mix and match.”

Seeing her porcelain pieces come to fruition has been magical for Kim. “I just love the look of my floral designs on porcelain – they are really fine and beautiful,” says Kim. As far as the future goes, Kim has a licensed launch in 2015 with a top UK company with worldwide distribution for wallpaper and fabrics and is hoping to expand her licensing programme further.

“Going forward, I would still love to design for the categories of melamine, glassware, bakeware, cutlery, lighting and tiles,” says Kim. And while products in the range include a platter, veg bowl, appetizer plates, fruit bowl, sugar bowl, creamer, mug and salt/pepper set, there is potential for further accessories. “I envision accessories such as glassware, stemware, table linens and napkins, all beautiful additions to my new tabletop collections,” says Kim, explaining that Lifetime Brands is already developing glassware for the collections.

“

Award-winning British tableware manufacturer Portmeirion has announced a landmark partnership agreement with the iconic British fashion house, Ted Baker. Ted Baker Portmeirion delivers two capsule ranges – a 41-pce vintage floral bone china dinnerware range set on a mismatching pastel palette and a 22-pce porcelain giftware range featuring juxtaposing combinations of animal and geo prints. Both are inspired by the designer’s Spring/Summer 2015 apparel collections. It will launch in the UK from February 2015. www.portmeirion.co.uk

“

Ted Baker Portmeirion debuts

I’ve always cherished embroidery as an art form as well as a constant source of inspiration for the fabrics I use to decorate the rooms in my hotels. Applying the intricate Mythical Creatures fabric design to china is a wonderful way to enjoy and capture its beauty in a different form.

Kit Kemp, design director at Firmdale Hotels, commenting on her recent collaboration with Wedgwood, which resulted in a beautiful collection of china.

Mythical Creatures features characters and patterns with a folkloric feel and hand-painted gold

DESIGN DUO THE COMPANY Royal Doulton THE DESIGNER LICENSE Charlene Mullen THE BACKGROUND This year, Royal Doulton teamed up for the first time with leading Londonbased homewares designer Charlene Mullen on a collection influenced by her widely recognised ‘blackwork’ and ‘scenic’ embroidered textiles. Charlene’s first foray into ceramics, the tableware collection features Charlene’s signature soft geometric ‘foulard star’ pattern ‘London calling’ scenes, as well as her unique signature accent of red on each and every piece.

Why did you collaborate with Royal Doulton?

Royal Doulton thought my work would fit well with their ceramics –

they particularly liked the blackwork patterns I developed as part of my Scenic collection. The latest ranges embrace Royal Doulton’s commitment to marrying quality china and interesting design concepts to create something truly unique.

How did you adapt to ceramics?

It wasn’t too difficult as I was working on the surface pattern rather than the form itself. The most important thing was to keep the quality of my hand-drawn patterns when they were printed again on the new surface. If you look closely you can see that all the motifs have slight irregularities.

What inspired this collection?

I look at mid-century design, ranging

from Saul Steinberg and Stig Lindberg for drawing and pattern.

The blackwork patterns started life in Elizabethan times when Catherine of Aragon came to England wearing ‘Spanish work’, which quickly changed to be known as ‘blackwork’. She believed the patterns would disguise the dirt and look fabulous to boot. So the collection is about pattern but also about drawing and telling a story… that’s why I look to illustrators a lot for inspiration to see how they interpret what is around them.

You incorporate splashes of red throughout the collection. What was the reason for this?

Once I have the bones of a collection

I really like to weave through little bits of colours or humour that form the ‘glue’ and make it work as a whole.

Having so many pieces, it’s really lovely finding ways to add a touch of fun in something you might use every day.

Yes, the mugs feature red silhouettes of animals. Why these?

I had the red dove already and when researching Royal Doulton I noticed makers often used little icons as their signature. This gave me the idea for the fox, cockerel and swan – a little pop of red next to the black and white pattern. Inside, it’s like a little surprise.

Discover more about about the Charlene Mullen Collection for Royal Doulton at www.wwrd.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 17

Retail PAROUSIASI

A Greek Odyssey Boasting 52 outlets throughout Greece the 35-year-old multi-brand tableware store Parousiasi has not just survived the financial crisis that rocked the country, but has thrived.

We travelled to Athens to see the stores and to meet some of the owners, discovering exactly how this successful Greek retail chain has countered the challenging and changing landscape of retail and of tableware

M

oreso than any other country, Greece suffered heavily during the financial crisis, with many retailers forced to close their doors. But one distribution and retail company – one focused on tableware/cookware, in fact – not only managed to ride out the crisis, but managed to emerge from the storm, stronger, fitter, healthier.

The Sarafidis Group of Companies, which started out in 1922, is a Greek family business consisting of a variety of wholesale and retail concepts, as well as a hotel division, and boasts the biggest chain of retail stores in Greece, including Porsche Design (accessories), Tumi (luggage) and Frette (Italian bedding), as well two

18 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

homegrown brands – multi-brand stores Parousiasi and Cookshop Parousiasi (‘Presentation’ in Greek) is Sarafidis’ multi-brand tableware store, a dining and gift destination offering consumers some 60 international tableware brands, from Villeroy & Boch and Versace to Rosenthal and Riedel, and presenting everything from dinnerware, stemware and flatware, to serveware, giftware (think vases, bowls and candlesticks) and cookware.

Set up in 1982 with just a few key brands – WMF, Thomas and Rosenthal – Parousiasi rapidly expanded as a franchise development throughout Greece.

“It took 10 years to get the range of brands to complete our portfolio,” says CEO George Sarafidis, explaining

how, from the start, they wanted only brands that screamed heritage, history and high quality.

Today, there are 52 Parousiasi stores across Greece: 20 in the main cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, providing the majority of the company’s turnover (80 per cent), and the remaining 32 in smaller cities/towns all over Greece. As such, it is well-known and respected.

“Parousiasi has a high top-of-mind awareness in Greece and customers trust that our name will deliver great quality brands and beautiful products,” says George.

The brands it has are not just trusted, high-quality brands, but also exclusive to Parousiasi. “We were clear about several things – one, that we offered the same prices as the origin of the product; and two, that we had exclusivity,” says George, pointing out that Parousiasi has 10 showcase brands and 50 smaller ones.

Its ‘showcase’ brands, which include WMF, Villeroy & Boch, Rosenthal, Thomas, Sambonet, Kitchenaid, Lenox and Riedel, are brands not just highly recognised in Greece, but highly valued. While the iconic Versace brand has been prized in Greece since the nineties, Rosenthal has been fashionable in the country since the sixties.

However, with the financial crisis in 2008 came an awakening for Sarafidis and its Parousiasi stores, in particular, forcing the owners to take stock. “Greece was hit hard in the recession and a lot of brands and retail stores were forced to close, including well-known brands,” says George. Though the Parousiasi stores were doing well pre-crisis, George admits the brand had some negative stores. “Pre-crisis, we weren’t worried about the negative stores… but the financial crisis made us look closely at them and make changes. We decided to downsize, close some stores,

streamline the company and make it fitter and healthier.”

George says they had fantastic support from suppliers, many of whom supported them with extra discounts. “We remained healthy through the crisis because of this, and because we have a lot of capital in Parousiasi as we own most of our stores,” says George, highlighting how many of the 52 Parousiasi stores – 95 per cent of which are standalone – are also ideally located in the main fashion streets along side high-end fashion brands. “This isn’t something you would necessarily find in other countries and the locations of our stores has been crucial in keeping us profitable during the recession,” says George, adding that 19 of the stores are company managed and located on main shopping streets.

Location, location Not only does Parousiasi have stores in AA locations in Athens, Thessaloniki and smaller cities, it also has standalone Parousiasi stores in Golden Hall, the biggest mall in Northern Athens, an upper class area that boasts brands like Ferragamo and Tod’s; a store-in-store concept in Athens’ best department store, Attica, an art deco building in downtown Athens; and a standalone Parousiasi store in the high-end Mall Cosmos in Thessaloniki. “It is a must for tourists and others to visit Golden Hall and Attica in Athens and Cosmos Mall in Thessaloniki,” says executive manager/buyer, Mary Sarafidis.

Parouisasi’s standalone street store is also present in the affluent Glyfada region of Athens, next door to Tommy Hilfiger, in a pedestrianised area that’s all about fashion, design and food. “This is our best-performing store – we are next to the marinas, in an area where people care about brands and quality,” says George.

Another well-performing store

is Parousiasi in the Psychiko area in Athens, a wealthy area teeming with the old families of Athens.

The size and layout of the store screams wealth with its elegant stone staircase leading to the formal tabletop section, as well as its supplementary stores, including a Huelsta furniture store and a cooking school. “Additionally, our Parousiasi standalone store on the main Tsimiski shopping street in the city of Thessaloniki is an excellent performing store,” continues George.

A younger audience Despite the advantages of having such fantastic high-fashion locations, the recent economic crisis has forced the company to make a number of internal changes. “Today, Parouisasi must appeal to a younger Greek consumer, and as part of the company’s new marketing plans, set to debut in the New Year, we will target a younger clientele, aged 2445,” says Mary, explaining how part of this will include the sourcing and selling of more relevant and on-trend brands and products.

“In the past, we sold a lot of classical dinnerware collections with platinum and gold décor, but not so much anymore,” says Mary.

“We appreciate that brands such as Villeroy & Boch and Rosenthal now deliver country, contemporary, classic, urban chic and modern, all appealing to a younger clientele.”

The rise of casual dining, the growth of aspirational cooking and entertaining, a younger, more internet-oriented consumer, and the recent recession, has led to quite dramatic changes in tableware buying habits in Greece. “While previously, demand for formal fine china was prolific, it is less so now,” says Mary, pointing out that they are now selling more casual dinnerware and more functional products.

Brands @ Parousiasi WMF, Villeroy & Boch, Rosenthal/Thomas/Hutschenreuter, Lenox, Wedgwood, Prouna, Narumi, Kitchenaid, Leonard, Schott Zwiesel, Alfi, Frette, Yankee, Zwilling/Staub, Joseph Joseph, Bredemeijer (Silverstad), Madelene, Creative Tops, PSAP S.A., Cilio, Dr. Oetker, Sambonet, PPD, Toms Company, Riedel Glas, Foppapedretti, Koziol, Lekue, and others…

Parousiasi by numbers The percentage of the company’s total retail business that is online: travel products and appliances are number one; homewares is10.

6

The number of people Parousiasi sends to Ambiente.

15

The number of Parousiasi stores in Greece. They also have 55 Cookshops in Greece.

52

The percentage by which the company’s HoReCa business is up this year.

They supply select hotels like the six-star Aman Resorts with tableware.

24

The percentage of product that is taken up by the supplementary cookshop category in Parousiasi.

25

The number of staff who work at Parousiasi; there are 350 in the entire Sarafidis company, including 300 sales/merchandising staff.

150

30,000

The rough number of customers Parousiasi has in its loyalty programme, which it launched in 1998.

1,200

The size in square metres of the largest Parousiasi store, with the smallest Parousiasi store being 70 square metres.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 19

Retail PAROUSIASI

“The Greek consumer now wants pieces that are multi-functional, modern and can be used every day,” says Mary, highlighting how Thomas’ all-white modern Loft Series is currently selling well, and with the younger consumers, in particular.

However, The Sarafidis group of companies (Ikiakos Exoplismos S.A for the Parousiasi stores and Sarafidis Bros. S.A for the 55 Cookshop chain of stores all over Greece and the mass distribution of housewares and electrical appliances like Braun, Fissler cookware) has recognised the need to also take on ‘fresh’ brands. And during its many frequent supplier visit and sourcing trips – they visit Ambiente, Maison & Objet, HOMI, Chicago, Exclusively Housewares,

and others – they have sourced fresh brands like Joseph, Joseph, Creative Tops (Katie Alice) and Yankee Candles to appeal to a younger clientele.

Meanwhile, it remains faithful to its other luxury brands, like Rosenthal, Villeroy & Boch, Wedgwood, Lenox, Kitchenaid and Riedel.

Supplementary categories Another retail manoeuvre that has kept, and continues to keep, Parousiasi afloat despite the recession is the introduction of supplementary product categories into the retail mix. They recently introduced a scent story via a candle category, which has been great for impulse purchases (“Our Yankee Candle story appeals to Millenials and has really worked as

4 BESTSELLERS •Wedgwood Vera Wang Grosgrain •Villeroy & Boch Mariefleur •Lenox Butterfly Meadow, Pearl Innocence, Opal Innocence •Rosenthal Nendoo 20 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

a supplementary product offering,” says Mary).

However, Parousiasi’s largest and most lucrative supplementary product success has come from the introduction of a kitchenware sector in its Parousiasi stores, a sector that has tremendously increased sales in the stores, explains George.

“Due to the crisis, the consumer has returned to the home and seeks entertainment at home with friends and family,” says George. Therefore, the kitchen corners within the Parousiasi stores have taken a lot of consideration, attention, space and sales, and are now an important sector within the stores, selling kitchenware from brands like WMF, Kitchenaid, Zwilling, Staub, Joseph Joseph, Lekue, and many others.

“Of course, the 55 franchise Cookshops from sister company C.Sarafidis Bros. S.A., located all over Greece and with four in Cyprus, have greatly contributed to the trend, as has the trend for aspirational gourmet cooking, the rise of cooking schools and popularity of TV cooking programmes,” continues George, adding that there is a very obvious, and so far successful, overlap in the categories, especially with cookware also acting as tableware, with the recent trend of oven-to-tableware.

Besides the introduction and subsequent growth of kitchenware in the Parousiasi stores, the company will soon be adding a further supplementary category. “We will soon start with Kela, Koziol and

Lenox bathroom corners in some of the Parousiasi stores,” says Mary, explaining how the company already sells high-end luxury Frette products (luxury Italian bedding) in two of its Parousiasi stores, as well as having a standalone Frette store in the Golden Hall Mall and a shop-in-shop Frette store in department store Attica.

The little extras But it’s not just the right store location, the right portfolio of brands and the right product categories that has made, and continues to make, Parousiasi successful during the recession. It is also the add-ons the company delivers – service, education and the extras – helping customers not just remember the brand, but also invest in it.

Service-wise, Sarafadis has three service operations within Greece for all the brands it distributes, providing customers with the speedy replacement of a Villeroy & Boch dinner plate, or the immediate fixing of a Kitchenaid machine. “The beauty of our customer service is that we continue to supply patterns and collections we have sold throughout our store history as long as the brand does,” explains Mary. “So, if a customer has been collecting a certain pattern for 20 years and needs a replacement dinner plate, we will find it for them.”

Education-wise, the company is passionate about, and committed to, communicating the history and heritage of its brands and the functionality of its products.

In its successful Psychiko store, for example, a video display communicates the functionality of its products – a Joseph Joseph kitchen gadget, for example. Parousiasi also delivers in-store events, designed to draw in, engage with, and educate the customer, such as wine and food tastings and chef-led cooking classes.

The company also believes in the production of printed materials and catalogues: WMF’s big catalogue, Villeroy & Boch’s two annual high-end newspapers, and Lenox’s Butterfly Meadow brochure, among others, are distributed in the Greek language in the Parousiasi stores. In the past few years, the company has also produced Parousiasi sales catalogues, 100,000 of them, which with their editorial approach and aspirational feel are designed to communicate the history, quality, heritage and story behind the brands and collections.

Some 100,000 are inserted into Greek newspapers and distributed within the stores. “In 2015, the company has even more plans in this direction,” comments Mary.

The company has also cottoned on to other clever ways of creating brand awareness, while providing customers with both engagement and extras: they offer small bottles of Parousiasi branded water in all stores; and have a customer loyalty programme, delivering special events and offers for ‘privileged members’.

“We are focused on building special promotional activities to make members feel privileged,” says George, highlighting how members can be the first to see the preview of a new collection, for example, or can gain double points on special merchandise the brand wish to push. George cites special events for members, such as wine tasting classes with Riedel stemware led by Mr Riedel himself, which they have in the past delivered.

And while Parousiasi is multichannel, providing an online facility for information and inspiration, as well as a shopping facility, George admits e-commerce is not a priority in Greece, as online sales accounts for just 6 per cent of the company’s total business. Social media for Sarafidis, however, is of critical importance, especially with the company’s desire to reach Millenials.

“We want constant dialogue with our customers and we recognise that social media is a tool we must

use for delivering information and inspiration, as well as engaging with the customer and creating brand awareness,” says George. Such social media engagement is part of the company’s new marketing plans.

Engaging with the customers on all levels is in fact a priority. Parousiasi is in the process of taking social responsibility measures, which will be supported by the company in a subtle way. The company has already set up a retail academy to train their sales force. “Our biggest expense and our most important asset is our people, 300 of which are in sales,” says George. ”Our retail academy offers a continuous programme dedicated to supplying its sales force with product knowledge and intense training in sales techniques, quality service and merchandising parallel to the training that some of our suppliers offer,” continues George.

The company will also focus on promoting hero products in Parousiasi that reflect innovation, modernity, design and functionality, as well as refreshing the image of both its store and its staff. They plan to opt for a ‘less is more’ approach to visual merchandising, with products displayed in a more readable clear way, delivering more inspirational promotions and far more inspirational tabletop arrangements on the ground floors. And while currently Parousiasi changes its window displays in all 52 stores every three weeks – an activity overseen by the company’s three merchandising experts who visit all 52 stores to ensure brand conformity – plans are in place for each store to have its own visual merchandising expert.

New music, a new scent customised specifically for Parousiasi, and a new all-grey elegant uniform for the staff are other store and staff changes, which Parousiasi is planning to introduce in 2015.

There are many changes on the table for Sarafidis, and for its Parousiasi stores, in particular, with 2015 about to deliver a new age of retail in Greece.

“Sometimes people think that if it isn’t broken, then you don’t need to fix it. But after the crisis, though we were far from broken, we realised we needed to make Parousiasi much healthier going forward. Sometimes you need a crisis to make a change,” concludes George. www.parousiasi.gr

WHAT WORKS IN GREECE Trading for 35 years and with some 60 international brands and 52 stores, Parousiasi is the expert in what sells well in tableware, kitchenware, giftware in Greece

Sharing dishes and platters There is a lot of entertaining in Greece, with Greek families, which are generally big, having frequent parties, open buffets and sitting around al fresco while they dine. Because of this, “we offer and sell a lot of sharing dishes, platters and more recently, cake stands,” says executive manager/buyer, Mary Sarafidis.

Coffeeware “Coffee is our main product here in Greece, with espresso the modern coffee must-have, so we offer espresso cups of all sizes,” expalins Mary.

“Barware isn’t so big here, though we do offer a selection – it sells well during winter-time and is increasingly popular with the younger generations, who we are now targeting more seriously.”

Colour

Mariefleur,

Villeroy & Boch Mary states: “In the past few years, we have seen demand for colour increase here. It used to be all about stainless steel and black and white for tableware and appliances or cookware, but now, Greek consumers want colour, both classic combinations of colours and clashing colours. We do well with Thomas Sunny Days dinnerware and Leonardo’s colourful affordable glassware.”

Shabby Chic Increasingly so, Parousiasi offers trendy, quirky and colourful vintageinspired displays, showcasing retro tableware with a shabby chic aesthetic – everything from cake stands and tea cups, to serveware and dinnerware from Creative Tops (Retro Treats and Katie Alice Cottage Garden) and PPD’s porcelain accessories with retro artist designs.

Florals “For those who prefer patterns in Greece, floral decor does well. Butterfly Meadow by Lenox and Villeroy & Boch’s Mariefleur are great successes here, especially with brides wanting the matching set,” says Mary. In Greece, florals tend to be dedicated to every day or country house use, so more casual floral collections like Villeroy & Boch’s Anmut Flowers is very popular.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 21

Sunny Days, Thomas

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 65

LICENSING Creative Tops / National Trust

Tradition in tableware Having recently taken on the license for the National Trust, Creative Tops is becoming a onestop shop for heritage licensed tableware. We talk to Clare Farthing, marketing manager of Creative Tops and Philippa Green, licensing manager of the National Trust about this recent partnership and why the historic archives of such heritage brands are proving so successful

How did the partnership come about?

Clare: We began talking with The National Trust’s licensing agency, The Licensing Company, in 2000 and finalised the agreement in 2012. At the time, our existing brand portfolio comprised of Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The Wildlife Trust, all of which had wide popularity with our customer base. Having built strong commercial partnership with these three brands at a strategic level, we felt that to become a one-stop shop for heritage brands, we needed a quintessential British brand with wide appeal to enhance and add value to our existing portfolio, which is why we approached the National Trust.

Philippa: Prior to our agreement with Creative Tops in 2012, we had wanted a ceramics licensee for a long time, but hadn’t found a partner willing to provide the level of evidence required to satisfy the sustainability and environmental concerns of our organisation.

Creative Tops were prepared to go the extra mile and provide us with all the sourcing and raw materials information we requested and in addition they already operated a successful licensing business with great retail relationships and a very strong design capability.

What does the National Trust offer in terms of archival material?

Philippa: The assets of the National Trust are vast and diverse.

In the houses we care for, we have beautiful fabrics, ceramics, wallpapers, ornate plasterwork and wood carvings, to name but a few, all of which inspired our licensees.

Equally, it could be a wild flower meadow in the countryside, a pine fragrance from a wood, or the colours of a sunset on a beach.

As licensee and licensor, how do you work together in the creation of relevant and ontrend collections?

Clare: In order to create inspirational collections, we conduct substantial in-house research, which involves analysing products, patterns, substrates and colours, and translating fashion, interior,

22 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

COUNTRY KITCHEN homeware, premium lifestyle and design trends into something that would work on a commercial level. The whole process can take a couple of months as we work very closely with the National Trust licensing team and their third party licensing agency.

Philippa: We create two seasonal theme documents for each of our licensees each year – the documents contain photography of assets at three National Trust properties, which are linked by theme. Also contained in the document are global colour trends for the season and patterns inspired by asset imagery in the document, which can be used as is, re-coloured, re-scaled or cropped. We also arrange visits to properties for our licensees if they wish to be inspired in-situ.

What inspired the first collection, Country Kitchen?

Philippa: The inspiration for the blue floral dahlia and chrysanthemum pattern that weaves itself across some of the products in the first range was taken from a wallpaper in the extensive archive at Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk. Oxburgh has gathered imagery of all the wallpapers in their archive and I shared these images with Creative Tops at the outset.

As long as we feel that it fits with our brand, we leave it to the licensees to decide what designs they think will work on the product they produce in the markets they work in, as they are the experts.

Clare: Patterns are chosen for their historic significance, as well as intrinsic beauty and commercial potential. We had seen the trend for inky blue and white patterns emerge in home décor and interiors over the past two years and decided to create a colour story that could easily translate into both the contemporary and traditional kitchen.

In terms of product type, we researched everyday products that people would have in their kitchens, as well as items that would have appeared in a Victorian kitchen. We then looked at more aspirational products. We had been tracking the copper trend over the past two years and have seen it slowly filter through from premium collections to the high street. Copper cookware and kitchen items were extremely popular in the Victorian era and we decided to include a small capsule collection, offering customers a taste of old-style Victoriana with a contemporary twist.

There appears to be a yearning for heritage brands.

Why do you feel this is?

Philippa: I think because consumers have become bored with flitting fashions and plastic merchandise and are looking for products they can identify with, products with longevity and authenticity. I believe the National Trust and its retail and licensing collections meet that demand. We have been around since 1895 and wherever possible, our products are produced in the UK using traditional skills and techniques. Where that isn’t possible, sustainability is at the forefront of our commercial decisions.

Why else are National Trust licensed products attractive?

Philippa: To my knowledge, there is no other organisation whose core purpose is caring for such a breadth of places. With coast, countryside, woodland and houses from so many periods of history, together with the collections of many of the residents of those houses, the National Trust collection as a whole is completely unique. I think consumers here and overseas recognise that and want to take home their own piece of history... we make that possible and our intention is to create desirable products with provenance which fit the décor of the modern home. In addition, a royal amount goes back to the National Trust to continue looking after these special places for the future.

The new Country Kitchen collection incorporates 19th century florals with a fresh homespun aesthetic. Influenced by a Dalia and Chrysanthemum wallpaper design originating from Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust property in Norfolk, this charming pattern has been applied to vintage-style tableware, sophisticated storage and textiles. Complementing the look is a range of rustic kitchen essentials – in ontrend copper tones. Philippa Green, licensing manager, National Trust, describes the design aesthetic of County Kitchen as “authentic, exclusive, timeless and with a strong provenance and inspirational story” behind it. The whole premise behind this timeless and d highly collectible range is that people can slowly build up the collection by mixing and matching the enamel, stoneware, textiles and copperware over time. Creative Tops has been granted territory rights for the UK, Ireland and The Channel Islands, as well as Southern and Eastern Europe, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Thailand, South Korea and USA. While they are concentrating entrating on establishing the brand in the UK and nd building relationships with key independent retailers etailers right now, the National Trust are keen n to make the brand accessible to everyone. e.

What are the future plans?

Clare: There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes in the design studio. We have been working with different archives from the National Trust. We will hopefully be launching some new collections during 2015. Watch this space! www.creative-tops.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk

20

The number of licensees the National Trust works with on a range of products in four categories – Home, Garden, F&B and Lifestyle. Licensed National Trust products include upholstery (Duresta), home fragrance (Tisserand); among others; with stationery (Blueprint), ladies clothing (Joules) coming soon.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 23

Profile Soizick

FROM FASHIONABLE FRANCE WITH LOVE Known for its stunning colours and stand-out handpainted designs, high-end French tableware brand Soizick returns to life with new owners and a focus back on tableware

B

orn from haute couture roots, fashionable French tableware brand Soizick, which started life in 1996, is well known for delivering stunning and vibrant colours and unique creative designs on high-quality handpainted bespoke tableware.

The brand has recently been reorganised, with a re-focus on tableware, a re-launch in the UK, and all-new teams around the world.

The brand purchases the finest quality porcelain from Limoges and the finest quality glass from Crystal de Boheme and Soizick’s talented and experienced design team, which includes designers, painters and artists, work on the unique and elaborate décor.

“Our production is made on white Limoges porcelain, which is hand-

3

painted in our workshop and on which is then applied a golden embossed thin line and Swarovski crystals, recalling lace and various ornaments on haute couture dresses,” says Valerie Ferrovecchio, owner of Soizick.

And it is this gold line and the Swarovski crystals, which have their roots firmly in the fashion world, that have become the signature of Soizick. “Soizick was born of the talent of its creator, who had previously been an assistant designer with brands, such as Louis Feraud and Christian Lacroix,” explains Valerie.

She decided one day to adorn the porcelain as if a haute couture gown, with lace and sequins re-created with a thin golden embossed line and Swarovski crystals, both of which have become a signature of

The number of firings undertaken during the decoration process, The first firing comes once Soizick’s registered motifs are painted on; the second firing once brush stroked colours are laid by hand to the body; and the third firing after the golden paint décor is applied.

24 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

12

Soizick,” Valerie explains.

The Soizick signature style is defined as ‘baroque, romantic, chic’. And while every year other influences and inspirations give rise to different designs, pieces are always recognised by their thin golden line or Swarovski crystals.

This isn’t Soizick’s only signature look, however. Its palette of vibrant yet soft colours, in its classic collection, in particular, is a very big part of the Soizick signature look.

The number of colours in the Soizick palette, all of which are juxtaposed with each. These vibrant shades include orange, fuchsia, pink, burgundy, cardinal, mauve, turquoise, anise green, coral, cinnamon, blue, yellow, as well as black, gold and red.

6

“Soizick’s originality lies in its vivid palette of irresistibly vibrant colours,” says Valerie, pointing to the palette of 12 colours, plus gold, black and red, that the brand uses in its many colourful designs.

The eye-catching vibrant palette of colours, which includes mauve, coral and turquoise, are audaciously juxtaposed, providing endless colour combinations of brush stroked colours laid by hand.

“Soizick has 12 colours and two

The number of Tableware categories that Soizick creates its Limoges porcelain and crystal glass pieces for… these include Breakfast, Dinnerware, Serveware, Tea/Coffeware and Glassware, as well as Exclusive Soizick Sculpted Design.

models in its most renowned Classical Collection, as well as 10 special collections, including the Black and Gold Diamond Collection (pictured above); the Opera Collection; the Ribbon Collection and Heart to Heart collection.

While Soizick is renowned for its Sculpted Heart design, the brand delivers a number of other registered motifs on its tableware, including spirals, checks, flowers and Arabesque drawings, all of which have been designed to take

consumers on a romantic baroque journey. Meanwhile, its inspiration for such designs come from all corners of the globe, all eras and all movements.

Focused on tableware and figurines, with everything from dinnerware and serveware to teaware and even glassware, Soizick offers haute couture jewellery, quite literally, for the table, with each piece not just handpainted, but bespoke – signed by the artist and delivered with an Authentification Certificate.

“Each piece is part of a whole collection but also unique, with all pieces signed by our artists to prove its authenticity,” says Valerie.

In addition, Soizick France partners

with large companies to deliver corporate gifting, with some models customised to the clients’ requests, though always in the spirit of Soizick. They also create customised and bespoke pieces for specific markets, companies, events or even famous personalities.

“For the Japanese market, for example, we create plates and figurines featuring the Zodiac sign of the year,” says Valerie, explaining how the Japanese market, in particular, loves Soizick because of its explosive yet soft colours.

But it’s not just the Japanese who love the Soizick brand: “Italians love our vision of French chic; the English adore our timeless Diamond and Art

„Stablo“

Deco collections, in particular; while the Americans are particularly in love with our thin gold line and Swarovski crystals,” says Valerie.

For more information on Soizick, visit www.soizick.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW…? The Sculpted Heart Collection is the most popular Soizick collection all over the world

„Sphere“

GERMANY

„Solid“ & „Sphere“

zieher.com

www.zieher.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 25

Guide Barware

Bring On The

Bar

The rise in home entertaining and increasing interest in craft beers and cocktails has led to an explosion in drinkware, serveware and accessories. We discover what sectors are performing and the latest trends and products

A

Libbey

26 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

particular stand-out at this October’s New York Tabletop Show was the proliferation of barware stories – introductions and extensions, plus specific barware programmes and highly giftable bar solutions, all designed to meet the current consumer trend of recreating the bar experience at home.

Debuting at the show was Libbey’s new brand Just Indulge.

Focused on ‘creating experiences’, the brand includes Modern Bar and Vintage Modern, delivering six starter bartending sets. Lifetime Brands, meanwhile, has created a boxed set barware programme, Laura. A fully comprehensive beer, wine and bar story, Laura includes classic barware shapes, like Highballs and Double Old-Fashioneds (Dofs), a full range of wine, cocktail and beer glasses and bar accessories like an ice bucket, pierced decanter and pitcher.

The Show also presented barware extensions to the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Glassware collection (a 3-pint glass decanter and extra-large wine glasses); a line of new barware collections for the ‘gentleman’s at-home bar experience’ and three crystal glassware collections courtesy of Michael Aram (it’s the first glassware from him in a decade); and giftable barware sets and licensed barware from Waterford.

The global upsurge in home entertaining is driving consumer demand for barware, with consumers desiring to recreate at home what they see in the chicest cocktail bars and coolest craft beer pubs. “It has become common to host fun, exciting parties that recreate a restaurant experience,” says Libbey’s creative director Robert Zollweg. Petr Kaplanek, marketing manager of Czech glassware brand,

Crystalex, agrees: “There is a trend among consumers to indulge in experiences at home that were once only available in bars/restaurants.”

Lifetime Brands’ group president for cookware, cutlery and Built NY, Bob Varakian, says people are taking inspiration from their favourite bars and recreating them at home.

“People are becoming interested in learning about different types of cocktails and experimenting with being their own bartender by mixing cocktails at home. They’re reading blogs that talk about new cocktail recipes and pinning new ideas and bartenders’ tools and tricks on pinterest to try at home,” he says.

Such consumer interest, along with a rise in home entertaining, has resulted in demand for classic barware – drinkware, serveware and bar accessories. “We have found the barware category is growing, not only in drinking glasses, but also in barware accessories like pitchers and carafes, as well as in giftable barware sets,” explains Bob. Retailers have noticed demand too and are stocking up. “Interest in barware has grown exponentially and we designed our Manhattan store in 2012 with this mind,” explains Natasha Arnott, owner of cookshop and tableware store Whisk NYC. “Recently we expanded our selection to offer professional barware – Japanese mixing glasses and Bittermilk cocktail mixes,” says Natasha, highlighting the fact that cocktail barware is particularly in demand. “Cocktails are extremely popular, and with the resurgence of classic cocktails in New York, our customers are interested in tackling them at home,” she says, pointing out that her store in Williamsburg now boasts one of the largest selections of bitters in the city, and

JIA Villeroy & Boch Spiegalau

Lenox even in the country.

Rapid growth sectors in barware certainly include the cocktail segment and manufacturers are delivering on the cocktail-making glassware and accessories front. This year, Czech brand Crystalex created a collection of three speciallyshaped cocktail glasses, including a martini and margarita glass; luxury brand Argent Orfevres (Hampton Forge) paid tribute to an earlier era of glamour and leisure with its retro-inspired copper barware set (jigger, cocktail shaker, ice tongs and strainer); and Michael Aram launched a new line of barware extensions, including a cocktail tray, jiggers and stirrer sets for cocktails.

This passion for cocktails has also led to increased demand for retro Highballs and Double OldFashioneds (Dofs). Bob at Lifetime Brands says such casual everyday shapes like Highballs and Dofs is a growing sector for the company.

“I think this is because they are the most versatile glasses and can be used for cocktails or as an everyday water or juice glass,” says Bob. And at the recent New York Tabletop Show, introductions of Highballs and Dofs, which traditionally make up the ‘gentleman’s bar’, were prolific in presentation: Luxury crystal brand Moser unveiled whisky-specific Highball and Dofs exclusively for the US market; Waterford delivered a selection of retro-inspired Highballs as extensions to its Mixology Collection – Mad Men Edition, set to launch Spring 2015; Vista

Alegre revealed its Portrait barware collection – think Whisky decanter, Dof, Highball and Ice Bucket with a distinctive male aesthetic; and Mikasa presented a casual barware collection (Revel) with Highballs, Dofs, an ice bucket and pitcher.

Varietal drinkware In addition to the proliferation of such versatile offerings, more specific barware product for specific drinks are trending in response to ever-wider beverage knowledge, consumption and experimentation.

“The classic bar culture style is one of the rapid growth sectors in barware.

But the most important point about barware is that the design of glasses follows the demand to perfectly underline the specific character of the corresponding drink,” say Zwiesel Kristallglas, a global leader in providing barware to hospitality.

Certainly within the hospitality industry, specialty glasses – those shaped in a way that enhance the specific drink they carry – have been around for a long time, but what’s new on the barware scene is the demand by consumers for such product at retail level that they can then own and use at home.

“The variability of specificshaped glassware has existed for a long time in hospitality, but its household use is a trend that has appeared recently and is growing stronger daily,” says Petr, Crystalex.

“Consumers now wish to enjoy their favourite drinks using designated glasses that are commonly used by restaurants.” Lifetime Brands’

vice president Bob Varakian agrees: “People are becoming more and more knowledgeable about wines and cocktails in today’s market and consumers are looking for drinkspecific products when entertaining.”

And while manufacturers focused on hospitality have always worked with alcoholic beverage experts to create shape-specific barware (Zwiesel Kristallglas works with bartenders, sommeliers and wine-growers) brands delivering household products are also now working with experts to create professional products for home use. “Our strategic manufacturing partners work closely with regional brewmasters and sommeliers to ensure the shapes being created enhance the consumption experience,” says Bob, Lifetime Brands. Czech luxury crystal brand Moser collaborated with prominent sommeliers on its hand-cut, handpolished unleaded Oeno glasses – a range boasting specific glasses for wine, sherry, champagne, martini, brandy; while French wine glass brand Lehmann Glass collaborates with award-winning sommeliers on its ranges – it most recently created the Jamesse Prestige Champagne collection with Philippe Jamesse, chef sommelier at Michelin-starred Domaine Les Crayeres.

And while varietal-specific glasses for wine have been on the home barware scene for a while, varietal-specific glassware for beer, cider, cocktails and liqueurs are now making waves.

“The continued growth of craft

Vista Alegre

Waterford

What the retailer says… “Cocktails are very popular in the US, fuelled by the amazing small batch distilleries sprouting up everywhere. As a consequence, I get requests for glasses suitable for everything from a Negroni Bianco or Gin Martini, to a Whiskey Sour or Old Fashioned. I also get requests for very specific shapes of glassware for specific cocktail recipes.

Nathalie Smith, founder of tableware store Global Table in ManhattanTABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 27

Guide Barware

LSA International

Libbey

SPOTLIGHT ON… Crystalex In response to the trend for craft beers and the craze for cocktail making at home, Czech glassware brand Crystalex recently launched a line of three cocktail glasses and a line of three beer glasses, each specifically designed to enhance the look, aroma and taste of the particular drink. The cocktail glasses include a martini glass, margarita glass and one for other cocktails; while the three beer glasses include a shape for lager, a shape for semi-dark beer and a shape for dark beer. “At present we have covered the basic shapes; however, trends are constantly evolving, so it’s necessary to constantly adapt to demand,” says Petr Kaplanek, marketing manager, Crystalex. www.crystalex.cz

Villeroy & Boch

48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 28

beer, brown spirits and cocktail experimentation are all trends driving sales of specialty beer and spirits glasses,” says Susan Dountas, director, foodservice marketing at Libbey.

Craft beer rising

This year, in particular, has seen the ‘winefication’ of beer, with thousands of Craft Breweries popping up all over Europe and the US and a big increase in home brewing. More and more consumers are not just enjoying craft beers but realising that the right glass is just as important to appreciate the flavour, aroma and colour of beer as it is for wine.

“The craft beer sector is in the midst of an explosion with sales of so-called ‘boutique beers’ set to almost double by 2015,” says Gavin Owen, sales and marketing director of Foodservice for EveryWare, a leading provider of tabletop for the consumer and foodservice markets.

Gavin says that while virtually every market has a well-developed idea of which type of wine glass best complements certain varieties and bouquets – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Chardonnay – the standard pint glass is still ubiquitous

for beer, but is set to evolve. “The market is set to evolve to a stage where shape will also discern the type of craft beer you’re drinking.

Pilsner, Wheat, Lager and Ale all have glass shapes that enhance the drinking experience and, while it may take time to get to the position of education we now hold around wine, it is coming,” says Gavin.

Many brands are already delivering such craft beer-specific glasses. Zwiesel Kristallglas has developed a concept for its Beer Basic series, designed to enhance the taste of gourmet beers. “A point at the bottom of the glass, which is almost invisible, releases the carbon dioxide which is bound in the beverage and thus provides for more perlage and plenty of fizz,” explain Zwiesel Kristallglas. Thus, the beer taste lasts longer as it is freshly tapped, as well as optically cutting a good figure in the glass.

When Lifetime Brands was developing its new Mikasa Laura Collection, it decided to include several beer shapes. “We have two new sets of four; a Wheat set and a Pilsner set,” says Bob. Last year, Crystalex also developed varietal-specific beer glasses and now boasts a set of three. “Due to the incredible rise of newly emerging microbreweries, which are currently sweeping the whole of the Czech Republic, we responded to increasing demand for beer and cocktail glasses by extending our product range,” says Petr, Crystalex.

Spiegelau has launched its Beer Classics concept, a range of four glasses tailored to match the

world’s most popular beer styles, including Pilsner and Wheat. Even British-Japanese ceramic designer Reiko Kaneko has jumped on the barware bandwagon, developing with Japanese glassware company Shotoku, a bespoke craft beer glass for the English market: it’s not only the perfect size for one bottle of craft beer, but with a 50ml double measure ripple on it, doubles up for classic drinks like Gin & Tonic.

Libbey Craft brews have invigorated the beer industry and now provide a plethora of options to beer enthusiasts, from tall pilsner glasses, to wide mouth pub-style glasses. “The craft brew craze has been an important trend and we have been able to capitalise with exciting and relevant glassware,” says vice president of consumer sales and marketing, Jeff Joyce.

Earlier this year, leading US tabletop company Lenox launched its Tuscany Craft Beer Collection.

Featuring three key shapes for any Master Craft Beer Brewer – glasses for Wheat beer, India pale ale, a pint with crown and a Pilsner – these non-lead glasses are designed to highlight the best features of your favourite brew, keeping beer cool and effervescent, while allowing you to enjoy the full aroma and taste. Swedish brand Orrefors also delivers a craft beer range, with one glass for lager, one for pilsner and one that enhances the best of all the fragrant and flavoursome beers.

Glassware company Rona delivers a stunning selection of 10 different shaped beer glasses, everything from a classic pilsner to a grand

Libbey

Casa Alegre Waterford Crystal

tulip beer glass for Belgian ales or stouts, to a beer pitcher for blonde ales and a beer tasting glass for beer cocktails. “Rona glasses all have fine cold-cut rims and thin walls, which add to the drinking pleasure, while the shapes help capture the foam and aid the release of carbonation.

Plus, the glass clarity allows aesthetic enjoyment of the many hues,” says Ludek Vyskovsky, marketing manager, Rona. Bormioli Rocco has also teamed up with Epicurean to introduce a beer flight set available only in the US – think four 51/4-oz glasses on a paddle tray.

But while beer has been brewing for a while, cider is the latest beverage to see growth, with sales of the beverage increasing an average of 27.5 per cent annually in the past five years. The groups driving demand include Millenials and a growing number of healthconscious consumers (for an increasing percentage of gluten sensitive consumers, cider is perfect as it’s naturally gluten-free). “Hard cider is one of the many different trends right now,” says Alex Renshaw, head bartender at Drumbar in Chicago. “It’s a good idea to be on top of your glassware to make sure it fits the types of drinks you’re serving.

The right glass helps to highlight

new trends,” says Alex.

Enter Libbey’s extension of its Perfect Collection – Perfect Hard Cider, a family of products designed to deliver the hard cider experience.

The glass has a distinctive design that intensifies the aromas for maximum flavour. “In our new Hard Cider glass, we added Fizzazz technology, a proprietary laser etching process that increases effervescence, intensifying the flavour and creating a multi-sensory experience,” says Dountnas, Libbey.

Even Champagne is getting the varietal treatment. Lehmann Glass has launched the Jamesse Prestige collection, a series of mouth-blown champagne glasses designed to enhance the colour, taste and aroma of different types of Champagne.

“Champagne offers a wide variety of profiles and an infinite range of tastes, colours and ageing and Jamesse Prestige glasses preserve and perfectly reveal the aromas and energy contained in the Champagne wines,” says head sommelier of Michelin-starred Domaine Less Crayeres in France, who worked with Lehmann Glass to create the shapes.

Wild for whisky Whisky is another libation with rapid growth. “There’s a big boom in the scotch and bourbon culture,” says head bartender, Alex Renshaw.

To address this trend, Libbey has launched its Perfect line of special

super premium glasses designed to enhance both the flavour and experience of the specific beverage – the four glasses include one for Gin and one for Whisky.

“One thing we found is a need from retailers for suppliers to provide packaging and merchandising that educates the customer on the product’s unique features and benefits,” says Joyce. “The end-user is literally thirsting for information.”

And Libbey has responded – The Perfect Whisky Collection packaging has a quick-response barcode, which consumers scan with their mobile device to view a quick tutorial on whisky and glassware selection.

Libbey also publishes a whisky guide book to educate the consumer on whisky, the appropriate glassware for whisky and includes various recipes to be made using whiskys. “We like to focus on understanding customer insights and wants,” says Joyce. Kilner has also turned to free recipes as a tool to both educate and inspire the customer at retail level – it delivers two shot recipes with its Kilner Set of 4 Shot Jars with Lids.

Whisky sets were prominent at 41 Madison. Waterford exhibited its strength in barware with an expanding whisky collection, introducing extensions – the Lismore Connoisseur Whisky Series now includes mini decanters, four different glass shapes and a boxed flight of whisky glasses. This season, LSA has introduced a new range of whisky drinkware and accessories.

Every piece is made using age-old

artisan glass blowing techniques with traditions as time-honoured as the distilling of whisky itself – think a series of decanters, an ice bucket and water jug, all designed to enhance the whisky experience.

But the specific glass trend isn’t limited to the Western drinks of wines, beers and cocktails – increasingly, as people travel more, they experiment with other drinks and desire to deliver these at home.

“Due to demand in New York, I stock Japanese beer glasses and Spanish wine glasses,” says Nathalie at Global Table. And brands are responding, creating cultural-specific barware.

In Asian countries where wine and/ or liquor are consumed warm and cold, demand for barware that can handle such temperatures is key. JIA has responded with the Hulu Liquor Container and Glass, a heat-resistant double wall mouthblown decanter and wine glass that keeps the wine in desirable temperatures for longer.

The interest for the specific creation and serving of drinks at home will continue unabated, predicts Petr Kaplanek at Crystalex.

“We believe demand for barware will not just continue next year, but will actually escalate.”

Reiko Kaneko Waterford - Mad Men Edition

Rona

Moser

Guide Barware

What’s trending behind the bar All about colour “People are starting to take a bit more risk with what they’re buying and mix some of their great classic undecorated barware with pieces that have pattern or colour,” says Lifetime Brands’ Bob Varakian. Petr Kaplanek at Crystalex agrees: “Colours are currently ‘in’, so we are able to offer our product range in a myriad of colours.”

This year, Zwiesel Kristallglas presented two brightly coloured cocktail ranges, including Vina Spots, which comes in two sizes and six on-trend shades. Equally colourful is The Soft Rocks Collection – three sizes and five stunning shades – from luxury brand Lorena Gaxiola. “We are seeing interest in colour, but more as accents than all-over colour on a glass,” says Libbey’s director of foodservice marketing, Susan Dountnas. “A details, such as colour in our Aruba glasses with blue rims and feet, adds to the visual appeal of beverage presentation.”

Retro design Susan Dountnas at Libbey says they are seeing increasing demand for retro glassware, with a consistent nod to the ‘50s/’60s when barware was glam and hefty – think hiballs, Dofs, martini glasses and decanters in deep crystal cuts and geometric retro designs. “Some of the resurgence may be attributed to popular TV shows, such as Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men,” says Bob Varakian, Lifetime Brands. This year saw the debut of Waterford Crystal’s licensed Mixology Collection - Mad Men Edition. Debuting at 41 Madison was the second part, set to debut in Spring 2015 to coincide with the final season of series. Paying homage to the late ‘60s, these extensions include gold gilded crystal hiballs. Marquis

by Waterford also introduced a retro collection, Marquis Crosby Barware, which features a geometric grid-cut pattern on martini glasses, highballs and an ice bucket. Libbey has launched the Vintage Modern barware line as part of its Just Indulge brand. Based on the ‘Brilliant period of American Cut Glass’ that Libbey produced from 1876 to 1925, the Montclair range fits the vintage chic trend. And new glassware brand Nude delivered a vintage line of drinkware in its Timeless Collection – think glasses specifically shaped for Grappas, Margaritas and Martinis. Villeroy & Boch’s latest crystal glass collection looks to the ‘60s for inspiration. With a modern vintage feel, Grand Royal is a cut crystal range inspired by its 1960s 30 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Royal collection. For Spring 2015, Vista Alegre’s new Portrait Collection is a distinctively male aesthetic of retro barware – the whisky decanter, highball, Dof and ice bucket come with an asymmetrical geometric design.

Gold banding

MOSER Mouthblown from pure unleaded ecological crystal glass, luxury brand Moser’s drinkware and barware collections are hand-cut, hand-gilded and hand-polished to a high gloss. Its most renowned drinking set is Splendid – a design from 1911, hand-gilded with a floral décor in 24k gold; while in 2010, it debuted its drink-specific range Oeno (wine, sherry, champagne, martini and brand glasses).

New for Spring 2015 are four decanters (pictured above) featuring Moser’s famed and popular Pebble pattern (think hammered indentations) with a coloured stopper in four shades; and Hiballs and Dofs with 24k gold bands decorated with a horse motif.

Stemware and barware accented with gold or platinum banding is a retro trend rising. Launched this year, Mikasa’s Serenity stemware, Vista Alegre’s S. Carlos and Jubilee lines and Waterford’s Mixology Collection – Mad Men Edition, all feature metallic banding. At 41 Madison, Lenox introduced thick gold bands on stemware, including on oversized wine glasses; while Moser introduced to the US market exclusively, Hiballs and Dofs with thick 24k gold bands decorated with a horse motif. Platinum banding reared its retro head at Vera Wang Wedgwood with the introduction for Spring 2015 of www.moser-glass.com the Grosgrain Nouveau Platinum crystal stemware suite – deep horizontal cuts and platinum banding on glasses.

Finally, Versace Meets Rosenthal SOPHIE CONRAN FOR launched its opulent Gala Prestige crystal glassware range PORTMEIRION this year, decorated with a wide At The New York Tabletop Show in October, Portmeirion baroque-style gold band.

Metallics “We are seeing the metallic trend come into Barware and Stemware, a trend that used to be holiday specific,” says Lifetime Brands’ Bob Varakian.

“Now, it’s being viewed as more fun and something that can be used every day, with people starting to take a bit more risk, mixing some of their great classic undecorated barware with pieces that have pattern or colour,” says Bob, pointing to the Mikasa Cheers Platinum and Cheers Gold barware it recently launched. This year, Michael Wainwright introduced two new glassware collections with carved details hand decorated with gold or platinum; LSA launched the Cocoon collection – gold and platinum loosely woven textured décor wrapping around each glass; and the ‘20s-inspired Gatsby – think thick bands or ribbons of platinum on drinkware.

Group debuted its beautiful new entertaining and barware pieces in the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection. Classic, clean and stylishly designed, the innovative new pieces are made of blown glass, with each piece featuring the same organic lines as the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion dinnerware collection. New to the range is a 3-pint glass decanter with stopper, which allows wines to aerate with the wide surface allowing them to breathe for better flavour. Also new are a set of two 15-ounce Large Wine Glasses, which are now available for those who prefer a large glass of wine. Highball glasses, balloon glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes and pitchers are also in the collection.

www.portmeirion.co.uk

VILLEROY & BOCH Debuting at the recent New York Tabletop Show from Villeroy & Boch were a number of barware extensions and introductions.

The brand offered a classic interpretation of its top selling Boston pattern with the introduction of the Charleston collection, a classically designed crystal series that is available in a variety of sizes, including red and white wine goblets and tumblers.

In addition, Villeroy & Boch continued in its tradition of exceptional quality handblown crystal glasses, with the delivery of the Grand Royal Collection (above) – think premium cut crystal glasses, including two tumblers, stemware for all occasions and a water goblet, inspired by its popular 1960s Royal Collection.

www.villeroy-boch.com

MIKASA Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Cheers collection, Mikasa delivers two Cheers stemware and barware collections, in gold and in platinum. Featuring the fun mix-and-match etched designs – dot, spiral, vertical stripe, horizontal stripe – the collections include sets of four Highballs, Dofs, Flutes, stemmed and stemless wine glasses. The fun and festive collection also features new barware pieces, including carafes, decanters and a punch bowl set, and all can be mixed with all the other products in the collection, including a stainless steel ice bucket/scoop, 3-pce bar set, bottle stoppers, shot glasses, glass ice bucket with tongs, plus martini glasses and balloon goblets.

www.lifetimebrands.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 31

Guide Barware

WATERFORD CRYSTAL In addition to launching extensions to its licensed Mixology Collection – Mad Men Edition in Spring 2015, to coincide with the final season of the series of Mad Men, Waterford has extended its Lismore Connoisseur Whisky Series with giftboxed sets and mini decanter. Its Elegance Collection, which it launched earlier this year, has also been extended for 2015 with new crystal barware (pictured left) specially designed for beer, spirits, specialty wines and tastings, amplifying the stylish home entertaining experience. Glasses, which come in elegant gift boxes, include those for vodka, tequila, shots, beer, pilsner, port, champagne and wine, as well as a pitcher and footed carafe with platinum banding.

www.wwrd.com

LSA INTERNATIONAL For this season, creative director at LSA Monika Lubkowska-Jonas has used wooden tools to gently squash drinkware and accessories, creating organic forms. In addition to its 1920s-inspired collection of drinkware, Gatsby, LSA has launched Devore (pictured below), a contemporary drinkware range inspired by the decadence of devore fabric. Flecks of black are encased in each glass, with each piece of stemware featuring an opaque black foot applied by hand. LSA has also introduced drinkware cocooned in a metallic décor – Cocoon features a complex decoration of gold and platinum wraps around each glass.

VERSACE MEETS ROSENTHAL

www.lsa-international.com

New from the luxury brand this year was the Gala Prestige crystal drinking glassware range. Opulent and fine-cut, the new and colourful range supplements the luxurious tableware collections from the brand. The glasses are decorated with a wide baroque-style gold band and adds a striking touch to the table, featuring the colours red, green, amber, black and clear and a luxurious modern form. The series is available in five different sizes.

www.rosenthal.de

RIEDEL Known for its expertise in varietal-specific wine ware, Riedel showcased at The New York Tabletop Show in October with its collection of stemware Veritas Series, designed to be the finest and lightest machine blown glasses ever made. The Veritas Series is a revolutionary glassware collection – think 10 wine-specific glasses – for the 21st century, incorporating ground-breaking technology that results in unsurpassed thinness and lightness. It also delivers the Big ‘O’ Red Wine Set, a new generation of stemless glassware, including three glasses for Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

www.riedel.com

48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

CRYSTALEX Crystalex’s product portfolio covers pretty much every beverage from a shape perspective – as well as goblets for white, red or sparkling wines, they offer glasses specifically shaped for brandies and liquors and, more recently, they have launched specificshaped glasses for cocktails (three types) and for beers (glasses for lager, semi-dark beer and dark beer). This year, too, they launched a wine range, the Classical Collection covering the Amoroso and Grandiose suites.

Amoroso is an elegant and complex suite of stemware with rounded curves and a graceful shape. The shape in fact enhances the headiness of every sip. They also offer a wide range of decanting and other carafes, jugs and pitchers.

www.crystalex.cz

our El ts Y

ant eg

Refle c

Through many technological and financial investments over the years Mahmood Saeed Glass Industry Company (MSGLassCO) has 14 multinational production lines presented in 111 countries. MSGlassCo continues to expand as a Brand leader in home and catering markets and has become well known for its tableware and glass containers for cosmetic & food products.

MSGlassCo exceeds customers expectations by offering unmatched quality and innovative products that are responsive to trends and customer needs.

World’s Finest Glasses

With design and innovative shapes, MSGlassco brings elegance and style to enrich your table anytime of the day. visit us at

msgi-sa.com

i g s M Email: msglass@msgi-sa.com Tel : +966-12-6366366 Fax: +966-12-6372043 P.O Box 32777, Jeddah 21438- Saudi Arabia

SHOW PREVIEW HOME LONDON

There’s no place like

Home Dubbed the event for ‘discerning retailers’, Home – along with its sister shows Top Drawer and Craft – kicks off the 2015 buying year. We look at what to expect

O

pening for business on January 11, 2015, Home Spring edition 2015 kicks off the buying year as the UK’s first major retail event of the New Year, running for three days through January 13. Held along side sister shows, gift show Top Drawer and artisan show, Craft, the Spring edition of this ‘super event’ promises to bring you more than 1,000 hand selected exhibitors in multiple sectors across four halls and over two levels at London Olympia.

While Top Drawer is London’s largest design-led gift event, featuring some 800 innovative exhibitors in five sectors, and Craft offers some 150 artisan makers showcasing their unique designs, Home is a beautifully curated showcase for the very best design-led homewares and interior accessories brands – think thousands of stylish and innovative products across five categories of home, including Kitchen & Dining, and covering a range of price points and styles, from classic to contemporary to vintage.

Not only is Home the UK’s most exciting and comprehensive collection of innovative homewares, but the majority of exhibitors are exclusive in the UK to Home… and this Spring 2015, you will be 34 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

able to see the latest ranges from key exclusive iconic brands, such as Joseph Joseph, Bliss Home, Skandium and Seletti, as well as other top Kitchen/Dining brands, including Italian design brand Alessi; glassware brand LSA International; plus Whitbread Wilkinson, Authentics, Iris Hantverk, Ella Doran, Black + Blum, Stelton, Make International, and more.

In fact, it is expected that there will be a record number of international exhibitors on show.

The keenly anticipated New Talents area will make its debut on level one, taking the newest most innovative elements from the three shows to one catch-all area.

Meanwhile, returning in 2015 will be Homegrown, a dedicated space for new British design talent in homewares; and Retail Masterclass programme, a curated selection of short informative and live presentations from industry experts. Keynote speakers for this edition will be Heal’s chairman Will Hobhouse, Sebastian Conran and Trend Bible. www.home-london.net

Alessi The Italian design brand will showcase a selection of its leading designs from the last 60 years – think 70 designs handpicked by founder Alberto Alessi and repacked and represented by Mario Trimarchi for a new and wider audience. Within this Super & Popular collection are objects that have continued through the decades with the highest design quality and remained popular, including the 9090 espresso coffee maker by Richard Sapper from 1979, the Juicy Salif citrus squeezer by Philippe Starck from 1990 and the Girotondo round basket by King-Kong from 1989 (pictured). In addition, the brand will reveal its Spring/Summer 2015 collections.

www.alessi.com

Make International This fast-growing and energetic British brand delivers practical and stylish homewares – think Keith Brymer Jones ceramics and textiles; ceramics from Scion and Jane Foster glass and ceramics, the latter inspired by Scandinavian design of the 50s/60s. Every product in the Keith Brymer Jones word range is still hand designed by Keith in his studio in the UK, then hand-finished and stamped with a word in typewriter font. There will be new introductions from each of the designer ranges at Home.

www.makeinternational.com

Loveramics Young and energetic brand Loveramics makes contemporary yet timeless tabletop items that are functional and fun. Inspired by the modern lifestyle of practicality and multi-functionality, and fusing East and West, Er-go! Is a high-fired porcelain range that is durable, chip-resistant, multi-functional and space-saving and comes in various sizes and shapes for all cuisines. Also on display will be the Petal Collection (pictured below), a bone china range inspired by a walk through a sun-filled valley – think delicate flower heads scattered across the pieces in ascending shades of pinks, lilac blues, turquoise and green. The set of four Petal salad plates showcase pools of soft colour fading and dispersing toward the edge, echoing the gentle reflections in the water.

www.loveramics.com

What the retailers say…

“Home and Top Drawer are great shows.

I had the chance to catch up with some of our current contacts but I also secured some great new suppliers, which I am very excited about. A very successful trip all round.”

Beth Hickson – Home Buyer, Lane Crawford

“The Home show was really interesting with well-selected brands giving us plenty of inspiration. We have come away with some strong contacts and great ideas to develop for the coming year.”

Juan Vera – Buyer, El Corte Ingles

Deborah Rhodes US tabletop linen brand Deborah Rhodes will make its debut at Home London. The brand boasts more than 175 placemat colours and dozens of shapes.

Napkins and napkin rings are designed each season to co-ordinate with the ever-changing trends and colours, while runners, coasters, and cocktail napkins complement this mix. The napkin rings are still handmade at her design studio in the US. Deborah’s goal is to add a touch of fun and innovative style to entertaining. Find Deborah Rhodes tabletop designs at specialty and fine linen shops in the US and internationally and at Home London 2015.

“We greatly enjoyed our recent visit to the Home UK and Top Drawer shows. It gave us the opportunity to connect with current suppliers and find some new potential vendors. We left inspired by what we saw both at the show grounds and in stores around London” Pamela Shaw – Product Manager, Retail Division, The Museum of Modern Art

“I really enjoyed my visit to Home and Top Drawer. It was a great opportunity for me to discover brands and artists I had not seen before. There was variety in the products on show and I left feeling inspired.” Doris Pietrek – Director of Product Development & Global Sourcing: Home, ANTHROPOLOGIE

www.deborahrhodes.com

AVENIDA HOME

Bojje Creator of unique kitchenware, Bojje will be launch its cutting and serving board collection – Kith and Kin – at Home.

Lovingly cut from Englishgrown Sycamore, a beautiful blonde wood with golden flecks, the Kith and Kin boards have a distinctive style, each one handdrawn with its own unique character, so no two are exactly the same size or shape. The boards come in all sizes, from individual pate board size, to serving platters as well as baguette boards.

www.bojje.com

Avenida Home, the destination for contemporary placemats, will display new artist collections and additions. The Alice in Wonderland collection will see the addition of the inquisitive Alice on a placemat and coaster. This eccentric take on the classic tale is a masterpiece collaboration of Isabel Saiz, the creative brain behind Avenida Home, and Louise Kirk, a young Danish artist. Louise’s style is created from the original illustrations and made into decoupage designs; the first time this has been done. Avenida will also launch brand-new collection Marina – think teals and corals – and will introduce two new birch wood trays – the Karma range; as well as introducing Rhino and Lion placemats and coasters in the whimsical Animaux collection by Puddin’head.

avenidahome.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 35

SHOW PREVIEW NY NOW

All new in New York Exhibits, education, events and exciting products give attendees an ‘only in New York’ experience. We provide a sneak peek to exactly what will be on offer

W

ith an impressive roster of exhibitors and a comprehensive slate of seminars and events, NY NOW is gearing up for a blockbuster winter 2015 edition. “The winter market is poised to make a big impact – with new leadership and more vitality,” said Randi Mohr, NY NOW co-director and vice president.

“NY NOW offers a full range of outstanding products; a full slate of educational seminars addressing cutting-edge industry trends and business strategies; and lively afterhours events that showcase the best of New York and our industry overall.”

Attendees from all 50 US states and 80+ countries can source and shop from 100,000 products in 400+ categories across NY NOW’s collections, including HOME, which embraces Accent on Design, Home Furnishings + Textiles and Tabletop + Gourmet Housewares.

NY NOW will extend its industry reach by co-locating with Artisan Resource, a market connecting US-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers with juried overseas artisan enterprises offering handmade production resources and products. However, Emerald Expositions has decided not to continue with the co-location of SourceNY and IMPULSE. As a result, NY NOW’s NEW! Collection and the co-located Artisan Resource will relocate to the Javits Center.

With such integration, NY NOW will enhance in-booth signage and directory designations for new companies, making it easier for buyers to identify them. The NEW! Preview display will broaden to showcase products from 400 new companies expected to participate.

Beyond the show floor, there will be a slate of events, seminars, 36 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

displays and awards. NY NOW’s series of Best New Product Awards will recognise outstanding entrants in categories, including Tabletop + Gourmet Housewares. Best of Home and Best of Lifestyle will recognise select products using online popular voting. Accent on Design will feature recognitions: Accent on Design Awards and Bloggers’ Choice Awards.

A line-up of educational seminars, with business strategies for retailers are offered. A series of short 15-minute presentations by SnapRetail will coach retailers on online marketing topics like social media and e-commerce. Industry associations will host sessions: CRAFT plans five ‘Power Hour’ sessions, covering various marketing and branding topics; while New York City’s International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) will present a colour forecast for 2015.

Finally, a series of curated displays will spotlight specific themes and products: SustainAbility: design for a better world will showcase environmentally conscious products and the Made in the USA display will deliver handcrafted and factoryproduced American-made products.

NY NOW’s collections include: HOME, which embraces Accent on Design, Home Furnishings + Textiles and Tabletop + Gourmet Housewares; LIFESTYLE, including Baby + Child, Gift, Personal Accessories and Personal Care + Wellness; HANDMADE, which incorporates Designer Maker and Global Design; and NEW!, which highlights the latest entries.

Find a line-up of seminars and events at nynow.com/programs. Advance registration, free to qualified retailers, through Tuesday, January 27. NY NOW takes place Jan 31-Feb 4, 2015 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. www.nynow.com

Belleek Stand 3456 Owner of Aynsley, Galway Irish Crystal and Belleek Living brands, Belleek Pottery is one of the oldest working potteries in the world. In addition to showcasing its Galway Irish Crystal Clarity Collection of vases and bowls, the company will present its Belleek Celtic Mugs and Galway Weave Cup and Bowl, both manufactured at the historic Belleek Pottery in Ireland.

The design of the latter is inspired by patterns found in iconic Irish Fisherman’s sweaters.

www.belleek.ie

Michael Aram Booth 3104 Known for his unique, natureinspired home and tabletop accessories, Michael Aram will present his new tabletop collection, Palace. Paying tribute to the geometry and complexity of Moghul design – the arches, finials, carved panels and ornamentation prevalent in palaces throughout the east – Palace features these motifs in a detailed and neutral collection using materials such as etched stainless steel, white marble, Limoges porcelain, hand-cut crystal and mother of pearl and includes dinnerware, glassware, flatware (pictured right) and serveware pieces.

www.michaelaram.com

Linen Way Booth 3226 Selling the finest home textiles, handpicked from around the world, Linen Way offers an extensive line of linen jacquard tablecloths, napkins, placemats and runners. The company will present its 100 per cent linen jacquard Provence tablecloth at the Market. Provence features a characteristic blue border with entwined grapes and pineapples, and hemstitching surrounding a white linen jacquard leaf design.

www.linenway.com

LUNARES Booth TBC

Abbiamo Tutto Booth 3036 From 100 per cent Made in Italy ceramic brand Abbiamo Tutto comes a new pattern in the Sea Creature Collection, a range that was launched earlier this year to great success. Already boasting a Blue Crab pattern and a Lobster pattern, the latest launch, to be presented at NY NOW, will be the Octopus pattern. Handpainted and decorated, but still microwave and dishwasher safe, pieces include two pitcher sizes, pasta/soup bowls and serving bowls and platters.

www.e-abbiamotutto.com

Home accessories brand Lunares brings new life to the casual table with sculptural objects guaranteed to spark conversation. “The details I add to the table have often been the beginning of some of the best conversations,” says founder Nima Oberoi. “I wanted to create a series of objects that would give my customer the ability to bring some of that spark and self-expression to their own entertaining moments.” The collection features a series of sleek metal objects ranging from sculptures to bookends, in a vibrant gold finish over signature metal alloy, though silver and graphite finishes are available.

www.lunareshome.com

Anna New York Booth 3762 Known for using a luxurious palette of materials, Anna New York by Rablabs will showcase its latest creations, including its Maquina Candlesticks. Inspired by a problem – taper candles not fitting well in candleholders – the candleholder delivers the fusion of a mechanism typically used to fix a leak, so you screw your candles in. Created from on-trend brass and in two styles and various sizes, these functional candles are also aesthetically refined.

www.rablabs.com

Caskata Booth 3210

GORKY POTTERY Booth 3357 Gorky Pottery, a handmade pottery workshop based in Guanajuato, Gto Mexico, has been hand-wheeling and hand-painting majolica pieces for 56 years and its owner Gorky Gonzalez is considered the ‘rescuer’ of Traditional Majolica from Guanajuato, with his work shown in galleries globally. At NY NOW, he will present his handcrafted traditional majolica, which includes his new purple coloured collection.

www.gorkypottery.com TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 37

Fine bone china tabletop brand Caskata will introduce its next Isignia C pattern. Offering the finest bone china, the most lavish precious metals and a sophisticated stand-out design with a contemporary point of view, Ellington is inspired by the music of American jazz legend, Duke Ellington. It comes in two colourways, matte gold and platinum and matte platinum on platinum.

www.caskata.com

SHOW REVIEW HOMI

Italian flair With its design-led layout and haute Italian style, the second edition of HOMI Milano closed its doors with high levels of buyer satisfaction, increased numbers and plenty of top tableware trends and products

T

he second edition of the re-positioned and revamped Italian lifestyle exhibition HOMI (formerly Macef ) closed its design-friendly doors after four days in fieramilano, Milan, Italy, on September 16, having attracted 78,324 visitors (11,300 international) and 1,300 exhibitors.

The figures demonstrate the successful positioning of the new concept, introduced in the first edition of HOMI in January 2014, which locates companies and products in new themed areas within 10 pavilions, along side installations and areas dedicated to business, entertaining and experimentation, all of which translate the HOMI philosophy into a tangible and interactive experience.

It is not just an innovative layout but a practical and common sense one, with many longstanding Macef attendees commenting on the convenience of the new designoriented layout of HOMI. “Since becoming HOMI, we have found it easier to navigate and find products,” said retailer Amelia Ferrulli, Cera non Cera, Bitonto, Bari, Italy, of the new HOMI layout.

The beauty of the new layout is the common sense approach to brand positioning, with companies placed in lifestyle categories, making buying easy – a retailer with a certain aesthetic or point for view for example can easily find the products

that suit. So, while Hall 3 is all about contemporary and fashion-forward design-led brands like Tindra, Umbra, Seletti and Baci, Hall 1 (Classic/Silver) is dedicated to traditional tableware and objets d’art, with brands such as Cre Art (luxury Italian cut crystal with 24k gold), Duccio Di Segna (high-quality Italian crystal company) and Cattin (fine porcelain Italian company) delivering ornate pieces of the finest porcelain and most elegant of glass, with ornate décor and utilising classic motifs of angels, roses, fruits, leaves and horses.

Along with the satellite installations, the exhibition was further brought to life with Format Store where product hybrids inspired by new lifestyles offered practical suggestions and experimental ideas.

In terms of internationality, there was a considerable attendance of Russians, French and Chinese visitors, as well as a positive return of buyers from the US and Japan.

These numbers represent a new strategy to market the excellent quality of Italian style around the world, whose charm has captured the attention of companies alert to innovation and who want to be known as interpreters of these values,” commented Enrico Pazzali, managing director of Fiera Milano.

The next HOMI Milano will take place January 2015 at fieramilano. www.homimilano.com

TABLEWARE TRENDS Shabby chic Currently all the rage in Italy and prolific at HOMI was the shabby chic look, with its pretty palette of soft neutrals (greys, creams) and pastels; vintage embossed motifs – polka dots, hearts, roses – and typography; glossy glazes and scalloped edges.

There were dots, hearts and ditsy roses as decor on browns, creams, greys and pale pinks at Italian brands L’arte di Nacchi and Disraeli Vittorio & Figii and at French brand Faye.

‘50s retro Vintage and retro inspirations were popular, too, with a focus on the ‘50s. In addition to 50s style-inspired cookware, such as Smeg products – retro shapes on toasters, mixers and kettles in shades of mint and pink and ‘50s-inspired vintage bakeware accessories on the Tala stand – tableware was given a ‘50s makeover. The Brandani Gift Group stand delivered a ‘50s-inspired Italian

Style range of espresso makers and cups. Retro also reared its beautiful head on the Erre Cook stand, with La Cafetiere’s new collection of retro espresso makers in mint and duck egg blue; and an extensive display of Creative Tops’ Katie Alice tableware, including Retro Treats. Retro shades were also spotted at Baci Milano, with its quilted handbag-inspired tablemats and cup holders in pale blue, pink and beige. Dusty pinks, soft greys and beiges dominated the Baci stand, on everything from retro looking cookie jars to cake stands.

Time for tea Cake stands, in particular, and tea ware in general, were prolific. There was the shabby chic teaware – think scallop-edged plates and cake stands with embossed poka dots and florals in pastels such as lavender, blue and pink – at Italian brand Lamart. While in design-led Hall 3, cake stands took on more edge, with cutting-edge

What The Retailer Says… “I have been visiting HOMI [previously Macef] for many years. It is well organised and has been renewed to align with the changing face of distribution and retail. Since becoming HOMI, we have found it easier to navigate and find products. I usually stay longer – three to four days – for the January edition when the tableware sector is larger; and two to three days for the September edition. HOMI is a reference point for my purchases.” Amelia Ferrulli, Cera non Cera, Bitonto, Bari, Italy 38 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Yalos Murano

Noritake Italian brand Seletti delivering a fun and quirky cake stand inspired by dinosaurs, as well as a cage-inspired cloche; while Italian acrylic brand Spisani presented acrylic cake stands in bold and glittery designs.

Colour kaleidoscope In addition to pretty pastels, the show delivered lots of tabletop brights. Known for its stunning mouthblown glassware, Italian brand Galbiati presented bowls and tumblers with organic shapes and clashing colours in stripes and swirls; while Rogaska’s coloured crystal stemware was a stand-out. At Bormioli Rocco, bright pink, orange, yellow and on-trend lime green featured on its Modus Domus range of glassware – think cutting-edge styles spraycoated with organic paints. There was plenty of colour spotted on ceramics, too, with many brands showcasing their mix and match colour ranges: Arcucci Home delivered handpainted Made in Italy stone dinnerware with scalloped edges and stunning water colours – from lilac to green to yellow; while Villeroy & Boch’s stand was awash with colourful tableware – its brightly multi-coloured Anmut Flowers range mixing with its many My Colour options. Even cutlery was given a colourul makeover: French flatware brand Sabre presented its all-colourful flatware in shades of red, grey, blue, as well as bold stripes and gold glitter.

Besides the seaside Seaside and sea-inspired tableware was a a theme, with seashells and nautical motifs prevalent.

The 700-year-old Murano glass brand Yalos Murano presented its handmade vessels, all in shapes and designs inspired by conches and seashells. With their organic scalloped edges and seashellinspired spiral designs, these glass vessels comes in shades of the sea, from turquoise to coral. Taking its inspiration from seashells, too, were textured, scallop-edged fine porcelain pieces from elegant French brand Medard de Noblat. Meanwhile, from the fine porcelain Made in Italy brand Cattin came a stunning seashell-inspired tea set featuring a gold textured seashell design and a seashell-shaped lid. At Ceramiche Basso, too, there were shell-inspired serveware pieces, including a large dish and three-piece condiment dish.

translated this luxe high-fashion look on to tablemats, cup holders and wine coolers. Bubble textures on porcelain and plastic was also prolific: Baci delivered elegant (not porcelain, but plastic) tableware with a bubble effect in retro shades; while Galbiati presented its collection of mouthblown glassware with tactile bubble designs and raised colourful swirls. More subtle texture was spotted at Japanese brand Noritake, with its highly translucent fine porcelain Cher Blanc collection.

Pure white and with a high-gloss glaze, Cher Blanc features a subtle embossed latticework motif.

Galbiati

Bird life Peacock and owl-inspired prints and shapes were spotted: there were extensions to Iittala’s popular peacock and owl jugs and espresso cups, both in black and white and in reds and greens. Roosters also took centre stage – think rooster-shaped dishes and jugs at Fitz and Floyd.

Birds also made their appearance as sculpted figures on porcelain pieces – a golden bird perched atop a cream coloured porcelain cake stand at Italian fine porcelain brand Cattin Porcellane; vintage-inspired elegant ceramic tiered serving trays finished with sculpted brass birds as lids or handles at Royal Family Sheffield.

Touch of texture

Copper craze

From embossed motifs and typography in gorgeous glazes on porcelain tableware, to raised decor on glassware, texture reigned supreme. Bormioli Rocco’s Modus Domus collection boasted lots of texture, with its diamond effect pattern on its Storm tumblers and hammered effect on its Archelitro serving bottles. Baci Milano turned tactile with its quilted tableware.

Inspired by quilted handbags with gold chains (a la Chanel), Baci

In line with global interiors trends, copper was the show’s on-trend finish. On the Stelton stand, there were plenty of copper-coloured accessories – from its signature coffee pot in copper, to candlesticks and mugs. Italian brand Argenesi, which specialises in delivering hammered metal pieces with organic shapes and hammered textures, delivered a new glass copper range of decorative items, from display bowls to candle holders.

Rogaska

Arcucci Home

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 39

SHOW REVIEW BLE

BRAND LICENSING EUROPE 2014

Bigger & broader With a bigger buzz, a broader range of exhibitors and growing numbers of visitors, BLE 2014 proves licensing is big business

B

rand Licensing Europe (BLE), the Londonbased licensing show once again boosted the thriving licensing industry (now worth an estimated $13bn in retail sales in the UK alone) when it took place from October 7-9, 2014.

The only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, BLE 2014 celebrated its 17th successful year pulling in 7,164 visitors, which is consistent with BLE’s record-breaking 2013 event. This year saw an increase in overseas visitors, and an increase in retailers attending – there was an impressive 28 per cent rise in the number of retailers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s event,” says BLE event director, Darren Brechin. “There was a buzz on the show floor from the minute the doors opened until the lights went off and the show closed.

Our key objective for 2014 was to deliver more qualified buyers, and we were looking to increase retail visitors by at least 10 per cent, so to witness a staggering 28 per cent increase in retail attendees has surpassed all our expectations.”

And exhibitors certainly noticed the increased footfall and buzz.

While Zuzi Wojciechowska, licensing manager at the National History Museum, exhibiting in the Brands & Lifestyle Zone, saw a more “upbeat vibe from last year”, designer Clare Jordan, owner of Clare Jordan designs, in the Art, Design & Image Zone, said: “BLE was a total success and I was thrilled with the interest I received in my new collections.”

Exhibitor numbers increased, too, with 88 new ones showcasing, making BLE 2014 the largest ever, with a total of 306 exhibitors expanding across floor space of 7,338 sq-m. While the Character & Entertainment Zone has experienced a steady 4 per cent growth year-onyear, the Art, Design & Image Zone saw an impressive 9 per cent growth and the Brands & Lifestyle Zone witnessed an incredible 25 per cent increase from the year before.

“Attendance at BLE has grown exponentially since I first attended in 2012, signalling that licensing has become an even bigger business than it already was,” says Phil Wheat, designer for licensing at British

tabletop company, Creative Tops.

It is the latter two zones – Brands & Lifestyle Zone and Art, Design & Image Zone – which are most appealing to tableware manufacturers, with their array of brands and artwork, from institutions like the V&A and Royal Historic Palaces and charities like WWF to iconic brands like Discovery and imagery/illustration offerings like Howard Shooter Studio.

“I think everyone is getting used to the new layout with brands upstairs, which means a good flow of traffic, and more importantly, visitors planning additional time to walk the aisles,” said Zuzi at the National History Museum.

New exhibitors this year included 366 Hearts, Ann Edwards and Borders Design in the Art, Design & Image Zone, while the Brands & Lifestyle Zone welcomed Chelsea Football Club and The International New York Times. “This year, the sheer variety of licences available was staggering, from well-known brands to small up-and-coming new character licences, there was something for everyone and there wasn’t a quiet stand to be seen,” said Phil Wheat, Creative Tops.

Running alongside this was the Licensing Academy, which featured a packed programme of sessions offering industry insights.

It was standing room only for two

keynotes sessions, hosted by Team GB and Minecraft creator Mojang.

New and popular this year was a number of free educational sessions in the Brands & Lifestyle Theatre.

Run in partnership with Brand Jam, these were tailored specifically to the business of licensing brands – visitors got expert guidance on licensing within the world of sport, lifestyle, fashion and heritage brands.

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme was the biggest yet.

This year it attracted more than 50 individual buyers from 10 of the major UK retailers, including four new retailers – Debenhams, Matalan, Card Factory and Blue Inc. “I found the programme invaluable, especially the day we spent with Beanstalk. It was great to see the licensing world from another perspective; I think it helps to make sense of your side of the process,” says kitchenware buyer for Lakeland.

BLE event director Darren Brechin concludes: “We are in a fast-paced and exciting industry, and this year’s show was a true reflection with so many new properties, and many well-loved favourites, brought to market to explore the endless opportunities licensing offers. We are looking forward to an exciting and busy year ahead.”

BLE 2015 takes place Oct 13-15, Olympia. www.brandlicensing.eu

Spotted at… BLE 2014 We came across a new collection of fine bone chinaware on the Historic Royal Palaces stand. The result of a recent licensing agreement between British institution Historic Royal Palaces and tableware brand Maxwell & Williams, this first collection, which is due to debut soon, was inspired by an historic costume print and will be delivered in three pretty pastel shades.

40 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

something we have actively looked at in the past, our programme is developing and that is definitely something we are open to exploring. Our incredible archive of natural history images lends itself really well to this category, from floral to fauna, and of course, some very interesting possibilities with dinosaurs.”

The tabletop visitors said…

We talked to two British tableware manufacturers – Creative Tops and Denby – to find out what they thought about BLE 2014.

Phil Wheat, designer – licensing, Creative Tops

The licensors said…

Clare Jordan, designer and owner, Clare Jordan www.clarejordan.com

“At this year’s BLE, I wanted to focus on Craft and Tabletop. Tabletop is an amazing sector of the market and my designs are very suited, especially the pattern and vintage bird collections. I did connect with some wonderful manufacturers in both areas and I am really excited to see if we can work together.”

Zuzi Wojciechowska, licensing manager, National History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk

“BLE 2014 had a more upbeat vibe from last year – we felt like there were more people approaching us and we saw quite a good variety of potentials for partnerships. It’s just such a good opportunity to meet everyone in one place and it brings your brand to life. Potential partners can see your range of licensed products and there is the opportunity to speak to almost everyone who expresses an interest.

We are looking for licensees for puzzles and lunchware and we did see a lot of potential partners in this category. While tableware is not

“Creative Tops always attends BLE as it not only showcases some great brands, but allows us to meet up with all our licensors, go through current developments and plan out new collections. BLE also provides us with some great insight into current retail trends across gifting and homewares. This year, there were more adultoriented brands – it wasn’t just about iconic kids’ brands this time, although as always, kids’ brands old and new were the main focus for a lot of exhibitors I visited. There were also a greater number of international brands, demonstrating that licensing products is on its way to becoming a big deal on a global scale – most of the licensors I met were talking about deals on a global scale.”

Evon Maxfield, brand manager, Denby Brands

“BLE is the perfect opportunity for us to see what’s current and the new licensing that continues to grow within housewares. It tends to have a focus on children’s character licences and lower priced licensed homeware products. However, we continue to see the vintage theme trend within housewares and this has been reflected within the licensed offer of products available at BLE. And with the continuring revival of vintage branded product there is more scope than ever for businesses to work together to re-create ‘retro’ style.”

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 41

SHOW REVIEW 41 Madison

In with the new Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert

From the colour indigo to cool coffee stories we highlight the latest introductions for Spring 2015 from The New York Tabletop Show

T Cool collaborations

Kit Kemp for Wedgwood Nude Vista Alegre Christain Lacroix

Waterford – Mad Men Edition 42 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

here were quite a number of new brand, category and license launches at the winter edition of The New York Tabletop Show, which took place in the home of tabletop, 41 Madison, from October 21-24.

Creating excitement among the many US tabletop buyers and retailers who attended the show was not only the return of premier Swedish crystal brand Orrefors Kosta Boda (on the 9th floor, it joins 159 other leading tabletop brands in the building) but also, the introduction to the US market of cool design brand Nude, courtesy of Pasabahce.

Delivering contemporary glassware (read slick and multi-functional) for today’s lifestyle, mixed with natural materials like cork, wood and granite, Nude products span the entire home. Highlights include a glass butter dish on a marble platform and glass serving dishes on a slate plate. Libbey also launched a new brand, Just Indulge. Focused on entertaining and on ‘creating experiences’, the range includes Modern Bar and Be Social.

Several brands also revealed extensions into new product/ customer categories. Silver flatware brand Towle (Lifetime Brands) launched for the first time a dinnerware brand; aimed at the higher end, it is designed to tie in with its silver flatware. The 250-year-

old luxury fine china brand Spode (Portmeirion Group) extended its offerings for the first time to the casual market, launching an accessible porcelain line, Spode Home. Reworking some of its archived vintage patterns, and new ones, Spode Home debuted ten patterns configured in 16-pce sets.

For the first time, Mikasa (Lifetime Brands) launched 16-pce dinnerware sets; Lenox launched 3-pce plate settings; and Noritake delivered Colorwave glassware for the first time – six colours to match its dinnerware.

Celebrations & specials Celebrations took centrestage during the show – not only was the show celebrating a special anniversary (for its 40th anniversary, 41 Madison honoured long-term brands, like Noritake, Wedgwood and Nikko) but many of the brands celebrated too.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Wild Strawberry pattern, Wedgwood introduced a contemporary celebratory Al Fresco cross-category collection – soft green banded dinnerware, metal giftware pieces, such as a strawberry punnet, and coordinating handcrafted crystal, including a statement cake stand. The collection also offers limited edition designs, including a punch bowl, hand-carved with more than 1,600 cuts; and a collection of nurseryware.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Eternal, Lenox launched a new accent plate and a bright white version of the pattern; and in celebration of its 15th year of bestselling pattern Butterfly Meadow, Lenox launched outdoor dining ware

Wedgwood

Herend

Lenox in the pattern, including rattan pieces.

In the run-up to its 200th anniversary in 2015, Royal Doulton presented its 200 Years of Royal Doulton Collection, a contemporary range of limitededition interior gifts and modern collectibles, including a contemporary collectible figurine of the infamous Bowler Hatter Vandal from popular urban artist Nick Walker; plus two new dinnerware ranges. Limited edition launches weren’t limited to anniversaries: at Rosenthal, there were 49 special-edition Nymph vases in three sizes from Rosenthal Meets Versace; while Herend showcased a limited edition (just 25 pieces worldwide) porcelain tray called Brocade Plateau featuring a collage of 35 different historic Herend patterns.

Cool collaborations There were a number of very cool collaborations revealed, with brands unveiling new licenses or designer partnerships. Alongside the debut of new design brand Nude was the delivery of two collaborative collections: one by world-renowned industrial designer Ron Arad (think contemporary glasses and a decanter); the other with elements by Swarovski (think drinkware studded at the base with crystals). Designer Kim Seybert announced her licensing agreement

Celebrations with DeVine Corporation, delivering a 20-pce line of fine porcelain.

Lifestyle designer Kim Palmer debuted with Lifetime Brands – six contemporary floral collections; while design director of Firmdale Hotels, Kit Kemp, created a collection of bone china pieces with Wedgwood.

Mottahedeh unveiled its National Geographic collection and Orrefors showcased a painted glass collection from artist Sara Woodrow. Vista Alegre Christian Lacroix released a bold giftware collection called Love Who You Want; Waterford exhibited extensions to its Mixology Collection – Mad Men Edition; Royal Albert revealed extensions to its exclusively designed Miranda Kerr collection (entertaining accessory pieces); and Lenox introduced three Kate Spade dinnerware patterns, including one with a rose motif.

Create your own The mix and match concept was taken to haute heights, with a number of introductions: Vista Alegre unveiled its porcelain gift range with Christian Lacroix. Inspired by the 1920s artistic method of cadaver exquis, in which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled, in order to create an inspired and creative result, Love Who You Want!

Royal Doulton

features signature images from Lacroix’s Haute Couture and modern collections. The collection includes 16 coasters, in sets of four, which can be arranged in countless ways to allow consumers to design their own unique characters. Unexpected and interactive, it provides a great consumer experience. As does the new mix and match porcelain dinnerware collection Shakti (Sanskrit for divine energy) from celebrated designer Kim Seybert for DeVine Corporation. This show debut represents DeVine’s first foray into fine china. Different pieces, from plates and bowls, to dessert plates and chargers, feature six distinct patterns, including Crackle with its textural crackle effects and Halo with its metallic handpainted brushstoke trim of reflective gold/platinum. The collection starts with a core group upon which more embellished pieces can be mixed, matched and layered, allowing customers to create unique settings for every occasion. “The pieces are different enough, so the collection isn’t too matchy matchy, yet they all interchange for a look that goes from zen to glam,” said Kim. Fuerstenburg delivered its magical new Clair de Lune décor, which continues the theme that inspired Korean ceramics master Kap-Sun

Fuerstenberg

Create your own

Vista Alegre Christian Lacroix

50 shades of grey

Sophie Conran for Portmeirion

Motifs Nikko

Raynaud

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 43

SHOW REVIEW 41 Madison

Sophie Conran for Portmeirion

Hwang’s basic Aureole design. Using black and white and 24k gold to create varying interpretations of the moon, it offers multifaceted décor variations allowing individual combinations to be created. Finally, Royal Doulton’s new Pacific collection offers six distinctive prints – from watercolour inspired Texture to geometric shaped Circle Repeat, all in shades of indigo blue – with mixing and matching central to it.

50 shades of grey

Blue & White

Mikasa

Twig New York Vera Wang Wedgwood

Noritake

44 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

A burst of orange Orange burst forth as a décor colour too: at DeVine Corporation, Royal Crown Derby introduced orange as the new colour on its Bristol Belle collection – Bristol Belle Burnt Orange features an extravagant gold pattern set against a deep and vivid on-trend burnt orange. Orange fever also extended to Villeroy & Boch, where its popular pattern Samarkand, inspired by the Silk Road, was given a mandarin makeover. Samarkand Mandarin features colourful oranges and intricate gold décor, giving the classic white Samarkand an ontrend pop; and Prouna extended its recently launched Honeybee (orange) collection with accessories such as napkin rings and gift boxes.

Blue & white combo The traditional combo of blue and white made its presence felt, with indigo and cobalt as the shades du jour. Nikko paid homage to blue and white with the re-introduction of several of its classic blue and white archived collections, including Sansui, a classic Blue Willow pattern from 1915 (Nikko’s oldest pattern, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year) and Budo, a traditional combo of indigo blue with gold banding.

Portmeirion Group debuted the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Blue & White collection, a mix of

“

Royal Doulton

Nikko

Grey continued to dominate with variations on the neutral hue introduced as a colourway on many brand’s collections: Casa Alegre introduced the casual textured Cadiz Collection in grey and cream tones; while grey (called Slate) was a new option on DKNY’s very popular textured Urban Impression range.

Grey was the season’s new shade for the popular pottery-inspired Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection – rich in tone, the neutral Grey Collection adds a luxurious and warm feel to everyday dining. “Today’s fashion trends inspired us to add Grey to the Sophie Conran collection,” says Portmeirion Groups’ US corporate vice president, Wendy Motlaq, of the collection, which includes a 4-pce place setting, two-pint teapot, lasagne/roaster, and bowls/platters.

Vera Wang Wedgwood introduced to its Bridal Grown collection, a feminine fine bone china 5-pce dinnerware range (Vera Chantilly Lace Gray) featuring a modern interpretation of

floral lace in sensual pearl grey with platinum rims and accents, alongside a solid pearl grey accent plate.

The show impressed with more new introductions than ever. New brands were launched, like Nude and Kim Seybert dinnerware. We also saw new licence agreements with celebrities and chefs, line extensions of bestsellers, reinterpretations of archive patterns, and anniversaries celebrated. Leading suppliers continued to innovate and excite, reflecting changes in consumer lifestyles, entertaining and dining. Retailers, etailers and specialty stores were all looking at new products with a bit of caution as year-end sales results are due, but keenly looking forward to the opportunities in 2015.

”

Laurie Burns, senior vice president and director, Forty One Madison

Handcrafted

Hampton Forge Vietri contemporary vintage patterns inspired by traditional English spongeware techniques – think an assortment of four coordinating delicate deep blue stamped patterns on a white, clean surface.

Royal Doulton went blue and white with its Pacific collection.

Versatility is central to Pacific with sets of six distinctive indigo and white prints – spots, ink splashes, swirls and lines – designed to be interchanged.

Also versatile is new casual dinnerware collection Vera Simplicity Indigo from Vera Wang Wedgwood: it’s a rich indigo colour palette in two bold designs, Ombre and Chevron, designed to be mixed with the indigo florals and accessory pieces.

And there was more blue: Mikasa debuted Indigo Mix, a collection with spots, stripes and teardrops, all in cobalt blue; boutique brand Twig New York presented its stunning Blue Bird collection by designer Molly Hatch; and Meyer Corp. showcased a new pattern in Bonjour called Indigo Blossom featuring a bird on branch motif. Finally, Noritake announced the US-wide availability of Colorwave Ice (a matte-textured blue suggestive of glaciers, blue topaz and chicory flowers with a glossy, cream-coloured glaze on the inside), the latest addition to its highly popular 16-yearold casual stoneware collection.

Reactive glazes A number of dinnerware collections featured ombre designs achieved with advanced reactive glaze techniques. Known for its expertise in this area, Denby offered a sneak peek at its Peveril collection. A new pattern inspired by a scenic area of the English countryside, Peveril features an intense blue and jade green, which combine to create a consistent reactive glaze depth that is mesmerising. At Pfaltzgraff (Lifetime Brands) there was a focus on texture and how it is applied, with the brand’s new Eclipse collection

Moser – think advanced reactive glazes in plum for a rich and warming effect.

Ombre in on-trend indigo was used in the new Vera Wang Wedgwood casual dinnerware collection Vera Simplicity Indigo; while at Mikasa, the ombre effect was delivered on a deep contemporary coupe shape with the new Etta Collection. Finally, Kim Seybert’s new fine china collection Shakti for DeVine features ombre dessert plates – think soft bands of shimmery ombre colours created with a special reactive process.

Ikat, Greek Key & Moorish A number of stand-out décor styles – classical Greek Key design, traditional textile design Ikat and Arabic architecture-inspired designs – were spotted. Shakti by Kim Seybert for DeVine features the classic Ikat pattern reinterpreted for a contemporary look on dessert plates.

Ikat was also seen at Oneida with the brand’s latest flatware designs inspired from global textiles – Anya boasts a brushed ikat handle design.

The classical Greek Key design is also making waves. Gorham (Lenox) interpreted the design in brown on a new dinnerware pattern (McClean); Mikasa introduced the design into its Gourmet Basics range on Athens; and Nikko relaunched its Greek Key design, a classic fine bone china pattern that is formal yet functional..

Mosaic-inspired effects and Moorish Arabesque motifs found in Islamic architecture like arches and columns were spotted: Vista Alegre delivered four new espresso cups in a mosaicinspired design; while Raynaud introduced Jardin D’hiver – think Arabesque and wrought iron motifs on an elegant labyrinth on plates.

Coffee cool Coffee stories were prolific – a Café range debuted under Libbey’s new brand, Just Indulge, offering pieces that embrace the diversity of coffee and tea, with five sets, including the

Mandarin tea set, Italiano coffee set and French Press set. Extending its luxury fine bone china collections, Nikko introduced new espresso cups and luxurious cups & saucers to tell a complete coffee story. Silk Platinum and Silk Champagne will have new espresso cups; while Fortune, a pattern with gold/platinum decor will have new two-tone espresso cups, sold as gift boxed sets. “With the recent introductions of expensive espresso machines and the increasing sales of high quality coffee pods for one cup coffee makers, there is a need and an opportunity for more beautiful espresso cups, elegant mugs and more pleasing coffee cups/ saucers,” says Tage Strom, VP at the US subsidiary of Nikko. A huge coffee story took place at Pfaltzgraff – new pieces in all shapes, sizes and shades were introduced in stoneware and porcelain. Hot drinks also went hitech: Degrenne Paris revealed the innovative Illusions Collection – think tea and coffee sets that change colour based on the temperature.

Villeroy & Boch

Orange

Prouna

Handcrafted Feel Handpinched and hammered techniques took show centre stage.

Mikasa launched seven new flatware patterns, including Kyler, a hammered 65-pce set; while the Skandia brand from Hampton Forge unveiled the Vale pattern – a wood-grain motif on a 20-pce set that is lightly hammered.

Subtle hammered techniques featured on crystal: Michael Aram unveiled its new Hammertone crystal glassware – think an ancient surface treatment for metal achieved through the application of hammer marks translated on to crystal; while Moser merged its hammered Pebbles pattern with four colours on decanters. Vietri revealed its stoneware pattern Forma in cloud white; the handformed organic shapes with handpinched edges deliver unique pieces, each of which reveal a variety of colour.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 45

Nikko

Coffee cool

Libbey

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Buyer’s Guide to Show Season Tableware International’s Definitive Guide to the Top Tableware Tradeshows in 2015

January Jan 6-13

Feb 1-5

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Spring Fair

Atlanta Convention Center, Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com US hub of gift and home buying in Atlanta, with the largest collection of home, rug, gift and apparel product

Jan 11-13

Home London + Top Drawer + Craft Olympia, London, UK www.home-london.net Design-led home accessories, gifts and contemporary craft and design event for discerning retailers

Jan 17-20

HOMI Milano Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan, Italy www.homimilano.com Innovative home and lifestyle trade fair with primary focus on Italian-made product

Jan 23-27

Maison & Objet Paris Paris-Nord Villepinte, France www.maison-objet.com Leading international designled home and interiors show with a luxury focus

Jan 18-22

■ See this year’s list of shows with our year-long Exhibition Calendar p46 ■ Find out why Trade Shows Matter with our industry expert interviews p48 ■ Discover all the show details with our in-depth tableware-relevant Show Profiles p50

Las Vegas Market

NEC, Birmingham, UK www.springfair.com The biggest UK trade show of the year

Feb 13-17

Ambiente Frankfurt am Main, Germany www.ambiente. messefrankfurt.com The world’s largest consumergoods fair, with nearly 50 per cent of it focused on Dining

Feb 20-23

Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair Greater Noida Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi, India www.epch.in Asia’s largest gifts, housewares and handicrafts fair

March Mar 10-13

Maison & Objet Asia Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, Singapore www.maison-objet.com The second edition of this famed Paris home design show specifically for Asia

Mar 7-10

International Home + Housewares Show

World Market Center, Las Vegas www.lasvegasmarket.com Specialises in furniture, home and interiors and gift – this year with the debut of co-located Design & Construction Week

McCormick Place, Chicago, USA www.housewares.org The US’s largest home goods and housewares marketplace

Jan 29 – Feb 1

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles

Formland MCH Messe Center Herning, Denmark www.formland.com Scandinavian home for design, interiors and accessories

Jan 31 – Feb 4

NY NOW The Javits Center, New York, USA www.nynow.com Leading design-led US market for home and lifestyle colocated with Artisan Resource

58 5 8T TABLEWARE TAB TA ABLE AB LEW L EW E WA WARE AR ARE RE R E IN IINTERNATIONAL INT N NT TE ERN RN NATI AT TIIONA T AL

February

46 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

March 18-20

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition + Convention Center www.intertextilehome.com International home textiles and accessories show spring edition from Messe Frankfurt (HK)

April April 15-18

Home Expo India 2014 India New Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida, New Delhi, India www.epch.in/homexpo Wide range of tableware, kitchenware and housewares with three-in-one shows

April 14-17

New York Tabletop Show 41 Madison, New York, USA www.41madison.com Tabletop-specific showrooms from 160 international brands

April 20-23

Hong Kong Housewares Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong www.hkhousewaresfair.hktdc. com China’s premier housewares show held alongside Hong Kong Int’l Home Textiles + Furnishings Fair

April 11-14

China Sourcing Fair: Home Products Asia World Expo, Hong Kong www.chinasourcingfair.com Gift & home products, including kitchen and dining

April 28 – May 1

Hotelympia 2015 ExCeL Exhibition Centre www.hotelympia.com UK’s largest show for the food service and hospitality industry

May May 10-12

Pulse London Olympia, London, UK www.pulse-london.com One-stop-show for innovative design-led products

May 12-15

Maison & Objet Americas Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, US www.maison-objet.com/en/ americas The debut of this design-led upscale show in the US

June June 10-12

Interior Lifestyle Tokyo Tokyo Int’l Exhibition Centre www.interior-lifestyle.com Annual international trade fair for consumer goods

June 9-10

Exclusively Housewares Business Design Centre, London www.exclusivelyhousewares. co.uk

Great housewares and tabletop

September

June 25-27

Ambiente India

Sept 4-8

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India www.ambiente. messefrankfurt.com The second edition of this platform for dining, living and giving, co-located with Heimtextil

Maison & Objet Paris

July July 7-14 The Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings Market Atlanta Convention Center, Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com US hub of gift and home buying in Atlanta

July 19-22

Harrogate Home and Gift Harrogate, UK www.homeandgift.co.uk Thousands of homeware products in this UK show

August August 13-16

Formland MCH Messecenter Herning, Denmark www.formland.com Scandinavian design event featuring interiors, lighting, food and tabletop

August 15-19

NY NOW Javits Center, New York, USA www.nynow.com The leading design-led US market for home and lifestyle co-located with Artisan Resource

August 26-28

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Shanghai New International Expo, Shanghai, China www.intertextilehome.com International home textiles and accessories show Autumn edition organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK)

August 29 – Sept 1

Tendence Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany www.tendence. messefrankfurt.com International trade fair for consumer goods, featuring mainly gift products

Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, France www.autumnfair.com Leading international design-led home/gift show

Sept 6-9

Autumn Fair International NEC, Birmingham, UK www.autumnfair.com Second edition of this UK gift and home show of the season

Sept 12-15

HOMI Milano Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy www.homimilano.com A lifestyle show that is trend-led, style-focused and puts Italianmade product first

Sept 13-15

Home London Olympia, London, UK www.home-london.net Autumn edition of the UK’s leading design-led products for the home, co-located with Top Drawer Autumn (design-led gifts) and Craft (high-quality products with provenance)

Sept 17-19

Interior Lifestyle China Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai www.messefrankfurt.com.hk Chinese consumer goods market with sectors on dining, living and giving

Sept 24-27

Tent London Old Truman Brewery, London www.tentlondon.co.uk Design trade show Tent is a contemporary and creative London-based show held alongside Super Brands London and London Design Festival

September (TBC)

Zuchex 2015 TUYAP Fair Convention and Congress Centre, Istanbul, Turkey www.zuchex.com The biggest housewares show in Eurasia

September (TBC)

The Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings Market & The Atlanta Gourmet Market Atlanta Convention Center,

Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com US hub of gift and home buying

October October 13-16

New York Tabletop Show 41 Madison, New York, USA www.41madison.com Showrooms featuring 160 brands specifically for the tabletop

October 13-15

Brand Licensing Europe Olympia, London, UK www.brandlicensing.eu The event for licensing and brand extension

Oct 15-18

HOMI Moscow Crocus Expo Center, Moscow, Russia www.homirussia.ru The second edition of this innovative Italian-flavoured home and gift trade fair

October 20-23

Mega Show Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong www.mega-show.com At the centre of Asian sourcing, this huge show features an Asian Kitchen & Dining Show and a Glasswares Trends Show

November Nov 26-28 IFFT/Interior Lifestyle Living Tokyo Big Sight, Japan www.ifft-interiorlifestyleliving. com High-end show for furniture, textiles, tableware and gift

November (TBC)

Zuchex Ideal Home Jakarta Convention Center, Indonesia www.zuchexindonesia.com The second edition of this housewares and gift fair

December Dec 15-17 Ideal Homex Housewares Fair Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai www.idealhomexdubai.com The inaugural edition of this homewares show for the Middle East and organised by Zuchex

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 47

5

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

WHY TRADESHOWS MATTER The International Home + Housewares Show

In the lead-up to show season, we talk to some of the world’s top tableware tradeshow experts to discover what role tradeshows play in today’s landscape and what buyers need to know when they visit

The New York Tabletop Show Laurie Burns, senior vice president and director, Forty One Madison Why is it important, crucial even, for buyers and retailers to attend trade events?

Attending trade events is very important – you can see, touch and find new product. In addition, it’s an ideal opportunity for faceto-face meetings with your peers, industry executives, and key decision-makers. And, of course, it’s where you can observe and track trends in all aspects of your business — retail, the ‘in’ colour, pricing and consumer habits.

What does The New York Tabletop Show offer tableware buyers?

No other show in the Western Hemisphere is exclusively and comprehensively dedicated to the tabletop industry. This is home base in North America for the core brands of the category, from all points across the globe, and show attendees not only include the retail community but also interior designers, restaurateurs, chefs and hospitality industry decisionmakers. Even though we have exhibition dates twice a year, many brands use their permanent showrooms here year-round for appointments during non-show dates and are therefore open daily.

Derek Miller, vice president global marketing, International Housewares Association (IHA) Why is it important, crucial even, for buyers and retailers to attend trade events?

While you need the right product at the right price, you also need partners to whom you can turn to at any stage of the product life cycle – partners with whom you can trust and collaborate. Tradeshows bring people together – and the International Home + Housewares Show features more than 2,100 exhibitors from over 35 countries and 60,000 total attendees from over 125 countries. Tradeshows provide buyers with the chance to see numerous vendors and products within a short period of time.

What does the International Home + Housewares Show offer tableware buyers?

In addition to hosting virtually every major North American retailer, the Show has also become a destination for Latin American, Australian, Asian, Middle Eastern and European retailers and distributors in search of the latest innovations, emerging new suppliers and established brands. Tabletop suppliers will be found in the Dine + Design Expo, and buyers should pay special attention to the Discover Design destination for creative suppliers of tabletop and textiles.

Any advice for first-time attendee buyers?

Be prepared by studying all pre-show planning advice offered by the show management and exhibitors to efficiently navigate the show. Be prepared by bringing any re-orders, problems to discuss and solve, and other documents you may need. Build in free time to look at categories and vendors that you may not currently carry. And even allow yourself some time to visit top retailers in the city for inspiration and ideas.

While the Show is categorised to allow buyers to focus on their special areas of interest, many buyers tell us that they spend time throughout the Show looking for colours, trends and suppliers with products that might support incremental growth for their businesses. Even before travelling to Chicago, a quick visit to Housewares Connect 365 (www.housewares.org/ housewaresconnect365) will allow buyers to view in-depth information on each Show exhibitor including product photos, videos and full catalogues.

Searchable by key word, company name or product category, Housewares Connect 365 also offers buyers the opportunity to map out their visit on an up-to-date Show floor plan.

www.41madison.com

www.housewares.org

Any advice for first-time attendee buyers?

48 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Homi Milano

NY NOW

Cristian Preiata, exhibition manager, Fiera Milano

Randi Mohr, NY NOW codirector and vice president

Why is it important, crucial even, for buyers and retailers to attend trade events?

Why is it important, crucial even, for buyers and retailers to attend trade events?

Trade events are the only true opportunity for contact with both the products and the people that make them and sell them. The Internet or its opportunities can never replace this type of encounter. Today, more than ever, the world is constantly moving and changing and trade fairs represent a real reflection of a reality that is up-todate, multicultural and hybrid. People, products, ideas, designs and styles, all come together in a new way. The only way to grasp the trends and anticipate them is to visit the ‘tradeshow’.

There is no better forum for starting a business or maintaining and growing a business than a tradeshow. They not only allow retailers to source and shop for new products, they also offer participants several competitive advantages: insights into colour and design trends, display and merchandising inspiration, industry networking opportunities and invaluable vendor partnerships. A professionally organised event like NY NOW allows buyers to easily and economically achieve all of these objectives.

What does Homi offer tableware buyers?

Homi represents the end point of a long study. Today, nearly one year after its first edition, it has affirmed its spot as an event on pace with a changing world. Its satellites are more than merely product areas; they are real ‘worlds’ of ideas centered on a theme. We have made Homi a modular proposal, which was popular with buyers coming to Milan in the January and September editions, as well as those who visited Homi Russia in October.

NY NOW is the definitive marketplace in the USA for home and lifestyle, featuring the largest fashion-driven assortment of industry-leading tabletop brands. Buyers can easily source and shop a breadth and depth of beautifully designed products from around the globe. The Market’s dynamic exhibit floor layout was designed with the buyer in mind, allowing tableware buyers direct access to tableware suppliers, as well as easy access to complementary product lines.

Any advice for first-time attendee buyers?

Any advice for first-time attendee buyers?

Don’t wait until you step into the exhibition centre to see how it is laid out.

For Homi buyers, Fiera Milano has designed EMP, a matching system that allows those who are looking for specific merchandise to register in the first few months of the show. Their profile will be analysed and the system will suggest the potentially most interesting exhibitors. Clearly, these targeted encounters do not preclude – rather, they encourage new experiences and new contact, while at the same time optimising the time in the exhibition by offering many opportunities for contact by new companies.

In short, if prepared ahead of time, participation in the event can become a culmination and a starting point for new business deals and partnerships.

NY NOW is big, with 100,000 product lines in 400+ product categories, and we offer several tools to make a first-time buyer’s experience easy. Our online directory – available at search.nynow.com – allows buyers to search by company name, product category or keyword; and our website (www. nynow.com) offers easy access to business-building seminars, registration for after-hours networking events and links to our official hotel and travel provider. NY NOW also offers a free ‘New Buyer’s Orientation’ webinar – available 24/7 for on-demand download – which gives an overview of the Market’s Collections and categories and its locations and logistics.

What does NY NOW offer tableware buyers?

www.nynow.com

www.homimilano.com

Ambiente Nicolette Naumann, vice president Ambiente/Tendence, Messe Frankfurt Why is it important, crucial even, for buyers and retailers to attend trade events?

The key is to stand out from the competition. To do so, buyers and retailers need the best possible choice at trade events. The tableware industry consists of relatively small businesses. At the same time, it operates in a highly global market. At Ambiente, for example, we have suppliers with less than 200 employees but an export rate of 80 per cent. The level of export experience at the show is incredible. Altogether, Ambiente features 4,700 exhibitors from 90 countries – around 2,200 of them make up the Dining segment covering kitchenware, housewares and tableware. This choice gives small and medium-sized

retailers, as well as buyers of larger quantities, the chance to put together ‘made-to-measure’ product ranges.

What does Ambiente offer tableware buyers?

Ambiente offers an overview of the entire market. It is the leading international event for the industry and unparalleled in both quality and quantity. Buyers see all the important trends they need to know. They also find the specific market segments they need in order to meet the demand of their target groups. Within the product segments, we present high-end brands and design-oriented companies, as well as medium- and highvolume suppliers. You will not find a broader range anywhere else.

Any advice for first-time attendee buyers?

I know that visiting trade shows is an investment and time is money.

Nevertheless, I recommend buyers – whether it’s their first or 25th time at Ambiente – to use the first day for creating a vision before placing orders.

See the big picture. You need a strategy where you want to take your range of products in the next twelve months. Taking the time to get an overview of new products by visiting special shows like Ambiente Trends 2015, Design Plus or Solutions will pay off by helping you make better decisions.

www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 49

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

41 Madison When Jan 31-Feb 4 (for winter edition of NY NOW); April 14-17 for Spring Edition of The New York Tabletop Show; October 13-16 for Autumn Edition of The New York Tabletop Show

Where Forty One Madison Organised by Forty One Madison Web www.41madison.com

K

nown as the ‘home of tabletop’ Forty One Madison in New York has been the must-visit address for tabletop retailers and buyers for the past 40 years. While Noritake was the first company to sign a lease with the permanent tabletop showroom 40 years ago, today there are more than 160 leading international tabletop brands in the building, having positioned their wholesale showrooms here. And it is here, where every Spring and Autumn, The New York Tabletop Show is held, attracting all the major retail buyers from across North and Central America.

And while the premier Swedish brand of crystal and glass designs Orrefors Kosta Boda was new to the building this year, taking a 2,000-sqft showroom on the 9th floor, 2015 will see family-owned New Yorkbased The Godinger Group open its permanent showroom of 13,000 sq-ft on the 28th floor.

Like the other showrooms, this permanent space means buyers not only get to the see the latest introductions at the two annual Tabletop Shows – held in April and October – but to shop all year round, with many of the showrooms open throughout the year or during other major New York shows, such as NY NOW Gift Market.

In fact, during the NY NOW Winter

Edition, being held January 31 – February 4, 2015, more than 40 brands with permanent showrooms at Forty One Madison – including Hermes, L’Objet, Puiforcat, Ralph Lauren Home, Richard Ginori, Riedel, Rosenthal, Saint Louis and Wedgwood – will be meeting with leading gift retailers and buyers. Mottahedeh will also have its doors open during this time and will further be showcasing a special display in the Lobby.

And during this period, Forty One Madison will be helping NY NOW show-goers make the cross-town trek with complimentary mini coach shutter services between its Madison and 26th Street location and Javits Convention Center. The schedule will be 10am-6pm on Mon/Tues and 10am-2pm on Wed. And with free high-speed Wi-Fi now fully accessible throughout the 41 Madison building, guests can avail themselves of the Buyers’ Lounge on Level A knowing that it is a convenient meeting or touchdown spot between their appointments.

Forty One Madison is also joining once more with Emerald Expositions and 230 Fifth Avenue to offer attendees during these January dates a cultural treat. From Friday, January 30 to Wednesday February 4, attendees who show their NY NOW badges will be entitled to half-price admission ($9) to the newly reopened Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian

DID YOU KNOW…? Japanese brand Noritake has been at 41 Madison for 40 years, since the beginning. They were closely followed by Mr Christmas, Nikko Ceramics, Oneida, Reed & Barton, Rosenthal, Royal Doulton, Villeroy & Boch and Wedgwood, all of which have been within the prestigious building for 35+ years.

Design Museum on Fifth Avenue at 91st Street.

After the January meetings, the Spring edition of The New York Tabletop Show will take place from April 14-17, 2015. Not only will all the showrooms be open for business during this very busy four-day period, but exhibitors will be presenting the latest and greatest introductions for Autumn/Winter 2015.

During this show and the Autumn edition in October, there will be education and networking, including expert presentations. Buyers and retailers can relax between appointments or catch up on emails in The Buyer’s Lounge. The Café, adjacent to The Buyer’s Lounge, is also open with complimentary refreshments.

Buyers can get the free 24/7 Forty One Madison App, which provides updated showroom listings and the latest introductions by individual brands, as well as allowing attendees to communicate with a showroom and plan and list their visits and appointments. Download the app from www.41madison.com.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Rosenthal, WWRD, Auratic, Moser, Nikko, Porcel, Prouna, Noritake, Lenox, Villeroy & Boch, Bormioli Rocco, Christofle, Denby, Fuerstenberg, Gibson, Hampton Forge, Hankook, Herend, iittala, L’Objet, Libbey, Lladro, Michael Aram, Nambe, Pasabahce, Portmeirion, Raynaud, Riedel, Haviland, Rogaska, Royal Copenhagen, Vietri, Vista Alegre, among many others.

50 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

41 Madison in numbers

41

The number of years 41 Madison will have been the home of tabletop in 2015.

160

The number of leading tabletop brands that have located their wholesale showrooms within the building.

21

The number of floors in 41 Madison occupied by 80 showrooms.

13,000

The space in sq-ft that The Godinger Group now occupies on the 27th floor. They will have the full-floor space – other brands which have full-floor space include Oneida (with Robinson Home) on the 4th; Jay Companies on the 12th; WWRD on the 23rd; and Lenox on the 24th.

American Silk Anchor Hocking Arc International Arthur Court Designs Artland Auratic USA B.I.A. Cordon Bleu Bormioli Rocco Glass Cambridge Silversmiths Certified International Christofle Circle Glass Crystal House International Dansk Denby USA DeVine Corp.

Euro Ceramica, Inc. Fitz & Floyd Fürstenberg Gibson Overseas Godinger Group Gourmet Settings Guy Degrenne Hampton Forge Hankook Chinaware Herend Hermès Home Essentials and Beyond Homer Laughlin China Co. iittala Jay Import John Jenkins Joseph Joseph Julia Watts LLC Kavalier Glass Konitz “The Mug Makers” L’OBJET Laurie Gates Designs Lee’s Group International Lenox Corporation Libbey Glass Lifetime Brands Lladró Luigi Bormioli Maxwell & Williams Meyer Corporation Michael Aram Michael Wainwright Moser Mottahedeh Mr. Christmas Nambe Nikko Ceramics Noritake Oneida Ltd. Orrefors Kosta Boda Over & Back Pasabahce USA Pickard China Portmeirion Philippe Deshoulières Prima Design Prouna Puiforcat Q Squared Design LLC Ralph Lauren Home Reed & Barton Ricci Argentieri Richard Ginori 1735 Riedel Crystal of America Robinson Home Products Rogaska Crystal Rosenthal USA Royal Crown Derby Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Royal Doulton Royal Limoges Royal Worcester Saint Louis Sambonet Sango America Scafati & Company Shinepukur Ceramics Signature Housewares Inc. Spode Steve Dolce Marketing 10 Strawberry Street TarHong Direct Tervis Tzeng Shyng Vietri Villeroy & Boch Vista Alegre Waterford Wedgwood Waechtersbach William Yeoward Crystal WMF Yamazaki Tableware Zak Designs Zwilling J.A. Henckels

THE NEW YORK TABLETOP SHOW ®

APRIL 14 –17, 2015

41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 • 212.686.1203 • 41madison.com • A Rudin Building

41madison.com

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Spring Fair When February 1-5, 2015 (volume sector opens January 31)

Spring Fair in numbers

Where NEC, Birmingham, England, UK Organised by i2i Events Group Web www.springfair.com

A

s the largest and most important retail trade event in the UK, Spring Fair serves as a crucial barometer for the economic health of the sector. And last year’s show, which was widely billed as the most successful show in years, delivered results, with some 66,500 buyers descending on the NEC during the six-day show. There was a 2 per cent increase in overseas visitors.

Spring Fair showcases some 3,000 exhibitors across 14 market sectors, which includes Gift, Greetings & Gift, Home, and Table & Kitchen, among others. Cross-over buying opportunities are available in abundance from Spring Fair’s 14 different show sectors, covering everything from the best in table, kitchen and contemporary home products, to greetings cards, giftwrap and the latest must-have toys for Christmas.

For Spring Fair 2015, which takes place February 1-5, 2015, the crucial sector of Table & Kitchen is being both rebranded and relocated. The strategic new location for Table & Kitchen will be in Hall 9, bringing

strong cross-over buying opportunities via a covered walkway linking this sector directly with Gift Hall 5, thus underscoring the huge importance of kitchen and table products to general gifting.

Buyers will be perfectly poised to discover thousands of innovative new kitchen and tabletop ideas from a stylish and inspirational product range that will include kitchen gadgets, small domestic appliances, cookware, bakeware, glass, barware, tableware, cutlery and other housewares.

The new home for Table & Kitchen is also adjacent to The Summerhouse in Hall 8, which includes some of the most prestigious brands in this product category, such as Joseph Joseph and Maxwell & Williams.

More than 150 companies will exhibit within Table & Kitchen, including 45 that will be brand-new to the fair this year and 25 that are international suppliers. Some of the key brands in tabletop will be Rayware Group, Denby Brands, Portmeirion Group, Arthur Price, Creative Tops, Churchill China and Ethos. New to

300,000 Spring Fair 2015 will be Exclusive Distribution, the sole UK distributor for leading tabletop brands Vista Alegre, Atlantis Crystal and Casa Alegre; as well as Meld Home (Mary Berry Collection), Meyer Group and Stow Green. Exhibitors are overwhelmingly enthusiastic to the change of scene for Table & Kitchen and the sector was almost sold out – 95 per cent capacity at the time of going to press.

In addition, the Trends & Innovation Theatre will provide insight into key seasonal trends from the renowned World Global Style Network (WGSN), while the adjacent trend bar will supply ample opportunity for rest and refreshment. Visitors will also be able to hear industry leaders talk about the biggest opportunities in retail, from effective branding to cutting-edge store displays.

Finally, Spring Fair 2015 will see the launch of the Retail Shop brand at Spring Fair 2015. It will provide a full-spectrum offering of products and services essential to multi-channel retailing, such as In-store and online solutions, logistics, marketing platforms and packaging specialists.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Denby, Portmeirion Group, Creative Tops, Arthur Price, RKW, Rayware Group, Sabichi, Kitchen Craft, Horwood Homewares, Wilton Brands, Kuhn Rikon, Churchill China, Ethos, Joseph Joseph, Maxwell & Williams, Meld Home, Polder Housewares.

52 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

The approximate number of new product launches at the annual tradeshow.

64

The percentage by which the Home sector at Spring Fair has grown for 2015 compared with last year, attracting dozens more exhibitors.

150

The number of companies due to exhibit within Table & Kitchen, with 45 of them brand-new to the show.

130

The number of countries from which visitors to Spring Fair 2014 hailed, a 2 per cent increase in overseas visitors on the year before.

33

The number of companies which have already signed up to the brandnew Retail Shop brand at Spring Fair 2015.

Products: Present Time, Burgon & Ball, J-Me, Suck UK, Present Time, Burgon & Ball

INSPIRING BUYING IN 2015 THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS FROM OVER 3,000 EXHIBITORS. REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET AT WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM/TABLEWARE

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Ambiente When February 13-17, 2015 Where Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Web www.ambiente.messefrankfurt. com

A

mbiente is the leading international trade fair for the table, kitchen and household, offering one of the biggest platforms for tableware buying on the calendar.

As such, many of the tableware manufacturers’ innovation cycles are geared to the date of Ambiente, delivering more new product at Ambiente than any other trade fair.

For five days at the start of the business year, more than 4,700 exhibitors showcase their new products and innovations for the coming season to some 144,000 trade visitors from more than 160 countries. Ambiente offers three sections – Dining, Giving and Living – across its 27 halls. More than half of these halls are taken up by Dining only, with 2,200 Dining exhibitors offering retailers and buyers the most expansive showcase of diningrelated product globally.

Dining covers everything from the premium segment right up to the volume business, and due to such a broad showcase, the product groups are clearly structured, which means that purchasers for various marketing channels can find their target product within a segmented area, meaning they don’t have to travel around too much.

From manufactories and designoriented companies to branded companies and specialists in the

HoReCa segment, tableware at all levels is on show in the Table segment of the show, which includes glass, porcelain, ceramics, cutlery, fine crystal, silver, high-quality metal and the latest in plastics.

In Hall 4.0, buyers can find the ‘Table Contemporary Design’ product Group, with brands such as Alessi, Asa Selection, Eva Solo and Georg Jensen displaying all the latest design trends. ‘Table Prestige’ takes up Hall 4.1 where you will find luxury suppliers such as Dibbern, Lenox, Rosenthal, Wedgwood, Riedel and Villeroy & Boch; while ‘Table Daily Life’ in Halls 4.2 and 6.2 showcases other international brands. Bulk buyers, meanwhile, will find glass, porcelain and ceramic ware in the ‘Table Top Trade’ product group in Halls 6.2 and 6.3, with suppliers such as Gibson Overseas, Arda Cam and Wrzesniak Glassworks.

In addition, in Dining, there are further segments: Kitchen Trends across two halls; Kitchen across a further two halls; and Housewares & Storage across four halls.

New in tabletop for 2015 is the entire BHS Group with the Bauscher, Schonwald and Tafelstern brands.

This year will also see a presentation from partner country USA, with its ‘Seashore Galore’ expecting to form an impressive platform for products by exhibitors from the States.

Ambiente is also distinguished by

DID YOU KNOW…?

The feeling of ‘Sehnsucht’ – yearning – is the source of inspiration for the consumer-goods industry, with dreams, idealised images, personal belongings and emotions playing an important role. So much so that the theme has established itself as the leitmotif for Ambiente Ambiente Trends in numbers 2015, influencing The number of not only colours halls occupied and shapes, but by innovative prodalso materials ucts and trends during and processing Ambiente each year. The techniques.

Dining sector takes up

27

16 halls. a wide variety of events, promotional programmes for young people, trend presentations, as well as awards ceremonies. Special shows throughout the fair group and theme via various displays the latest trends, innovations, design and award-winning product providing buyers and retailers with inspiration and ideas: these include Ambiente Trends 2015, Design Plus, German Design Award and Talents or Solutions. The Talents area in the Dining area is a must-visit – find young designers showcasing their ‘dining’ ideas; as is the Design Plus area, where you will see the latest innovative products that have been nominated for their outstanding design and quality.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Villeroy & Boch, Luigi Bormioli, Krosno, WWRD, Noritake, Denby, Lenox, Axa Porcellane, Rona, Alessi, Chilewich, Rogaska, Duralex, Portmeirion Group, Vista Alegre, Crystalex, Porcel, Zieher, Bomma, Creative Tops, Finum, Kavalierglass, Nude, LSA International, Maxwell & Williams, Royal Crown Derby, and many many more.

54 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

200

The number of exhibitors dedicated to Dining at Ambiente

160

The number of countries from which the 144,000 visitors hail

270

The number of exhibitors in the field of commercial contract furnishing and Horeca, where professional buyers, fitters, interior designers, caterers and the upmarket hotel industry can find relevant product.

96

The percentage of visitors who were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ at the 2014

Take a look in the mirror of the world market.

Explore every facet of the international consumer goods industry and a unique product spectrum for core and supplementary assortments. In the Dining area you’ll find countless ideas for the table, kitchen, household and Horeca sectors.

This is the fair that identifies your key success factors.

Information and tickets at advance sale prices at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

13 – 17. 2. 2015

try

Partner coun

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Hong Kong Housewares Fair When April 20-23, 2015 Where Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Web www.hktdc.com

T

his year marks the 30th edition of the Hong Kong Housewares Fair, which will take place alongside the 6th edition of Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Housewares Fair, which is now in its 30th year, has gained international recognition for its effectiveness, not least because it is Asia’s largest housewares fair – it boasts an incredible 22 major exhibit categories, spanning everything from Home Appliances, Bathroom Products and Storage Solutions, to Candles, Kitchenware and Gadgets, Wine Tools & Accessories and Tableware, across its expansive 48,182

What the retailer says…

“HKTDC Hong Kong Housewares Fair is a huge fair where I can see a lot of home products all under one roof. I have found some interesting products for our Children’s Division, such as children’s tableware, silicone cooking sets and eco-friendly tableware. The prices and designs of these products are good.”

Anna Suenaga, Buyer, Children’s Division, Isetan Mitsukoshi, Japan

sq-m floor space.

Revamped for its 2014 edition, in order to better present products in appropriate categories, the show introduced new product zones, including Tableware and Kitchenware & Gadgets; as well as designdriven special areas, which include Hall of Elegance and Avenue of Inspiration, the latter a platform for Hong Kong designers to present their new ideas and concepts. The Hall of Elegance, meanwhile, is a refined space reserved for designer collections and brand names that are the epitome of high style and quality. Other special features at the show include The World of Fine Décor, a premium zone for Home Décor products; and the World of

Fine Dining, a premium zone for Kitchenware, Tableware and Wine Tools & Accessories.

In 2014, more than 2,000 exhibitors showcased their products within this revamped environment and it attracted some 28,000 buyers (up from 27,149 buyers from 127 countries), including Amazon in Japan, Zanui in Australia, Westwing in Russia, Future Retail Limited – Home Town in India and Melinh Distribution JSC in Vietnam.

The fair takes place concurrently with Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair, offering an additional source of buyers from a related sector, with cross-over opportunities.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Red A, Thermos, Glasslock, Lock & Lock, Cerve, Multiple Choice by Topchoice, Metier, BWT, Vigar, Faye Sas, Wilmax Ltd, Maspion Group, Royal Products (HK) Company, Komi Pottery, Chaozhou Xinyu Porcelain Industrial Co, Dankotuwa Porcelain, Indo Porcelain, Queen Anne Tableware, among many many more.

58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Hong Kong Housewares Fair in numbers

2068

The number of exhibitors who attended the show in 2014 from 34 countries and regions, with 726 from Hong Kong and 1,342 from outside Hong Kong.

199

The number of countries and regions from which buyers to the show came.

644

The number of exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland. There were 257 from Taiwan, 159 from India, 58 from Korea, 52 from Thailand, 24 from Turkey, 19 Vietnam, 18 from the Philippines, 18 from Japan, 16 from Indonesia, 8 from Italy, 6 from the UK, among others.

48182

The size in sq-m of the gross area of the show.

5

The number of levels over which the zones are displayed.

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

The International Home + Housewares Show When March 7-10, 2015 Where Mccormick Place, Chicago, Ilinois Organised by International Housewares Association (IHA) Web www.housewares.org

T

he International Home + Housewares Show is the world’s premier housewares marketplace, featuring 2,100 exhibitors from 34 countries worldwide, and more than 20,000 buyers from more than 100 countries globally.

Chicago offers buyers and retailers the opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, all under one roof. The Housewares products are categorised into four show-withina-show expos, including Dine + Design, Discover Design, Clean, Contain + Sustain and Wired + Well.

Taking place on level 3 of the south building, Dine + Design features cookware, bakeware, brewers, kitchen tools, gadgets, accessories and textiles, as well as all tabletop – bar accessories, china, crystal, silver, dinnerware, flatware, glassware and hollowware – and home décor, such as giftware, candles and other decorative accents.

Tabletop exhibitors include big brands, such as Gibson, Libbey, Bormioli Rocco and Lifetime Brands.

In terms of glassware, it features everyone from Anchor Hocking and ARC International, to Duralex, Pasabahce and Riedel Crystal; while in flatware, find brands like Robert Welch, Jean Dubost, Hampton Forge and Laguiole en Aubrac.

What the retailer says…

“The International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago is the place to find the finest product selection from North America – the best showcase to see US vendors, plus a fine The number selection of international of exhibitors that suppliers. In an alwaysshowcased in last year’s welcoming, wellsold-out show, hailing categorised environment, from 45 countries and we international customers recording an increase in are able to see trends, total buyer attendance, find fresh ideas and showing significant growth from outside the introductions of the very US. 435 of these were best quality.” new exhibitors.

Teodoro Rodriguez, million The Buying Director, Casa number of Palacio, Mexico

Chicago in numbers

Tabletop is also a large component of the Discover Design show, a museum-like display open to buyers within the Dine + Design expo that features more than 100 exhibitors highlighting high-end unique products and collections from Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor, driven by innovation and inspired by design. By invitation only, previous exhibitors have included Nambe, Joseph Joseph, Robert Welch, Make International, Alessi and Blomus.

Other innovation and design displays include Inventors Corner, featuring product innovations from the most creative minds solving everyday problems; Going Green, a display featuring examples of sustainable packaging and ecofriendly products by exhibitors; Pantone ColorWatch, a display of nine colour palettes representing the strongest home furnishings trends for 2015 illustrated with products from exhibitors to help inspire visual merchandisers; and the Global Innovation Award (gia) Display, which features more than 20 housewares retailers from all over the world, recognised for their retailing excellence. You can benefit from the merchandising savvy of this group of best-in-class retailers by visiting the gia showcase where visuals of their award-winning efforts are on display.

Alongside this, a number of awards and events take place,

2100

300

including the annual IHA Innovation Awards and gia Global Honorees.

Since its inception in 1999, gia (the Global Innovation Award) – the leading housewares industry awards – has been honouring housewares design excellence and retail excellence with its annual awards.

Event-wise, there is a packed itinerary of presentations throughout the four days in the Innovation Theatre from leading designers, trendspotters and marketers. They offer inspiration and help identify the right products for consumers and present the latest thinking on green design practice. There is always a colour forecast presentation from Pantone Color Institute.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Blomus, Deagourmet, Canvas, Finum, iittala, Joseph Joseph, Make International, Maxwell & Williams, Sagaform, Robert Welch Designs, Whitbread Wilkinson, Sparq Home, Anchor Hocking Glass, ARC International, Artland, Bormioli Rocco, Dansk, Duralex, Gibson, Emile Henry, Zwilling, Riedel, Lifetime Brands, Gibson, Libbey, Pasabahce, Hampton Forge 58 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

consumer impressions via broadcast, print and internet coverage the show generated in 2014.

76

The number of years IHA has been vocal – it now has some 1,700 member companies, to which it offers a wide range of services, from export assistance to consumer panel data.

10000

The number of new products on display during last year’s show.

250 The number of gia retail award winners, spanning 30 countries, since the gia programme launch in 1999.

2015 2.100 exhibitors from over 40 countries 60.000 professional attendees from over 125 countries

Source from leading housewares manufacturers and suppliers worldwide – innovative new products not yet available at European or Asian shows.

Profit from inspiring ideas and qualified partnerships – first-class learning and networking opportunities for both independent specialty retailers and corporate buyers.

7 – 10 March Chicago, USA

Show information and free online pre-registration Visitors: www.housewares.org/attend Exhibitors: www.housewares.org/exhibit

For travel arrangements contact: onPeak, Housewares Official Housing Partner, Tel: +1 312 5277300, Email: housewares@onpeak.co

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Homi Milano When Homi Spring 2015 (January 17-20) And Homi Autumn 2015 (September 12-15).

Where Fiera Milano, Rho, Milan, Italy Organised by Fiera Milano Web www.homimilano.com

H

OMI is an Italian lifestyle show that is coming up to its third edition, having been revamped from its former Macef self a year ago.

Attracting nearly 80,000 visitors to its second show – in September this year in Milan – these buyers perused product from 1,300 exhibitors displaying within 10 categories, known as satellites.

Offering an innovative formula, HOMI brings together myriad aspects, including themed satellites, high impact settings and integrated exhibition spaces, altogether in a single show.

The innovative show, which is so far proving successful with an increasingly strong interest from international buyers (11,300 international buyers) takes place in Milan twice a year (January and September) as well as once a year in Russia – HOMI Moscow debuted during Moscow Design Week in October this year.

HOMI features 10 satellites, each designed to embrace the contemporary consumer and the way retailers buy today. These include Living Habits, Home Textiles, Hobby & Work, Home Wellness, Garden & Outdoor, Fragrances & Personal Care, Fashion & Jewels, Gifts & Events and Kid Style. Living Habits is dedicated to Kitchen & Dining, Furnishing and Complements, as well as Lighting Design, featuring everything from ovenware, and tableware to pottery and porcelain, crystal and glass.

Products are cleverly divided ac-

cording to lifestyle category – in the Classic/Silver area, you will find traditional tableware and objets d’art; while in the Contemporary area, you will find design-led brands.

In addition to international tabletop brands, such as Villeroy & Boch, Sabre, Serax and Vista Alegre, there are a prolific number of Italian tabletop brands, including Seletti, Alessi, Baci, Bormioli Rocco and Tognana Porcellane.

In addition to being a buying event, HOMI is an ambassador of style and trends, delivering invaluable themed areas, including the HOMI Experiments and HOMI Special, which anticipate the trends and highlight haute style. HOMI Experiments are areas dedicated to research and experimentation with projects and proposals by young designers and artists; while HOMI Specials are areas where you can discover innovative new concepts, as well as fascinating new twists on the tried and tested.

The second edition of the January show in Milan will see new areas dedicated to business, good living and experimentation. Returning in this January edition will be the Creations area. Organised in association with Artex – Centre for Artistic and Traditional Tuscan Handicrafts – and dedicated to artistic handicrafts and small businesses (often very small businesses) this area brings together innovation and research with the concept of manual ‘expertise’ applied to the technical innovation

What the retailer says…

“The exhibition was really good. I like the new style of HOMI – I found it more comfortable and more design-oriented, as well as being easier to get around and discover products Homi in and ideas.” numbers Mr Daniele Filippi, Regali Gisel, Rome

and materials in objects that fuse design and tradition.

Creations will host the HOMI Creazioni Design and HOMI Maker Design Award. The former places a specific accent on research and welcomes designers and makers who present innovative products.

Meanwhile, the latter is a space that hosts winners of the Artex competition addressed to under-35 talents approaching the world of design for the first time, and who have the opportunity to debut their ideas before the public for the first time.

The January edition will also welcome Homisphere, the innovative concept that defines new lifestyles in the expression of wine and food, hospitality and contract. Homisphere caters to a market segment looking for good taste, comfort, design and exclusivity, and is a platform that designs innovative formats of hospitality and food, providing the visitor with the style and elegance typical of Italian production through three different exhibition circuits, where the idea of aggregation and relationship between businesses present the new frontiers of hospitality.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Aynsley China, Vista Alegre, Rogaska, SAME, Sambonet, Serax, Noritake, Marioluca Giusti, Amefa, Antica Cristalleria, Arte, Baci, Bormioli Rocco, Disraeli Vittoria 60 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

78324

The number of buyers (concept stores, department stores, retail chains, wholesalers, online stores and designers) HOMI attracted to its last Milan show in September. 11,300 were from overseas – the top five countries from which buyers hailed were Italy, Russia, Turkey, Japan and China.

8160

The number of visitors the inaugural edition of HOMI Russia attracted when it debuted in October, alongside I Saloni Worldwide and during Moscow Design Week.

260

The number of tabletop companies that exhibited at HOMI Milano in September 2014.

60000

The space in square feet taken up by HOMI Milan.

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Home London When Home Spring 2015 (January 11-13) And Home Autumn 2015 (September 13-15)

Where Olympia, London Organised by Clarion Events Web www.home-london.net

H

ome is the UK’s definitive homewares and accessories buying event, a beautifully designed and curated tradeshow that sits alongside Top Drawer, London’s largest design-led gift event, and CRAFT, a showcase of 150 contemporary designer makers, which debuted last year.

Home has very quickly become the UK’s most exciting and comprehensive collection of stylish, innovative homewares and interior accessories, offering the perfect place to buy covetable, stylish homeware products.

Home Spring 2014 attracted some 3,143 visitors and marked Home’s biggest-ever kitchen and dining line-up, with more than 250 of the very best design-led mix of modern and classic brands, with some 80 dedicated to companies covering tableware, glassware and cookware, making it the fastest growing segment of the show, having doubled in size in one year.

So popular was Home, in fact, that this year saw the debut of Home Autumn, taking place in September 2014, and attracting some 1,818 visitors. Running alongside Top Drawer at Olympia from September 14-16, it delivered innovative, award-winning designers and the industry’s key brands, including LSA International, Alessi and Bloomingville, all of which were hand-picked.

In addition to the thousands of designer products, the event is full of inspiration. This includes carefully hand-selected speakers in the show’s Retail Masterclasses who deliver retail know-how in some five Retail Masterclass sessions per day for all three days. The Spring 2014 edition saw a presentation on the psychology of buying from psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw and the delivery of 10 steps to visual retail success by the Metamorphosis group; while the Autumn 2014 edition delivered the Home/ Interiors Lifestyles Trends for Spring/ Summer 2015 from Trend Bible; and a social media tutorial from Advantage Business Partners, among others. Inspiration-wise, there are also a whole host of emerging, exciting designers to be discovered in the show’s New Talents area.

The Retail Masterclass programme for Spring 2015 is expected to be better than ever and will feature key home topics, including a specific home trends talk by Trend Bible and a presentation from British designer Sebastian Conran.

In addition, Home Spring 2015 is expected to deliver thousands of stylish and innovative homewares products across five categories, including Kitchen & Dining, and it is expected that there will be a record number of international exhibitors.

A number of the Home brands exhibiting have chosen Home Spring

What the retailer says…

“The Home show continues to get better every year and has now cemented itself as a Home in must-visit for anyone numbers involved in designThe percentage led homewares. increase of buyThe end consumer’s ers from Europe at Top Drawer/Home during the appreciation of quality Spring 2014 edition. design is increasing The number of all the time and Home categories at Home, is perfectly placed to including Kitchen & capitalise on this with Dining, Soft Furnishings, its edit of the best, Lighting, Small and Occasional Furniture the newest and the and Interior Accessories. most beautiful home The percentage brands.”

33 5

Chris Gardner, Buying manager for Cookshop & Dining, Selfridges 2015 as their exclusive UK show – think Joseph Joseph and Bliss Home – and will be joined by other tabletop/kitchen brands, including British flatware and giftware brand Robert Welch; Italian design-led tabletop brand Seletti; contemporary glassware brand LSA International; and design-led Hong Kongbased porcelain brand Loveramics.

TABLEWARE BRANDS Alessi, Whitbread Wilkinson, Seletti, Ella Doran, Black + Blum, Iris Hantverk, Joseph Joseph, Mini Moderns, Blomus, Bliss Home, Blue Dot Pottery, Bojje, Loveramics, Robert Welch 62 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

3

increase of visitors to Top Drawer, Home and Craft in Spring 2014 compared to Spring 2013 (13,845 in 2014; 13,494 in 2013).

4

The number of halls that Home, Top Drawer and Craft will cover. This will be over two levels.

3143

The number of visitors who attended Home Spring 2014; while 1,818 visitors attended the first edition of Home Autumn.

THE DEFINITIVE HOMEWARES AND ACCESSORIES EVENT

Alessi / Authentics / LSA International / Whitbread Wilkinson / Seletti / Ella Doran / Grunwerg / Black + Blum / Joseph Joseph / Coach House / Garden Trading / PR Home / Broste Copenhagen / Grand Illusions / Haus / PAD Home / Skandium / Bliss Home / Make International / Universal Expert / Mini Moderns / White Brands / Makers and Merchants and hundreds more!

KITCHEN/DINING/INTERIOR ACCESSORIES/SOFT FURNISHINGS/ LIGHTING/SMALL & OCCASIONAL FURNITURE/GARDEN ACCESSORIES HOME-LONDON.NET

FOLLOW US @home_london

OLYMPIA, LONDON 11—13 JANUARY 2015 REGISTER NOW FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

HOME-LONDON.NET

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair When February 20-23, 2015 Where India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, New Delhi, India

Organised by Export Promotion Council For Handicrafts (EPCH) Web www.epch.in

W

ith its abundant raw material availability, exclusive skills in craftsmanship and designer expertise, it is little surprise that India is one of the leading suppliers of handicrafts, gifts, decoratives and houseware articles to the world market.

To promote Indian handicrafts in the international arena and to enable overseas buyers to source the rich variety of Indian handcrafted merchandise within one convenient location at one time, the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) has been running since 1994. A leading trade platform in Asia, IHGF aims to fulfil the requirements of the varied markets, offering both Spring and Autumn opportunities for sourcing.

IHGF Spring is one of Asia’s largest, most comprehensive sourcing events, reflecting the complete supply chain of Home décor, home fashion & utility, gifting and fashion accessories. The fair is UPI approved and is built on its excellent variety comprising a total of 14 exclusive show sectors, including housewares, decoratives & gifts, home textiles & home accessories, Christmas decorations and cane, bamboo & eco-friendly products. As such, it is aptly timed for 2015 order placing, as well as Spring/Summer 2016 sourcing.

These major sectors constitute a plethora of crafts, lifestyle and utility products sourced from all over India, from 100 per cent handmade items to industrial manufactured products with unique handcrafted elements.

64 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Home in numbers

What the retailer says… “I am an importer looking for handicrafts in metal, glass and wood. I import from India, China, the Philippines and Vietnam but a major part of my business that is around 40 per cent is from India.

The attraction in India has always been handcrafted products and EPCH’s involvement for the betterment of crafts has been appreciable. The new launch of the mobile app has been a commendable initiation keeping in mind the necessity of the buyers.”

Timm Exner, Exner, Gardening & Home Accessories, Germany

Think home textiles in myriad weaves, patterns and embellishments; French flea marked-inspired caddies for multi-utility; and hurricane lanterns with rustic charm.

In fact, IHGF Spring 2015, which will be in its 39th edition when it opens its doors on February 20, 2015, offers unmatched access to more than 2,400 exhibitors drawn from all major manufacturing hubs, artisan clusters and craft pockets of India, and more than 2,000 product styles and varieties, making it a must-attend event for everyone, from small progressive independents to leading brands, departmental store chains, specialty stores, retailers, interior designers, importers, wholesalers and distributors of various product segments.

In addition, the buyers, of which there are more than 5,300, can enjoy the added benefit of visiting some 900 permanent Marts, which are located on various levels of the centrally air-conditioned India Expo Centre. The Marts deal in gifts, handicrafts, housewares, furnishings, furniture and fashion jewellery from leading member manufacturers/exporters.

Well-known buying houses and departmental stores from Europe and the US that have visited the IHGF include Hobby Lobby, Pier-I, Weca, Target, Marks & Spencer, Haans Lifestyle, Fink, Ikea, Indiska, Cost Plus, Home Goods, and others.

Entry to the show is restricted to international business visitors with no registration fee. For convenience, though, trade visitors are encouraged to pre-register.

70

The number of countries from which the buyers hail, including the US, Germany, Japan, Greece, Italy, China , Oman, Portugal, Sweden and Mexico.

97000

The area, in square metres, taken up by this bi-annual show.

28

The number of states in India from which the thousands of crafts, lifestyle and utility products are sourced.

14

The number of show sectors at IHGF, which includes Home Furnishings, Housewares, Carpets and Rugs, Lamps and Lighting, Christmas and Festive Décor, Gifts & Decoratives, among various others.

7000

The number of member exporters belonging to non-profit organisation the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, which organises IHGF.

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Maison & Objet Paris Maison & Objet in numbers

When January 23-27; September 4-8, 2015 Where Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France Organised By Safi Web www.maison-objet.com

T

he world’s leading design and décor event Maison & Objet Paris will celebrate its 20th anniversary when it opens its design-friendly doors in Paris on January 23, 2015. For 20 years, this large lifestyle platform has become a key meeting place for professionals in the art of living, providing buyers, retailers and interior designers with a 360-degree product offering across the categories of decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles and tableware.

This five-day twice-a-year show in Paris (and now also once a year in Singapore and in Miami) pulls many international visitors – of 83,282 professional visitors in the January 2014 Paris edition, 40,690 were international – all attracted by its equally international exhibitor offerings – of its 3,245 exhibitors in January 2014, 1,272 were international.

Maison & Objet is known for its trend-led, design-forward, high-end offerings, ideas and inspirations, with sectors including Home textiles, Ethnic Chic, Craft, Home Accessories and Cook+Design, the latter strong in tabletop. The Cook+Design sector covering all of hall 3 celebrates the ‘art of dining’ with some 270 exhibitors, including LSA International, Jersey Pottery, Gien, Cristal de Paris, Richard Ginori, iittala, Costa Nova, Porcel, Kinto and Loveramics.

Other themed sectors also include tabletop – Scenes d’Interieur in hall 7, a showcase for designers, features the finest and most

luxurious signatures in decoration, including 60 tabletop/kitchen exhibitors. There are luxury Czech crystal brands Artel and Moser Crystal; high-end porcelain brands like Augarten Porzellan and Hering Berlin. Meanwhile, the Craft sector features 40 table/kitchen exhibitors, mainly French brands, including knife experts Atelier du Requista and handmade and hand-decorated ceramic brand Faiencerie Georges.

M&O also delivers a programme of events, exhibitions, awards and creative spaces. Its Observatoire de la Maison identifies compelling, new innovative ideas from designers; while Studio Cook + Design, a culinary event in the heart of hall 3, offers meet-ups, demos and tastings revolving around gastronomic trends. Finally, in hall 5A, L’espace Retail offers a series of workshop-

7 debates where retail experts share their expertise on consumer trends, merchandising and multi-channel retailing.

The show also celebrates the Designers of the Year and Talents a la Carte, as well as a Lecture Series, including roundtable discussions and presentations, on major themes, innovative materials, new technologies, explored by international experts. In the evening, you can attend the Business Lounge networking cocktail parties.

The M&O brand is now being exported, with two international shows – M&O Asia and M&O Americas. The second edition of M&O Asia will take place in Singapore, March 10-13, while the inaugural edition of M&O Americas will take place from May 12-15 in Miami.

DID YOU KNOW…? The first-ever M&O Asia, which took place in Singapore in March this year, exceeded visitor number expectations with 13,709 visitors, of which 51 per cent were international.

It also delivered an Interior Design & Lifestyle Summit, featuring 20 conferences on five themes, and a Designer of the Year award. Thirty per cent of the 272 exhibitors were from Asia, reflecting a strong Asian presence. The second edition, taking place in Singapore, March 10-13, will feature an expanded selection, with keynote speakers including M&O Paris Designer of the Year, Oki Sato for Nendo Studio.

The number of halls across which the sectors of M&O stretch equalling 130,000 sq-m of space. Hall 3 delivers Cook+Design, Hall 5A features Craft, while Hall 2 features Textile/ Home Textiles.

53

The percentage of exhibitors attending M&O who come from international locations – up 7 per cent in 2014 on 2013

138440

The number of professional visits during the five days of M&O Paris in January 2014… there was a marked increase in international visitors.

48

The percentage of retailers who visited the January edition of M&O Paris earlier this year, while 9 per cent were department store buying groups and 10 per cent wholesales importers.

1272

The number of international exhibitors, while there are 1,973 French exhibitors.

TABLEWARE BRANDS ASA Selection, Blomus, Churchill, Costa Nova, Emile Henry, Gien, iittala, Guy Degrenne, Kinto, La Rochere, LSA International, Loveramics, Pillivuyt, Porcel, Portmeirion Group, Revol, Rak Porcelaine, Sabre, Tognana Porcellane, Zak Designs, Hering Berlin, Moser Crystal, Artel, Cumbria Crystal, Fuerstenberg, Anna New York by RabLabs, Augarten Porzellan, L’Objet, Legle, and many more.

TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 65

Last Word

EYE ON DESIGN

Richard Brendon Each issue, we cast a spotlight on a designer in tableware. This month, we chat to the Londonbased designer and British bone china specialist currently taking the tabletop world by storm Why did you choose tableware?

During my final year studying product design, I set myself a brief in my final year, which was to add value to antiques which were no longer valued or cherished. I quickly realised that there was a lot of antique china in this category and rummaging around antique fairs, I discovered considerably more tea saucers than teacups. This was the inspiration for my Reflect range – reflective cups that reflect patterns on antique saucers. As this range became popular, I spent more and more time attending antique fairs, talking to antique dealers and looking at antique porcelain. The more I learnt, the more fascinated I became, and before I know it, I was passionate about British ceramics.

How would you define your design aesthetic?

Considered, refined and dynamic.

Longevity is very important to me

as I believe it is the best form of sustainability. All of our products are made by master craftsmen, from the very best quality materials, to ensure they stand the test of time.

Describe a typical day in your work?

I always try to complete one or two really important tasks a day – I check a task is important by asking myself, “if this is the only thing I complete today, will I be satisfied?”. Usually I do such tasks first thing in the morning – this includes designing new products, contacting new customers or working to develop a collaboration.

What have been the highlights of your career to date?

Collaborating with Patternity and Fortnum & Mason, launching in the USA with Bergdorf Goodman, and being nominated for the Walpole British Luxury Awards.

Calling all designers – would you like to be featured in a future ‘Eye on Design’? If so, email our Editor, kate@lempublishing.co.uk 66 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL

Name: Richard Brend on Job: Creative director of Richard Brendon Website: www.richard brendon.com About me: During my studies in product and furniture design at Kingston University, I was inspired by a brief – to add val ue to antiquess no longer valued – and created a range of teacups and antique saucers called Reflect and this was the he starting point for my business . In 2010, I entered a graduate design competition with Wo lf and Badger, a design boutique in London. They starte d selling my Reflect collection and soon my work was discov ered by Lucia van der Post who featured it in the Financial Tim es ‘How to Spend it’.

In 2012 I started working full time on developing my brand and things have moved quickly. Most recently, I was includ ed in The Evening Standard’s ‘The 1,000 most influential Lon doners’ and we have been shortliste d for the Walpole Bri tish Luxury Awards for best emerging lux ury brand. In 2015, I will be exhibiting my work at The Victor ia and Albert Museu m.

Worked with… Collab oration with world-re nowned pattern innovators Pat ternity on a range and successful collaboration with UK retailer Fortnum & Ma son .

Retailers: Paul Smith , Thomas Goode, Lan e Crawford, Bergdorf Goodman, Michael C. Fina, Libert , Le Bon Marche

How w do you see the tableware leware industry at present? sent?

It’s an n exciting time – there seems ms to be a demand for contemporary temporary but well-made pieces es and retailers are embracing bracing this.

Which ich designs, designers or collections ollections are personal favourites? ourites?

I really lly like Hering Berlin, I have huge e respect for Royal Crown Derby by and I think Richard Ginori ori has done a derful job in wonderful terpreting reinterpreting gns from its designs ives. archives.

6LJKLŋRDUD _ 520 1,$ _ RIILFH#FHVLUR FRP _ UDGXBSXSD]D#FHVLUR FRP &HVLUR 6$ 6LJKLVRDUD _ ZZZ FHVLUR UR

THE NEW YORK TABLETOP SHOW ®

APRIL 14 –17, 2015 Where the most important brands and buyers meet.

41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 • 212.686.1203 • 41madison.com • A Rudin Building

41madison.com

American Silk Anchor Hocking Arc International Arthur Court Designs Artland Auratic USA B.I.A. Cordon Bleu Bormioli Rocco Glass Cambridge Silversmiths Certified International Christofle Circle Glass Crystal House International Dansk Denby USA DeVine Corp.

Euro Ceramica, Inc. Fitz & Floyd Fürstenberg Gibson Overseas Godinger Group Gourmet Settings Guy Degrenne Hampton Forge Hankook Chinaware Herend Hermès Home Essentials and Beyond Homer Laughlin China Co. iittala Jay Import John Jenkins Joseph Joseph Julia Watts LLC Kavalier Glass Konitz “The Mug Makers” L’OBJET Laurie Gates Designs Lee’s Group International Lenox Corporation Libbey Glass Lifetime Brands Lladró Luigi Bormioli Maxwell & Williams Meyer Corporation Michael Aram Michael Wainwright Moser Mottahedeh Mr. Christmas Nambe Nikko Ceramics Noritake Oneida Ltd. Orrefors Kosta Boda Over & Back Pasabahce USA Pickard China Portmeirion Philippe Deshoulières Prima Design Prouna Puiforcat Q Squared Design LLC Ralph Lauren Home Reed & Barton Ricci Argentieri Richard Ginori 1735 Riedel Crystal of America Robinson Home Products Rogaska Crystal Rosenthal USA Royal Crown Derby Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Royal Doulton Royal Limoges Royal Worcester Saint Louis Sambonet Sango America Scafati & Company Seguso USA Shinepukur Ceramics Signature Housewares Inc. Spode Steve Dolce Marketing 10 Strawberry Street TarHong Direct Tervis Tzeng Shyng Vietri Villeroy & Boch Vista Alegre Waterford Wedgwood Waechtersbach William Yeoward Crystal Yamazaki Tableware Zak Designs Zwilling J.A. Henckels