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In This Issue |
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TREND REPORT: EXTENDING PERSONAL STYLE Today’s confident consumers are expressing their aesthetics in every way possible. They demand the right to self expression in everything from home décor to diaper bags and doggie dishes. The personal pizzazz once associated with fashion now extends throughout their lifestyle. Sophisticated parenting accessories are hot. Handbags are adorned with fur, feathers and charms. Not just the toes but now the heels of designer shoes are bejeweled. Even furniture is “decorated” with throws and jeweled accessories, or swathed in unusual materials like faux shagreen. All these options are good news for retailers. Consumers are more willing than ever to spend on themselves to establish their lifestyle aesthetic. And when they do save for a rainy day, it’s with a very stylish and cool, personally expressive umbrella! Our newest division, STUDIO™, is all about sophisticated, practical products that bring personal style to daily life. Don’t miss its debut when you attend the upcoming NYIGF®. In the meantime, take a look at these leading-edge lines which offer compelling options for today’s lifestyle-driven consumer |
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| RETAIL SCOOP: A NEW LIFESTYLE LEADER! For modern furnishings with a fashion flair, take a good look at this new NYC contender. CB2, the “hipper, edgier” offspring of Crate and Barrel, is tremendously appealing, both design-wise and price-wise, to young adults now establishing their careers and homes. CB2 bills itself as a new destination for: “Smart designs, clever materials. Neat stuff, cool colors.” The new, 8,000 square-foot Soho store features furniture, dinnerware, barware, flatware, rugs, accessories, lighting and more – an interesting mix with a look that’s minimal, yet warm. Many items are sized for small urban spaces. Check it out and get an instant update on selling the lifestyle aesthetic to today’s young adult. CB2 is at 451 Broadway in Manhattan or visit www.CB2.com. |
See It
Photography really clicks with today’s lifestyle-conscious culturati. Not only is it one of the youngest arts, it’s also one of the most affordable for new collectors. The Metropolitan Museum has gathered some of the best examples into an exhibition called: Depth of Field: Modern Photography at the Metropolitan. The show firmly establishes this “cool medium” in the center of today’s contemporary art scene. Metropolitan Museum, Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, open daily except Monday. (212) 535-7710. www.metmuseum.org.
Taste It
In a world of ever changing fashion focus, Park Avenue Cafe has found a way to be perpetually new. Every season, not only does its menu change, so does its entire décor—right down to the name on the awning! Thus, what was recently Park Avenue Autumn is now Park Avenue Winter, featuring seasonal food and drink in a beautifully appropriate winter setting designed for your maximum culinary pleasure. This is concept dining at its best! Park Avenue Winter, 100 East 63rd Street at Park Avenue, (212) 644-1900. www.parkavenyc.com.
Sip It
Alessi, that bastion of elegant Italian design, has opened its first New York City store, in trend-setting Soho--of course! And to help you get that shopping buzz, they’ve installed a sleek Italian coffee bar. This is not your same-old caffeine hit…the baristas are serving coffee by Joe's, the award-winning West Village coffeeshop. The ultra-modern bar utilizes Alessi’s collection of cups, glassware, espresso cups and serving items. It’s the first of its kind in any Alessi store worldwide—so fabulous, it simply must be seen. Alessi Soho, 130 Greene Street. www.alessi.com.
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The New York International Gift Fair is owned and managed by GLM®, a dmg world media business.
Register to attend, or apply to exhibit, at www.nyigf.com.