Home, Gift and Lifestyle

Vol. 3 - Issue 10

•Ambiente 2013 • Christmasworld 2013 • International Toy Fair 2013 • Pure London 2013 • Spring Fair International 2013

www.homeandgiftretailer.com

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Ambiente 2013, 15 - 19 February, Frankfurt, Germany

Christmasworld 2013, 25 – 29 January, Frankfurt, Germany

International Toy Fair 2013, 30 January – 4 February, Nuremberg

10 The Little Dearies

17 Denre www.denre.ie

11 Fairwind www.fairwindonline.com

19 Absolute Jewellery Design www.absolutejewellery.ie

22-23 Pure London 2013, 10-12 February, London Olympia

12-13 Brabantia www.brabantia.com

Managing Director: Colin Murphy Editor: Mike Rohan

Premier Publishing Limited can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributors’ articles or statements appearing in this magazine. Any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Premier Publishing and its Directors. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, editor and publisher. A reader should access separate advice when acting on specific editorial in this publication!

Marketing Manager: Susan Doyle Production Manager Susan Doyle

Home & Gift Retailer is published by Premier Publishing Limited, 51 Park West, Enterprise Centre, Nangor Road,Dublin 12

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HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

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markets & fairs

15th – 19th February 2013

15th – 19th February 2013 – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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mbiente is the biggest and most international platform for consumer goods. The show also focuses on creativity, design, emotionality and most importantly, sustainability. All of these focuses play an increasingly important role in the consumer goods sector.

Ambiente draws over 4,500 exhibitors for 87 countries every year to gather in the city of Frankfurt. This world leading event gives visitors the opportunity to sample the latest trends for 2013/14 across the home, in three clearly defined areas: living, dining and giving.

The opportunities at the show are significant – there is the chance to meet suppliers who are specialists in the contract and home sector, talk

– Frankfurt am Main, Germany

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to experts about tailor made solutions, and the prospect to view the competition in your specific market. The show also offers a broad spectrum of solutions – from special designs through to large volume custom production for hotels, offices, cruise liners and many other contract businesses.

Every year there are design awards presented at Ambiente – the “Talents” initiative showcases young designers from across the globe, bringing together extraordinary originality and creativity. Here you can gain new insights into function and form as well as being able to discover avant-garde concepts for all businesses. There is also the “Solutions 2013” which is dubbed to be the beginning of the future of the consumer goods industry.

For 2013, the partner country for Ambiente is France, with UBIFRANCE – the French trade commission – bringing along a devoted area to the ‘French way of life’ in Hall 4.1. In 2012, France was one of the top 5 visiting countries to the Frankfurt show, and offer many innovative brands such as Garnier Thiebaut, Le Creuset and Peugeot.

In the Giving section of the show there can be found an overview of multiple markets at the same time. The Giving section showcases the diversity of the entire gift sector with the latest ideas, outstanding designs and the entire spectrum of the global market. The Giving section for 2013 is more inspiring than ever with the huge array of decorations, authentic and fashion jewellery, stationery, beauty and bath and much more.

This year, there are some exciting brands from the UK joining Ambiente for the first

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markets & fairs the modern age with Classic Ground; finally, Blossom Field creates a romantic atmosphere to bring an understated modesty to the table.

In 2013 Ambiente is ‘the place to be’ for international, innovative consumer goods and promises an elegant and positive atmosphere, new products and orders, pleasant surprises, fantastic trends and flourishing business opportunities.

time. With the rise in high quality British brands exhibiting in 2013, Ambiente is not a show to miss. These new brands include Navigate, MAKE International and The Gourmet Trotter Company London.

2013 brings not only new brands, but also a new section to the show: the all new watch department of Carat. This new product segment is a reaction to the increased interest being shown by manufacturers. As products, watches are not only for the interest of jewellers, but also to buyers of lifestyle and design shops, interior and furnishing boutiques and museum shops and galleries.

The new trends have emerged for 2013/14, ranging from romantic floral patterns to decadence and glamour.

Contrasting Sphere shows natural materials sewn with a high-tech process and contrasted with gloss; Eccentric Domain allows for extravagance, decadence and glamour whilst including antique designs; a retro design is brought into

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For more information and to purchase advance discounted tickets please visit

www.ukfrankfurt.co.uk Date: 15th – 19th February 2013 Venue: Frankfurt am Main Tel : +44 (0) 1784 415950 Fax : +44 (0) 1784 415951 Email: info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Web: www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

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ambiente 2013

Ambiente trends for 2013: atmosphere of well-being and natu-ralness in demand Four rends overall t in an staged ive impress – display ely exclusiv ors for visit to

"

Welcome to the jungle". This is the title under which the consumer-goods trends for the 2013 season will be presented.

The trend scouts from renowned design consultants bora.herke.palmisano, who have offices in Frankfurt and Berlin, will lead you on a safe path through this jungle of different styles. For Ambiente 2013, they have distilled a variety of international influences from the worlds of product design, fashion, architecture and art into four overall trends. Within these trends, the design team will provide some concrete examples of the new colours, shapes, patterns and materials that the future holds: "There is a deep-seated desire to give expression to feelings, emotions and one’s own personality. Hence, we want to present the new season’s trends from the individual’s point of view. At the same time, however, there is a desire for well-being, for peace and quiet, which is reflected by a yearning for nature”, says Claudia Herke from design consultants bora.herke.palmisano.

The expert trend consultants at bora.herke.palmisano will be staging the four overall trends in a display in Galleria 1 and will bring the various styles tangibly to life, using several hundred products from the Ambiente exhibitors' latest collections. The four trends, "blossom field", "classic ground", "eccentric domain" and "contrasting sphere" give an overview of the key styles in the world of consumer goods.

the use of traditional, high-quality designs that, with tasteful arrangements, manage to create a tidy, comfortable ambience. Rich orange and cool blue deliberately disrupt the neutrality of greys and browns, lending a touch of retro and that certain extra something.

Eccentric domain The "eccentric domain" trend is all about extravagance, decadence and glamour: decorative shapes, unusual patterns, extraordinary surface effects and extravagant accents in pink, jade and plum. The antique and the surreal are combined with one another with amused and amusing detachment.

Contrasting sphere With "contrasting sphere", there is a captivating contrast between dry, porous textures and brilliant gloss. Colours of the desert range from light sandy colours and golden ochres to dark brown. Natural materials, traditional hand-crafted work and innovative high-tech processes create an atmosphere full of tension, an effect that is both familiar and futuristic at one and the same time.

Exclusive lectures at Ambiente on current trends The impressively staged display in Galleria 1 provides an identifiable picture of the four overall trends. And the trend forecasts are made even more tangible and comprehensible in the talks given by the trio of design consultants at bora.herke.palmisano. With inspirational illustrations and valuable information for the trade on the current market, the talks are a perfect complement to the display and take place every day at 12 noon and 3.00 p.m. in room Symmetrie 2.

blossom field Just how easily the contrasts between poetry and practicality can sit side by side is shown by "blossom field". Romantic floral patterns in pastel shades, playful shapes and delicate materials go hand in hand with understated modernity. This includes home textiles with graphic patterns and clear stripes, lattice structures and chrome. The colour palette ranges from intense rose-red to delicate pastel shades with black and white providing a neutral counterpoint.

Classic ground With "classic ground", an elegant urban lifestyle is characterised by

Design consultants bora.herke.palmisano "bora.herke.palmisano Stilbüro" is the name of a team of designers, who have earned an international reputation in the consumer-goods sector. Their unerringly accurate trend predictions are in great demand worldwide. With a keen feeling for their material and enormous experience, Claudia Herke, Cem Bora and Annetta Palmisano constantly analyse the design currents worldwide. It is from these observations that they develop their trend predictions for Ambiente, which they then present in an impressive Trend Show.

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markets & fairs

Showtime for the entire decorations industry!

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s the most important trend and order platform for wholesale and retail buyers, Christmasworld is set to show the very best of the decorations industry in 2013!

Last year over 31,000 visitors attended from 112 countries to visit the exhibition. Despite a gloomy economic forecast the event showed that business is still being done, and orders are still being written for new innovative products.

With over 900 exhibitors from around the world, Christmasworld can start your trading season with a wealth of international opportunity. With our focus on identifying emerging new trends such as Precious Jungle and Fantasy Forest, Christmasworld can provide you with the inspiration for success as well as a host of new products to bolster your year with.

As the world stage for dazzling, innovative and original articles for all festive occasions of the year, Christmasworld is the number one show to visit for the world of decorations. The show ranges from

25th-29th January 2013

the festive celebrations of Christmas to Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day, and shows such products as high quality candles and fragrances to festive decorations and a stunning range of festive lighting.

For 2013 the show highlights include the beautiful and new ‘Window Wonderland’ which will surprise and inspire retailers with innovation window dressing, complete with a fun fair including a roundabout and big wheel; Les Sapins de Noel & Christmasworld is an area boasting a Christmas tree wearing Haute couture (dressed

by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac) as well as many other trees dressed by other renowned designers ; the new German Christmas Crafts including high-quality, carefully made candle arches, pyramids and wooden figures – quintessential German Christmas decorations.

The products will range from traditional to modern; another addition to the show is the Christmas Forum – a range of topical

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HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

markets & fairs expertise for florists, decorators, retailers and operators of DIY markets red and high gloss finishes give a romantic look, using metallic and garden centres. reflections and mirrored effect to create lively surfaces. The materials The trends for 2013 are particularly exciting as we have identified used are tactile, durable materials such as ceramics, wood and four emerging themes: Precious Jungle, Fantasy Forest, Glowing thistles as well as more feminine textures – silk, linen and velour Desert and Gracious Coast. effects. Some woven elements as well as raffia and meshes create Precious Jungle is an extstructure in contrast with ravagant, unique trend using a the delicate shimmering, Date: 25th – 29th January 2013 background of deep night-time high gloss surfaces and Venue: Frankfurt am Main blues and green tones to allow coloured glass allows flowers to light up against it. romanticism against the Tel : +44 (0) 1784 415950 The designs are decorative and harsh materials.

Fax : +44 (0) 1784 415951 opulent, using shimmering bird Gracious Coast delivers Email: info@uk.messefrankfurt.com and plant motifs to harmonise a modern, winter Web: www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com addition to the recent with paisley designs and tapestry patterns with pastel trend of summer, highlights of gold. The materials used will be magnificent embroideries giving it a contrast of black, anthracite and ecru. Using photo using metallic yarns to compliment silk, velvet, cloqué and brocade. realistic motifs, the 1950’s inspiration is revealed; the structures are With the use of gold leaf, reptilian patterns and intensely coloured finely crafted and sculptured to give a clean, retro feel. The materials crystal, this trend is the most opulent yet. follow on from this using porcelain and ceramics as well as high Fantasy Forest on the other hand is a gentle fairy-tale – using quality pastel and white wickerwork. Also used is glass – traditional red and pine gree, it combines with pure white, metallic transparent, opaque, and softly tinted and with metallic finishes. To and grey to create a reinterpretation of romantic motifs. A touch of contrast the glass, lace is used to create a more luxurious tone with haute couture is added by including print motifs and animal figures. tulips, lilacs and lilies used to compliment the soft image.

The materials used will be natural ones such as wood and pine cones, Christmasworld offers you all of the best products to inspire you branches and acorns which will be immersed in colour. Fine patterned and your customers from this winter until next winter, with over 900 glass gives a feminine touch whereas monochrome animals give a exhibitor stands to inspire you. Come and join us in Frankfurt am modern element.

Main this January!

For more information and to purchase advance discounted tickets Glowing Desert presents an intense yet luminous atmosphere by combining warm ochre and sand tones with violet shades. Glowing please visit www.ukfrankfurt.co.uk

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markets & fairs

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painting kit for people who don’t paint, a chess set for someone who can’t play chess, a scarf to knit yourself although the recipient has two left hands – great gifts for some, and for others, utterly useless. Making gifts is no easy task nowadays. With a huge range of products to choose from, many consumers feel less than equal to the task. Aside from bringing pleasure to friends and family, all are on the look-out for unusual gifts that will create a wow effect as well. And that is where the retailer comes in. Retailers must have a feel for what their customers are interested in, for themselves, or for others; they must possess a good understanding of human nature, and of course be familiar with the latest trends and gift ideas. Ideas and trends that retailers can pick up at the International Toy Fair Nuremberg from 30.1. to 4.2.2013. At the world’s largest fair in the industry over 2,700 exhibitors present one million products, 70,000 of which are completely new. Halls 1, 3 and 9 are of particular interest to gift retailers as the latter houses the product categories dolls, soft toys, handicrafts, gift articles, wooden toys and creative design. Retailers can browse to their heart’s content for six days in search of new products to impress their customers.

More money spent on gifts every year Making gifts is a time-honoured way of showing affection. It is also why the amount of money spent on presents increases practically every year; and for birthday and Christmas presents in particular. A growing number of products feature technical refinements, a magnet for children and youngsters especially. Due to these features, it also makes them expensive yet popular pres-ents. So the burning question in the industry at the moment is: to

be or not to be digital? From talking magic wands, app-controlled planes or action dolls brought to life by remote console control, all come top of today’s wish lists. So the Toy Fair Special, Toys 3.0 – The Next Generation, the Toy Fair 2013 provides a sneak preview of tomorrow’s playroom. The Toy Fair Special Toys 3.0 focuses on the growing digitisation of classic toys, and shows retailers which products are the current hits for children and youngsters. In a promotional area of 300 square metres, exhibitors present iToys, also known as appcessories, toys with digital and electronic components, and virtual game worlds. Spielwarenmesse eG is also

A feel for what customers want – International Toy Fair Nuremberg 2013 exhibits new gift ideas 8

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markets & fairs

conducting a survey of the consumer and user behaviour of digital natives. The results of the analysis will be presented during the Toy Fair at the Toys 3.0 area in the central foyer, and on Saturday February 2, 2013 at the Toy Business Forum.

Aside from a million products, the around 76,000 visitors can look forward to learning a lot at Nuremberg, and attend the 4th Global Toy Conference. The International Toy Congress takes retailers and manufactures on an exploration of digital worlds.

Experts provide a detailed insight into the main topic “Digital Worlds – Online Marketing and E-Commerce as the Key to Success”. In various lectures they illustrate how retailers can strengthen customer loyalty using social media, and what they can achieve with content marketing.

Participants also find out about the successful interaction between online and offline trading, and the platforms suitable for it.

Further information

Learning from the experts

Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nürnberg Opening hours: 30.1. – 4.2.2013 Ticket prices and further information at a glance: www.toyfair.de/visitors Global Toy Conference Date: 4.2.2013 Tickets: 199 euros, advance bookings 249 euros at the daytime box office Programme/Registration: www.globaltoyconference.com Toy Business Forum Date: 31.1 – 4.2.2013 Admission free Programme: www.toyfair.de/toybusinessforum

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product news

About The Little Dearies M

y name is Karolina. I am a trained artist, and passionate about all things handcrafted and created with heart.

The Little Dearies is my newest design project.

It is a world in itself, populated with cute creatures of all sorts, from fairies and rabbits to babies and little people.

You can share in this world of the Little Dearies by buying Little Dearies products (cards, favour boxes, decoration sets, jewellery) for your family or friends, or by commissioning something new from me (a photo album, for instance, or a picture).

When celebrating an occasion or sending a meaningful message to a loved one, it is often difficult to make it special and memorable with so much in the shops being more of the same. In today's world of mass production, I believe handcrafted is heart-crafted.

The Little Dearies can offer you a wide variety of handcrafted cards, decorations, jewellery and many other items, all created with the highest level of care and attention to detail. There are gifts for just about any season, occasion or event, with a wide variety of cute designs.

matching pillow-style envelope, which leaves plenty of room for The Little Dearies figurine(s) to get comfy on the journey to you and then to your loved one.

Whatever the occasion (new baby, birthday, wedding, anniversary, Valentine’s day, Easter, Christmas) or message (thank you, sorry, nothing in particular), The Little Dearies already have a wide selection of cards waiting for you to order and designs ready to be made.

Decoration sets Whether it’s to decorate table for seasonal holidays (Easter, Christmas, Mid-Summer, St Patrick’s Day etc.) or for celebrations of a birthday, wedding or anniversary, The Little Dearies decorative sets are just the thing to turn everything magical.

You can dress your table with them or decorate your house to really add a special touch to the occasion. You can also add elements to your order such as a set of cards or anything else your imagination can dream up for The Little Dearies to help with.

Jewellery Cards from the Little Dearies With The Little Dearies, cards become a gift in themselves, featuring handcrafted Little Dearies figurines, high quality paper and matching decorations. Being so beautiful, naturally we wouldn’t want them going in any old envelop, so each Little Dearies card comes with its own

The Little Dearies have dreamed up their own range of miniature jewellery – what they would love to wear themselves and hope you will love equally. They have been busy making hair slides, brooches, earrings and rings in the cutest designs you can imagine … perfect for children that can’t resist cute!

Contact details:

Karolina Di Duca. Mobile: 0879767280. e-mail: karolina.podlasin@op.pl facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheLittleDearies website: coming soon

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product news

Welcome Spring with gorgeous bird themed home accessories

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s Spring 2013 approaches Fairwind will be selling some wonderful new home accessories that celebrate the arrival of Spring. Our new home accessories featuring birds are all handmade and fairly traded and make stunning gifts for the home. They are also perfect as Mother's Day gifts or Easter presents.

Distressed White Bird Hook, £3.50 This sweet bird hook has been handmade and hand-finished in contemporary distressed white.

Fairly traded from India. 10cm (H) x 7cm (W) Hand-painted Flower Pots With Birds, £8.50 These beautiful pots have been enamelled and hand-painted with birds and flowers.This is a new addition to our popular hand-painted bird stainless steel range. Available in red, navy, green and light blue they are fairly traded from Kashmir. 13cm x 13cm. They are perfect for planting bulbs and small plants and look gorgeous on the windowsill. Cut out images of the individual colour options are available too - please contact Fairwind Leila Love Bird, £6.50 This enchanting iron bird makes an ideal paper weight and ornament. Hand-finished in a distressed white this is the perfect Valentine's Day gift or Mother's Day gift. Buy 2 - keep one for yourself and give one to a friend. 8cm (W) x 4.5cm (H)

Ena Hanging Bird Decoration, £3.50 This charming metal bird decoration comes with a recycled sari tie. It has been handmade and hand-finished in distressed white. 11.5cm (W) x 4cm (H) Hand-painted Bird Fruit Bowls, £28 These hand-painted fruit bowls are perfect for celebrating Spring.

They are a larger version of our incredibly popular small handpainted bowls. Made from practical stainless steel these stunning bowls have been hand-painted with flowers and birds in incredible detail. These bowls can be used outside and they can be used at

home as fruit bowls, salad bowls or for simply decorating the home.

These bowls are completely safe for food use, but please gently hand wash only. 22cm (W) x 22cm (D) x 9cm (H). available in green, light blue and red Fairwind has been selling high quality fair trade gifts and home accessories since 2000. Fairwind sources the best quality and most desirable fair trade products, recognising that consumers want more than just an ethical product. With high levels of customer service and quick and reliable delivery, Fairwind has been building a loyal customer base for several years now. All items are available worldwide from www.fairwindonline.com.

Cool Off This Summer With NEW! Limited Edition Cool Pops Collection from Yankee Candle®!

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fun and fruity collection of cool, nostalgic summer fragrances for summer 2013 has been launched from the world’s best loved candle company, Yankee Candle®. NEW! Cool Pops Limited Edition Collection is sure to give sales a refreshing lift this summer.

Offering consumers the hottest new fragrances, colour trends and innovation, Cool Pops collection is available for a limited time only feeding consumer demand for exciting newness for home fragrance options.

Have fun in store with Cool Pops collection and create eye catching displays with new coordinating accessories featuring a Pop’s Van tumbler holder and ceramic polka dot candle tray for added attention.

Banana Blueberry: Savore this delightfully different treat of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries

Mango Nectarine: A bright and tangy summer quencher bursting with sunny notes of mango nectarines and white peach Melon & Lime: A cool mix of juicy melon, citrus pulp and iced sugarcane Pineapple Coconut: This perfectly smooth, chilled blend of pineapple and coconut is an irresistible summer delight Triple Berry: A mouth-watering, fruity sweet combination of everybody’s favourite berriesstrawberry, cherry, and raspberry- on ice Available to order now in large 2 wick and regular tumblers with silicon lids, Pop’s Van tumbler holder and ceramic candle trays, the collection is sure to drive impulse sales this season!

For further information please visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk or contact Customer Care on 01173 161 200 Yankee Candle®: the affordable luxury for you and your home

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product news

COLOUR BLOCK AND BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME WITH BRABANTIA’S NEW LIMITED EDITION COLOURED TOUCH BINS®

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ne of this season’s biggest fashion and interiors trends, colour blocking, is the perfect way to brighten up your home. Brabantia, well known for fusing beautiful design with innovative functionality, has embraced this vogue and released six limited edition fashion-forward 30 litre Touch Bins®.

Homeowners already have the choice of over 200 colours on its 45 litre Touch Bin® and now six of the most popular colours are being made available within its 30 litre Touch Bin® range.

The new vibrant colours are Cobalt Blue, Lemon Yellow, Lipstick Red, Apple Green, Chrome Orange, and Violet Purple.

Loud and proud colour combinations make for a dynamic and confident look in any home. Why not add a dash of glamour into your household by placing blocks of contrasting colours next to each other, by mixing and matching bright

wallpapers or a ‘feature wall’ with a new coloured Touch Bin®?

The 30 litre Touch Bin® has a number of unique features, including ‘soft-touch‘ opening and closing for an easy and light operation. Its protective base prevents damage to the floor and a functional back grip make it easy to maneuver and handle.

The brilliant steel lid unit is easily removed, and size-matching Brabantia bin liners with tie-tapes are available to make emptying and sealing the rubbish a hassle-free chore. Brabantia 30 litre Touch Bins® come with a 10-year guarantee for added consumer confidence.

Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For details, please contact the Brabantia sales department or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com.

BRABANTIA’S NEW KITCHEN SCALES WEIGH IN AS A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME BAKER

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aking is big news. Homemade cakes and cookies, pies and pastries, flans and breads are all the rage. The fashion for pretty cupcakes and handmade confectionary shows no sign of abating, and with bake-offs and cookery challenges trending on Twitter, our passion for home baking looks set to rise and rise, just like our loaves!

The secret behind perfect baking is of course to make sure you are properly equipped before you start. Baking is essentially a science; there’s no throwing in a touch of this and a handful of that. Everything needs to be precisely and carefully measured.

Enter Brabantia’s stylish new digital Kitchen Scales – the scales of choice for every home baker worth their salt (or sugar).

There are two new clever designs: the stainless steel Kitchen Scales with built-in timer and the Essential Kitchen Scales to complement the rest of the Essential Kitchen range.

Both scales are easy to clean and offer tare function, low-battery indicators and a highly accurate weighing capacity, ranging from just one gram to five kilograms. Each features a clear, illuminated LCD read-

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out, displaying in grams, pounds and ounces, millilitres or fluid ounces.

And with non-slip feet there is no chance of accidents, even on wet surfaces - particularly good news if you are cooking with children!

The sleek stainless steel Kitchen Scales are a stylish piece of kit.

With its modern, rounded design you’ll want to have it out on show. It also boasts an integrated countdown timer with alarm to warn you when your cakes are ready.

The slim design Essential Kitchen Scales have an attractive tempered glass surface and are a new addition to Brabantia’s popular Essential kitchen tools line. With a stainless steel hanging loop, they can be stored within easy reach along with the rest of the range of cooking implements.

Both the stainless steel Kitchen Scales with Built-In Timer and the Essential Kitchen Scales come with a five-year guarantee.

Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For details, please contact the Brabantia sales department or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com.

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product news

CHIC INTERIOR DESIGN-LED LAVENDER COLOURWAY LAUNCHED BY BRABANTIA

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nspired by the latest modern interior design trends and colour palettes, Brabantia’s designers have added Lavender as the new colourway for its Get Together range. Brabantia’s contemporary lavender Get Together range is perfect for anyone entertaining friends and family at home. Also known for it soothing and calming properties the new Lavender theme is certain to add a relaxed a n d

enjoyable ambience to any meal time.

With families looking for ways to maintain their love of good quality food and socialising on smaller budgets, the trend for home entertaining is here to stay. Brabantia’s lavender Get Together range offers all you need for the well-laid inviting table.

As well as beautiful porcelain dinner plates, bowls and cake plates, there are sumptuous rich cotton lavender textiles such as a tablecloth, napkin, apron and kitchen or tea towel; and practical accessories like pan coasters, egg cups and coasters.

This stylish colourway complements the current white and grey Get Together products and can easily be ‘mixed and matched’ with existing products to create the right look for your home.

The Get Together lavender range also make great presents, many products come ready supplied in gift-packaging, tissue paper and felt gift shapes to provide a stunning gift.

Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For details, please contact the Brabantia sales department or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com.

A NEW GARLIC PRESS FOR THE GARLIC CONNOISSEUR

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or million of foodies around the world garlic is a much-prized and even revered culinary ingredient many couldn’t cook without. This is why Brabantia’s designers have worked hard to develop their new and improved Garlic Press – a must-have addition to the kitchen for all garlic devotees.

Garlic has been used for thousands of years, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and today it features in the cooking of practically every culture around the world. Plus there are the many potential health benefits of garlic, such as helping to fight off colds and flu, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and possibly warding off heart disease and cancer.

But despite our love affair with the humble garlic, there is no denying it can be a tricky ingredient to prepare, which is why Brabantia’s efficient new Garlic Press is such welcome news.

The redesigned Press is easy to handle, easy to clean and easy to store with

no fiddly separate parts. It can even crush unpeeled garlic cloves, creating less mess and odour.

As ever, Brabantia combines efficiency with style. The Press is made from contemporary stainless steel, with large ergonomic handles minimizing effort and a large aperture that is so easy to fill.

There is very little waste residue left behind so much more of your lovely garlic will make it into your dish. The smart design makes it simple to clean as the sieve component swings up to enable rinsing out and it is also completely dishwasher safe.

Featuring hanging loops, the Garlic Press is compatible with Brabantia’s Extendable Hanging Rack, allowing you to keep all your kitchen implements together and within easy reach.

The new Garlic Press is made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials and comes with a five-year guarantee.

Brabantia products are available from leading retailers, including high street department stores, superstores, quality independent housewares and kitchen product specialists. For details, please contact the Brabantia sales department or visit Brabantia’s website www.brabantia.com

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product news

Yankee Candle® Launches a New Twist on Home Fragrance to Retailers

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he world’s best loved candle offers retailers the opportunity to add a stylish twist to home fragrance lines this autumn with an innovative new product range, With-a-Twist Room Fragrance.

Each unit is filled with scented natural pot-pourri elements providing long-lasting fragrance. The unique packaging allows the user to alter the fragrance intensity simply by twisting the outer cover to release the fragrance creating a fresh, welcoming atmosphere whenever required. With no flame or liquid, With-a-Twist can be used anywhere at any time with the authentic, true to life fragrance lasting for up to 30 days.

With-a-Twist is available in 5 best-selling fragrances including Fluffy Towels, Fresh Cut Roses, Lemon Lavender, Midnight Jasmine, Pink Sands and new fragrance Pineapple Cilantro.

Providing retailers with exciting merchandising options, With-aTwist is ideal for drawing consumer attention to a display with the

new concept. Display alongside matching Housewarmer® fragrances providing customers with the complete home fragrancing solutions available to them.

Helpful plan-o-grams will be available to download from the Marketing Toolbox providing retailers with further tips and examples for merchandising With-a-Twist Room Fragrances.

For further information please visit: www.yankeecandle.co.uk or call 01173 161 200.

Yankee Candle®: the affordable luxury for you and your home

Louis D’Argent Exclusive new range from Newtons T

he renowned French-inspired furniture company, Newtons, has designed a brand new stunning bed that is evocative of star gazing at midnight. The romantic and opulent Louis D’Argent from Newtons is an awe-inspiring creation that evokes glamour and elegance...

Standing on a classic and graceful mahogany frame, the dramatic Louis D’Argent Padded Bed is part of the stunning new Louis Metalique collection and is delicately finished in silver leaf. Its refined appearance is emphasized by the sumptuous upholstery of the head and footboards. The plush black velvet is beautifully soft to the touch and adds a dark and alluring magnificence to the bedroom.

The boudoir black head and footboards are deep-buttoned and feature individual crystals; placed with precision to glint and

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glimmer in the moonlight (or from the bedside lamp!). The exclusive Louis D’Argent Padded Bed from Newtons creates all the magic of sleeping under the stars…but in a bed of pure luxury and comfort.

Newtons’ Louis D’Argent Bedside Table is handmade from mahogany and finished in sensational silver leaf. Featuring glass top, beveled glass drawer front and crystal handle; its ultra-chic style and cabriole legs make a sophisticated combination when paired with the striking Louis D’Argent Bed. The new range comprises dressing table & stool, chest of drawers and wardrobe.

Newtons’ gorgeous new Louis D’Argent range has beauty and style ‘written in the stars’. www.newtonsfurniture.co.uk

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

product news

Liven up your decor with L

Living it Up!

ive it up in contemporary style with the fantastic range of bedroom furniture from interiors specialists, Living It Up. The stunning furniture designs offer gorgeous contemporary chic combined with stylish storage solutions, perfect for a de-cluttered, modern and minimalist space.

The Verona Walnut Bed is a stunning addition to the bedroom.

Its elegant design and clean lines bring modern magic into your living space. Underneath is a storage mechanism, giving plenty of room for storing away bedding and towels, without taking up any more precious space in your bedroom. The Verona Walnut Bed is also available in a lacquered white satin finish.

The Duca Walnut Bed is the ultimate in decadent living. With its extravagant button headboard, this is a striking piece of furniture

Prices: Verona Walnut Bed (Double) - £550 – 100cmH x 202cmL x 145cmW Duca Walnut Bed – (Double) - £700 142cmH x 205.5cmL x 14cmW Walnut Wardrobe – £1,999 4 Drawer Chest - £599 – 86cmH x 90cmL x 45cmW Walnut Tall Boy: £649

www.livingitup.co.uk

that will make a real statement. Underneath the Duca Walnut bed is plenty of discreet storage space, so no excuses for bedroom clutter. The headboard is finished in black faux-leather, and the frame is walnut veneer, perfect for lavish living!

The Walnut Wardrobe is the perfect accompaniment to Living It Up’s range of beds. The sliding doors mean extra space, but also give you a sleek and stylish addition to the bedroom. It’s minimalist design and aesthetic makes this a must-have for contemporary style bedrooms. Pair it with the beautiful 4 Drawer Chest to complete this look.

New Handmade Furniture and Home Accessories M

ocha has just launched a new range of furniture and home accessories designed by Samuel Ansbacher exclusively for mocha.uk.com

SpringVase Vase Spring Spring Vase – http://www.mocha.uk.com/spring-vase.html - is inspired by the simplicity of Japanese design and is handmade in solid plywood.

The apparent simplicity of its form belies the complexities of the design. Wooden layers seemingly float upwards, gradually curving into a gentle arc. A semi flexible silicone core flows through the centre to hold flowers and help support the cantilever. The overall effect is one of lightness.

The name of the vase has a double meaning: its shape is reminiscent of a spring about to release - and it also resembles a plant swaying in the gentle spring breeze.

Spring Vase works beautifully on its own as a decor accessory, or with the addition of a few simple flowers. Arranged in a group, the vases can be used to create a sculptural display in different configurations.

Dimensions: H 17cm W 6cm D 6cm. Price: £19.99

RulerShelf Shelf Ruler Ruler Shelf – http://www.mocha.uk.com/ruler-shelf.html - is a floating wall shelf inspired by vintage yardsticks and Mid-Century modern design.

Handmade in plywood, the shelf features dark inlays which resemble ruler markings, and rounded profile edges on the front.

The shelf is designed so that it can either be hung on its own, or side by side in a series to create the impression of an extra long shelf.

The versatile Ruler Shelf is perfect for displaying decor accessories, as a bookshelf for paperbacks, or to add a vintage touch in the kitchen.

And it's a great way to add some character to the interior of a home office.

Dimensions: L 40cm x H 6cm x D 15cm. Price: £39.99

ArchMirror Mirror Arch Arch Mirror – http://www.mocha.uk.com/arch-mirror.html - is a fresh new design inspired by Mediterranean and Scandinavian style influences. It blends the modern clean lines and material typically used in Scandinavian design, together with the outline of an intricate arch traditionally found in Medit-erranean and Moorish architecture. The result is a truly original creation.

Arch Mirror is handmade in solid ply and features delicate dark inlays within the wood.

Perfect for a contemporary interior, the mirror is a striking decor accessory for the hallway, lounge or bedroom.

Dimensions: H37.5 x W27 x D3cm. Price: £75.00

www.mocha.uk.com

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

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Ashleigh & Burwood 328 – 334 Molesey Road, Walton – on – Thames Surrey, KT12 3PD

Contact Details: Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267 060 Fax: +44 (0) 1932 267 080 Email: alex@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Websites: Retail: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Trade: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk French: www.ashleigh-burwood.fr Tales of London: www.talesoflondon.co.uk

product news

D

enre a design & product development company have developed a unique range of products recycled/upcycled totally focused and committed to sustainability, consisting of Post Consumer Coffee Waste or (CSG) Brewers Spent Grain (BSG) Also Starch from Snack Foods.

Denre also has unique ECO House signs - totally unique to the Market. A great alternative to using natural slate. Tough weather resistant, UV protected.

Quality as with all our products exceptional and light. Also visist www.denre.ie to see our unique Plant Pot to Product Scheme which we are rolling our early Spring 2013, another first for Ireland.

We also offer Bespoke ECO Design services - detail on request.

Denre's award winning & unique ECO range is a first for Ireland But also competatively and favourably priced.

Contact Denre directly via denis@denre.ie

Expect the Unexpected – Accept ECO Innovation from Denre

Denre Ireland Unique Award Winning ECO Range

• Homeware • Garden • Coastal Living

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www.absolutejewellery.ie

kilkenny group profile

www.absolutejewellery.ie

A

zara Jewellery is one of Irelands leading designers and wholesalers of costume jewellery . Established in 1997, the company has gained a reputation for superior quality, design and service.

Its main brand ‘Absolute Jewellery’ is designed by Arlene Nee. In her passion for jewellery, she has travelled the globe sourcing unique components to produce her collection.

Launched in 2003, this very popular brand is recognised for creative designs and meticulous attention to detail and quality. All of the jewellery is rhodium or gold plated and is set with pearls, semi precious stones and Swarovski elements. ‘Absolute’ is a fantastic range of jewellery with an enviable collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings offering the consumer the latest in fashion ‘must haves’ as well as contemporary classics.

Today the brand has developed by working with international designers to bring unique designs at affordable prices to the consumer and is now stocked in over 300 retailers across Ireland and the UK. This season saw the launch of the new collection ‘Jewel by

Absolute’ at the Autumn Gift Fair in Citywest , Dublin. This collection will boast an extensive range of stunning yet affordable jewellery, from ‘fantastic fireballs’ to ‘pretty pearls’, this range has something for everyone.

www.absolutejewellery.ie

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t s i tr

f o t i a r t r o P

a e h t

O

n a cold and windy mid-summers day in Donegal Thomas Joseph sits peacefully waiting for inspiration or humour for his next painting of a sheep? The truth of the matter is Tom is painting the landscape, a winding river, a country lane, or a cottage, the subjects that have interested him for many years. His aspirations for recognition as a painter, in a very different traditional style, have been diminished today to the Irish artist who paints silly sheep. The regular painting trips have continued and quite frequently a silly sheep appears from somewhere.

Tom enjoys the fame and quietly accepts his good fortune. In frustration ten years ago he combined several painting techniques and low and behold a picture of an odd looking sheep was the conclusion. After showing several of the mystery paintings to visitors and friends, they laughed and thus began the Whimsical World of Thomas Joseph. Following a year or two of success selling prints from the boot (trunk) of his car to the Irish gift trade Morrigan Ltd appeared and hesitantly developed the brand. The hesitation was a question about ‘good art’ as the style was somewhat ‘rough’ but was immediately full of appeal. All at Morrigan still scratch their heads and ask the inevitable question about ‘when is it going to end?’ The opinion is that it never will end. The style and Tom have become ‘ewe-nique’ and a permanent part of a mystery still to be answered maybe it is just honest fun?

Visitors to Tom’s gallery close to Carrickfergus Castle, on the shores of Belfast Lough will see a very small room which doubles as a studio and a shop.

Tom’s wife Pat explains the gallery as an excuse to meet many of his fans. Gee are ‘ewe’ the real Thomas Joseph? He continues to smile and loves the attention. There are many sheep designs, pictures, and products on the

new products

market but Thomas Joseph is ‘the man’.

The first ever large format calendar will be launched in 2012, for 2013, following many requests. Each of the past eight years has seen the smaller desk calendar being sold in record numbers. The new large format calendar will be a collection of classic pictures from the past and will be available internationally, with a major launch in North America and Australasia. Two other formats of the same calendar will be available. For the serial collectors Morrigan Ltd will also be releasing a new 2013 edition. Not surprisingly these calendars sell primarily through the summer months and are very popular with tourists from Easter onwards. They sell to tourists of every nationality even though they quite often misunderstand the play on words, they just like the pictures.

The promise of kitchen textiles has been slightly delayed until June when stock of Aprons, Tea towels, gloves, etc will be available. Trays which are food safe are now available in six designs, with more to follow during 2013. New designs mugs, coasters, placemats are all available. Essentially, the kitchen textile and tabletop accessories will be a developing part of Morrigan Limited plans in the future. The stationery range of cards, notebooks, and prints, and other items will continue with new products periodically throughout the coming year.

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Island Distribution based in County Wicklow are the appointed distributors for Thomas Joseph in Ireland. See the advertisement in this publication for contact details. UK and international enquiries should be made to Morrigan Limited who will also be exhibiting at Scotland’s Trade Fair, SECC Glasgow, Stand G70 and the International Spring Fair, NEC, Birmingham from the 4th– 9th February, Stand 4J80. Additional information is also available from www.morriganltd.com.

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markets & fairs

Pure London Footwear and Accessories Preview 10th-12th February 2013

T

his February will again see the UK’s largest footwear and accessory offer, featuring a mass of new, international and niche brands showcasing their A/W13 collections at London Olympia.

The Footwear Hall will be returning for another season, housing numerous first-time exhibitors as well as a variety of fresh, exciting styles from returning brands.

Scholl will be returning for a third year, presenting their new collection which focuses on the versatility and adaptability of both ankle and knee-length boots. Incorporating rich seasonal colours of lichen, taupe and mocha, a key range will be ‘Limira’; a refined take on lace-up ankle boots which will be available in nubuck and cow leather. After the success of their spring / summer cork wedge, Scholl will also be collaborating with prestigious Italian designers to rework the style into their next collection.

Also returning is Melissa, who will be articulating their recurrent theme of ‘pop luxury’ across their extensive range of heels, pumps, wedges and sandals. In contrast to winter expectations, Melissa will be ejecting bursts of colour throughout their A/W13 collection.

Celebrating their 175th

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London Olympia

anniversary, Peter Kaiser’s A/W13 collection is set to be contemporary and on-trend, featuring new and innovative designs across their range of ankle boots, set-back heels, platforms and slipper-style pumps. The Dutch brand will match their designs with equally sensational colours, ranging from warm reds to khaki, bottle green, striking purple and rich plum.

Ravel will be adding exquisite finishing touches to the traditional riding boot and Chelsea boot, including studs, bows, zips, metallic tones, velvet trims and baroque detailing. A key A/W13 piece is their pointed toe court shoes adorned with metallic bows, as well as block heels and wedge ankle boots. The collection will display autumnal palettes such as oxblood and navy.

Other footwear brands debuting their A/W13 collections at Pure London are; French Connection, Luxury Rebel, Fly London, French Sole, Prime Boots, Paco Herrero, Hudson, Moda In Pelle, Chinese Laundry, Vitti Love, United Nude, Birkenstock, Unisa, Wonders, Pikolinos, Lodi, Gadea, Babycham and Bronx.

Joining the footwear brands on the gallery level will be an eclectic range of accessory labels, showcasing vast collections of scarves, jewellery, bags, sunglasses and more.

Esteemed accessory brand Falke

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

markets & fairs will be debuting at Pure London in February with their intricate collection of hosiery and socks. Known for their diverse range of scarves, Passigatti will be incorporating elements of knitwear, looped scarves, checked patterns and florals into their A/W13 collection. Their colour scheme ranges from soft pastels, to country colours of mustard and wine, and oriental bolds such as peony, ruby and gold.

Showcasing their leather designs for the first time are Zandra Rhodes Handbags, who have centred their designs upon Zandra’s eccentric, inimitable style and adventurous detailing. Ranging from purses to rucksacks, all designs are finished with delicate stitching, gold trim, tassels and other stylish touches. Zandra Rhodes’ collaboration with costume jewellery designer brand Adele Marie will also be presented at Pure London, drawing inspiration from timeless vintage prints and distinctive designs across a range of necklaces, brooches, bangles and earrings.

Also focusing on bold detailing is Fiorelli, whose collection will boast everything from structured bucket bags to gusseted totes and elegant clutches. Following three different themes, Fiorelli will incorporate elements of century romance and gothic theatre with structured silhouettes, luxury exotics, textured layers and geometric elements with block colouring. Their ‘Hope’ range will retail at £30 with £1 from every sale going towards Cancer Research UK, with the hope of raising £100,000.

Eel skin handbag specialists Makki follow a 1950’s theme for their S/S13 collection, featuring structured shapes that remain playful with a combination of bright

colours and a new soft cow leather range. Nat & Nin will also be presenting a colourful S/S13 collection of bags, ranging from mini clutches to large totes and focusing their attention on detailing, keeping their ranges feminine with a mix of soft neutral colours and bright summer bolds.

First time jewellery exhibitor, Belle & Flo, have drawn inspiration from strong catwalk trends this season to create their S/S13 collection which will be presented at Pure London. Centring on soft pastels whilst maintaining bright seasonal elements of orange and green, Belle & Flo’s collection will include cocktail rings, bracelet cuffs, earrings and necklace sets, as well as new stacked bracelet assemblages.

The Branch will also be presenting their S/S13 jewellery collection, following tropical themes and combining their renowned rosewood with bright stones such as synthetic coral and turquoise dyed howlite.

The accessories section will also house the likes of; Tous & Tous Compliments, Quinton Chadwick, Ruby & Ed, Dyrberg Kern, Bibi, Twin Stars Sterling, Ubu Bijoux, Ottoman Hands, Nica Bags, Demi Club, Caths Belgium, Marco Lev Exim Gloves, Urban Code Accessories, Santacana Gloves, Kreisicouture Hats, Sam Ubhi, Pierre Quioc, Yuna, and Lola Rose.

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markets & fairs

The UK’s largest trade exhibition grows by 8 per cent year-on-year and helps retailers retain a competitive advantage throughout challenging trading conditions

Spring Fair International 2013 grows year-onyear and invests in top-flight business content

T

he organiser of Spring Fair International (SFI), i2i Events Group (i2i), looks forward to welcoming thousands of retail businesses from around the world to the next edition of the show, due to take place from February 3 – 7 2013 at The NEC, Birmingham.

With 3,100 exhibitors launching over 300,000 new products, the event attracts up to 75,000 visitors from over 130 different countries each year. Together they help make Spring Fair not only the UK’s leading retail trade event, but the largest trade exhibition taking place in this country and Europe’s biggest presentation of trend-driven new products.

Spring Fair has already increased its exhibitor numbers by 8 per cent for 2013, a significant achievement given the tough economic situation and challenges faced by the retail industry. Major growth sectors include Contemporary Gift & Home (up 21 per cent year-onyear), Home Interiors & Furniture (up 10 per cent year-on-year); Fashion Jewellery & Accessories (up 12 per cent year-on-year) and Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets (up 6 per cent year-on-year).

Since Spring Fair underwent its major re-edit for the 2012 event Contemporary Gift & Home has grown by a total of 40 per cent.

This is a huge achievement that underscores the importance of Spring Fair as the launch platform of choice for the best in design-led new products from British and overseas suppliers.

The divisional director for Gift & Home at i2i, Louise Young, commented: “The growth of Spring Fair highlights its position as

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an essential event for the British and international retail trade. We are committed to delivering a strong show that puts great visitor experience and a good return on investment for our customers right at the heart of everything we do.

“We are continuing to invest in features and content that will inspire retailers and guide their buying in the year ahead, helping them to compete effectively and source the new products that will generate great sell-through and increased profits. For us this means creating an exciting show environment and delivering the best of what’s new on every level.”

With 13 different market sectors, across 17 halls, Spring Fair incorporates the largest presentations of the following product categories available under any one roof anywhere in the UK: Contemporary Gift & Home; Gift; Gift, Home & Volume; Greetings & Stationery; Kitchen, Dining & Housewares; Children's Gifts, Toys & Gadgets; The Party Show; Christmas Gift, Floral & Seasonal Decorations; Art & Framing, Fashion Jewellery & Accessories and The Jewellery Show.

The show is also the number one destination for retailers keen to hone their competitive edge throughout challenging economic conditions, offering ideas and advice on how they can enhance their businesses and increase profits.

Spring Fair is a committed supporter of the British retail industry and as such, made significant investments in the seminar content on offer at the show, as part of a wider initiative to support the retail community via easily accessible, effective

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

floor plan

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markets & fairs

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is also second edition of The Party Show Stage in Hall 3, where a spotlight will shine on fancy-dress costumes, while The Jewellery Show Catwalk will return to Halls 17/18.

The chance to test some of the lotions, potions and bodycreams being launched within Body, Bath & Home Fragrance will be available at The Beauty Counter in Hall 6, where visitors can also enjoy a free hand massage if time permits.

With the comfort and convenience of visitors in mind, Spring Fair will include numerous points within the various halls where visitors can get some rest and relaxation. Refreshments are available in: Hall 1 at the Contemporary kitchen café and Sourcing café; Hall 2 at the Gift Box café, Hall 3 at the Licensing Lounge café; Hall 4 at the Greetings Bar; Hall 5 at the High 5 Bar, Hall 6/7 at the Trend Bar and Hall 12 at the Sports Bar. Product trails buyers can follow are: New Product Creative Britain, Licensed Product, Exporter, Ethical Product, Body, Bath & Home Fragrance and Retail Services.

About Spring Fair International 2013

business advice that is freely available for all visitors.

There are numerous business advice and education points around the exhibition, including: The eCommerce Seminar Theatre (Hall 12), Trend Briefing and Seminar Theatre (Hall 6/7), Cook Live! (Hall 1), the Art & Framing Seminar Theatre organised by the Fine Art Trade Guild (Hall 4) and the Gift Box (Hall 2).

A great highlight at the Gift Box will be the appearances of TV presenter, craft and property expert Kirstie Allsopp on Monday February 4. Kirstie will present great ideas for Inspirational Window Dressing around Christmas, and will also participate in a much anticipated interview and Q&A session at the Trend Briefing and Seminar Theatre.

Other themes covered within the content schedules will include: Insights into future trends, excellence in customer service, starting up a business, all aspects of eCommerce – including optimal social networking - and practical workshops on subjects ranging from in store gift wrapping to inspired visual merchandising.

One of the most topical sessions, The Big Retail Debate, will take place at the Trend Briefing and Seminar Theatre on Sunday February 3 from 12.00 – 12.45, where a panel of industry experts will consider how independent retailers can work together as a community to rejuvenate town centres and drive more shoppers to Britain’s High Streets.

Other 2013 show features are: The working kitchen theatre, Cook Live! returning to Kitchen, Dining & Housewares in Hall 1, New Product Showcases in Hall 9 and in the Hall 4 – 8 link through and Three full-scale catwalks. One of these is located in Halls 19/20 and will showcase the latest fashion accessories, there

Where: The NEC, Birmingham When: February 3 – 7; Volume Halls open on Saturday February 2 Opening times: February 2: 10.00 – 16.00; February 3 – 6: 09.00 – 18.00; February 7: 09.00 – 16.00 Travel: By train or plane directly to The NEC, or by car (onsite parking is free).

Register for free: www.springfair.com

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

markets & fairs

Design-led gifts and lifestyle accessories are order of the day at the UK’s biggest trade exhibition

Contemporary Gift & Home Grows 20 per cent for Spring Fair International 2013

T

he unrivalled offering of Contemporary Gift & Home products launching at Spring Fair International will be presented in Halls 6 and 7 of The NEC for 2013. Some 350 UK and overseas suppliers will participate in this sector of the show, representing a 20 per cent year-on-year increase for one of the exhibition’s most important sectors.

Since Spring Fair underwent its major re-edit for the 2012 event Contemporary Gift & Home has risen by a total of 40 per cent and is the largest selection of products in this category available under one roof anywhere in the UK. This is a huge achievement that underscores the importance of Spring Fair as the launch platform of choice for the best in design-led new products from British and overseas suppliers.

Buyers will be able to source from a huge selection of design-

led gifts, high-end home accessories and luxury lifestyle ranges from around the world, offered by powerhouse brands and unique international companies such as: Nina Campbell, Present time, Gift Republic, Suck UK, Donkey Products, H M Gift, Valbi, R F Yamakwa, MTM Gift, Muurla, Ritzenhoff and Skagerak Denmark, Leonardo Glaskoch, Baobab.

New for 2013 will be Design Lab* in Hall 6, featuring dozens of cutting-edge designer makers producing exciting contemporary products, all of them exhibiting at Spring Fair for the first time, including: Loglike, Burgerplex, the original metal box, kabloom.

Some of the hottest designers from the UK and overseas will exhibit around the Trend Bar, Trend Briefing Seminar Theatre, creating a buzzing centrepiece at the heart of Spring Fair.

The superb Trend seminar programme has been put together by an expert content team, dedicated to providing Spring Fair

visitors with a wealth of invaluable advice and information that will keep them ahead of the retail game in 2013.

One of the great highlights of the programme will be celebrity TV presenter, craft and property expert Kirstie Allsopp, who will make an appearance on Monday February 4 for a muchanticipated interview and Q&A on the subject of Cultivating Creativiity.

Other highlights and guest speakers will include trend updates from: Emma Booty, Creative Director, The Conran Studio and Ben Philips, CEO, Steamer Trading. The international flavour of the exhibition will be a French Pavilion of 8 eight market-leading suppliers, the majority of which have never been seen before at Spring Fair, including Decopatch, Marileme and Fire-Design.

Back by popular demand following its successful launch at Spring Fair 2012 will be The Studio area of handmade British products, including the fantastic designGap collective. Exhibitors in The Studio include: Jo Downs Handmade Glass, In House Designs, Belltrees Forge and Okker Ltd. Event director Sarah Mclaughlin commented: “Contemporary Gifts and Home will offer the largest presentation of unique innovative and inspiring UK and International brands that Spring Fair has ever seen, and over 80 exclusive to the show. I am really excited about the launch of Design Lab, a new platform that will display the best of design and cutting edge contemporary gift and home products. Over 30 new companies to Spring Fair will be located next to the Trend Presentation theatre this is sure to be an exclusive destination point for retailers this year.‘

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10

Visit the website for further details:

www.springfair.com

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craftspeople of ireland

Craftspeople of Ireland Candles

Company Name: BLUEBELL ECO CANDLES Address: Kilquane, Headford, Killarney.Co-Kerry Telephone: 00353 86 8112398 Email Address: bluebellecocandles@gmail.com Website: www.bluebellecocandles@gmail.com Contact Name: Fleur Daly Company Description: Welcome to Bluebell Eco candles. Our Soy Aromatherapy Candles are clean burning, hand poured & drenched in natural essential oils. By using essential oils in our soy candles means you are filling your chosen environment with a delightful, natural, soot free alternative. Not only do you have a beautiful scent but also have the healing properties of your chosen essential oils. Discover the benefits of natural, long lasting, non toxic soy candles.Inspired by nature. Made by hand.

Discover the benefits of Natural, Long lasting Non Toxic Soy Candles.

We are committed to providing the most natural candles and products as possible. Made under the beautiful Kerry mountains in Ireland we are helping to positively affect the environment of your home and the world around us. Soy wax is all-natural renewable sustainable resource.

All Bluebell Eco Candles are made in small batches and hand poured to ensure our highest quality standards. Let a hand poured essential oil scented candle soothe your senses through beautifully crafted, all-natural soy products.

Our handmade soy candles do not emit chemicals into the air you breathe, or increase CO2 levels. They are 100% NON TOXIC and biodegradable. Resulting in a healthier air quality for you and your family while enhancing the sustainability of the earth.

Ceramics Company Name: CLARE JORDAN CERAMICS & JEWELLERY Address: Swallows Rest Studio, Rathjordan, Herbertstown, Co Limerick.

Telephone: +353 (0)87 4169450 Email Address: info@claresceramics.com Web Address: www.claresceramics.com Contact Name: Clare Jordan Company Description: Clare Jordan Ceramics creates art forms of unique style and intrinsic beauty through organic fusion of nature, emotion and spirit using handmade porcelain in single and series sculptures, limited edition jewellery and bespoke commissions. Providing art for all occasions, such as that special birthday, wedding or racing day outfit, prize or award, or a more casual piece, to the discerning customer for personal, gift and corporate needs through gallery, retail and web outlets. Based at Swallows Rest Studio, in rural County Limerick, Ireland, I am a Ceramic Artist, currently exploring concepts of life through the delicate strength of porcelain. Having a passion for porcelain I create unique, innovative design in handmade jewellery and sculpture gifts. Contrasts and opposites attract me. I find porcelain reflects contrast very well. With varying degrees of translucency and decoration of handmade ceramic organic forms I portray the contrasts of fragility and strength often found in life. The concepts are diverse, as is life in it’s many forms of nature, humanity and spirituality. A key inspiration is water, a fundamental life form. The fragile beauty of a single drop contrasts with the powerful strength of a crashing wave, as in the “Waterflow” piece pictured to the right.Each piece I make has a story, a reason for being, born of a concept. My challenge is to tell it’s story well.

Crystal

Company Name: FRED CURTIS CRYSTAL Address: Genavie House, Brandane, Bannow Bay, Co Wexford Telephone: +353 (0) 51 560559 Email Address: info@fredcurtiscrystal.com Website Address: www.fredcurtiscrystal.com Contact Name: Fred Curtis Company Description: Fred Curtis designs and produces 100% Irish crystal, mouth blown and hand cut

by Master Artisans at his studio in County Wexford Ireland. Specializing in Bespoke and personalized pieces for all occasions. He has designed pieces for Mother Theresa, Numerous US Presidents and Clint Eastwood to name just a few.

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Fashion, Accessories & Textiles

Company Name: ALICE HALLIDAY Address: 1 The Lawn, Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Co.Cork Telephone: 028 36942 / 086 8843585 Email Address: alice@alicehalliday.com Website Address: www.alicehalliday.com Contact Name: Alice Halliday Company Description: Beautiful, unique, high quality fashion and accessories. Handmade using a majority of recycled materials.

Cork Fashion Week Designer of the Year 2011.

Offering a wide range of products; Womenswear; casual and evening, bridalwear, hair accessories, jewellery, belts, bags, household textiles and menswear. Pieces can be made to order.

Handbags and Hats Company Name: BINTYBAGS Address: Ashbury, Ballybeg Great Screen, Co Wexford Telephone: 087 7416655 Email Address: bintybags@gmail.com Website Address: www.bintybags.com Contact Name: Ann Spring Company Description: My love of sewing and life long experience in the fashion industry, together with my passion for fashion, lead me to designing and making these beautiful textile handbags and hats.

By choosing fabric and colours carefully, I have created a fantastic selection of bags and hats to cover all occasions.

My designs are vibrant and unique and will catch the eye of all fashion lovers.

Handmade Waistcoats & Wood Crafts

Company Name: OWENMORE MANUFACTURING Address: Clooneagh, Gurteen, Co Sligo Telephone: +353 719 182984 Mobile: 085 1122135 Email: stephen@owenmore-mfg.com clare@owenmore-mfg.com Website Address: www.owenmoremfg.com/www.owenmoreireland.com Contact Name: Stephen & Clare Kelly Company Description: We produce a wide range of Handcrafted Irish Products from Shillelagh Walking Sticks to clocks and Wall Plaques. The Tweed/Wool Waistcoats are original and exquisite, yet retain a rural charm.

Our products make unique gifts from the West of Ireland. We specialize in commissions for any occasion, special gift or event.

Jewellery

Company Name: MARY BRENNAN DESIGNS…. YOUR JEWELLERY Address: Old Coach Road, Stonehouse, Dunleer, Co Louth Telephone: 086 2213411 Email Address: mbrennan62@ymail.com Website Address: www.marybrennandesigns.com Contact Name: Mary Brennan Company Description: I Design and Handcraft Jewellery in Silver, Inset with Gold and Semi-Precious Gemstones. I have had a lifelong interest in Jewellery and Design and draw my inspiration from Nature Contemporary Design, Abstract Celtic Design and Animation. I also work on commissions where I can create and designs you may have.

My Aspiration Is To Design Your Jewellery…..

HOME, GIFT & LIFESTYLE Volume 3 Issue 10