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| Over 900 exhibitors trying to capture the attention of the countries biggest children's retailers, boutiques and catalog companies. |
Last year's show was a bit depressed, people were just starting to feel optimistic about our economy and the prospect of selling. In contrast, this year was a boom, with a sold out show and crowds to match, I'm personally exited for all of these vendors who were indeed writing orders and selling their wares. I had heard from a good source that one stroller company sold enough product in the first two days to exceed their entire four day show estimate.
As an artist and licensor creating for industry, my tour also helps me focus my trend analysis for new introductions. For children's rooms decor and products, you have to grasp the sense of colors, styles and materials people are gravitating to make sure your work is complimentary. After all, most people purchase furniture, bedding, accessories and art to match to some degree. Although there are a few companies that manufacture all of them under one roof, many of the items are mixed and matched from different vendors and lines. Hence, my products or art may be used by the consumer to coordinate with bedding from company A a crib from company B and a rug from company C.
Without giving away too many of my proprietary feelings about where trends are going, I have some general observations to share with you.
1) Is modern getting old? Yes...
Judging from the manufacturers new releases they are moving away from the overly simple, less is more, modern styling that has dominated the shows in year the past two years. Replacing it is a more complex movement with modern underpinnings but it's heading back towards a traditional look. The buyers in my opinion want more content. Yes, simple can be elegant, but in frugal times, people want substance and the minimal modern look just doesn't satisfy. To accommodate, Manufacturers are layering simple patterns to create more complex ones, adding dimensional embellishments and shrinking the patterns into a tighter overall print. Gone are the monochromatic masses, replaced with fresh color palettes combining 3 or more complimentary colors. Even the mod strollers, cribs and furniture pieces are becoming more complex, with tighter lines, more options and bang for the buck.
2) Hello Glitz!
Never before have I seen so many rhinestones, jewels, sequins, bit's of glitter and shiny metallics. But they aren't alone and isolated. They are combined with fresh new color ways, partnered with ribbons, bows, satin and the ultra microfiber plush. Many of the chic newborn and toddler designers are glamming up their outfits with appliques, over the top bows, wild socks, barrettes and head pieces. It looks as if the latest generation of babies are going to be outfitted like parade floats. From head to toe there's not one spot thats not decorated, bedazzled or popping out in three dimensions with ribbons, tulle or oversized silk flowers.
3) Black hasn't returned to being the new black, but it's trying.
Dark woods, chocolate, espresso tones are still dominating the furniture lines. But there's been a resurgence of black creeping back in. It's not strong, but it's showing. Gray was trying to sneak in last year but has fizzled out and was almost nowhere to be found. The dominance of pink in the girls market has moved over a smidge allowing a variety of lavenders, light purples and turquoises to shine. Don't get me wrong though, pink is still the dominating force, it's bright, it's deep and it's showing up in every motif and product line.
4) Green has grown.
Over the past couple years, the idea of being green meant you had to sacrifice style. The materials were crude, the look blasé and the allure of 100% organic was hindered by the ugly, raw color palette. Manufacturers are stepping up their game. They are offering 100% organic fabrics in fashionable colors and patterns. Simple glass and plain BPA free plastic has been replaced with polished steel, decorative glass, aluminum and earth friendly colorful bioplastics born from corn and potatoes. Green is being taken to broader concept. More and more companies are switching from overseas manufacturing to domestic. Not only does that help our world by eliminating our dependance on goods from countries that pollute without conscious, it reduces overseas shipping. Overseas shipping requires more fossil fuels, more packaging, and an enormous amount of regulation and customs governance. Domestic manufacturing also promotes drop shipping, where manufactures take an order and fulfill it on the retailers behalf directly to the consumer. The product is created, packaged and shipped only once, eliminating the need for giant warehouses, redundant shipping and costly returns. Operating domestically has an added bonus....American Jobs!
Outside of trend watching I found quite a few amazing and creative items, I'd like to share with you in part two of this blog post next week.
In closing, I want to thank my licensees for the wonderful job they are doing showcasing my new products and art. It's always a great time meeting and greeting during the show. Thank you to Child Style Magazine for the amazing two page interview spread about me and my art. Knowing that the ten's of thousands of trade show visitors all went home with your magazine under their arms, will be a great boost to my business and brand.
Stay tuned for next weeks post with a few of my favorite picks.....
