May 10, 2011

7W Spotlights Entrepreneur & Quilter Donna Sharp

(New York, NY) On June 14th at 11:30 a.m. in Suite 729, 7 W New York® will focus the next installment of their popular Designer Day series on the fascinating story of Donna Sharp, whose eponymous company calls the destination trade building its NYC headquarters. A light lunch will be served following the presentation with sweet treats available in the Donna Sharp Suite (735). The quilting expert, pioneering business owner and designer is ready to take center stage as she celebrates the 30th anniversary of Donna Sharp Inc., which specializes in quilts, quilted handbags and other items in the fashion, home décor and textile categories. Charlotte Barnard, lifestyle expert who has worked with Country Living, This Old House, and Martha Stewart Living, will chat with Sharp about her journey from a 5th generation quilter to designer and founder of her own successful business. Barnard will also dialogue with Sharp about her company’s roots in the female artisanal tradition as well as the growing demand for “American craft” products in both the fashion and design industries.

The Popular Revival of Style Inspired by Artisanship – Presentation Overview:

American interior design discovered “country style” 35 years ago in the wake of our country’s bicentennial. The accessibility, practicality, and individuality of this style has enjoyed enduring appeal, and evolved in the past three decades to a look now described as American eclectic. But “country” is still at the heart of it, turning necessity into a virtue, as you see interiors that mix old with new, fine antiques with flea market finds, classic with the contemporary and/or unconventional.

What makes it country, what makes it eclectic? A personalized mix of furnishings and accessories, certainly, but one item (preferably several) is essential: something inspired by American craft.

Women instinctively understand the draw and appeal of craft products, having long been the designers and creators of such items: from basic needs when settling our young nation to making a home or welcoming a new neighbor.

Donna Sharp typifies this American woman: as a 5th generation quilter, and also as an entrepreneur who started a fashion and lifestyle business that began with quilts she made to sell at shows and markets. This year the company celebrates its 30th year in business and features Home Décor, Fashion and Hobby product lines, which are carried by thousands of retailers nationwide.

To attend this dynamic conversation, buyers & designers should call 646.778.3209 NOW to reserve their place.

For complete and continually updated information about 7 W New York, keep visiting www.7wnewyork.com. You can also find 7 W on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

7 W NEW YORK® is a wholesale mart building, catering to the buyers of Home Décor, Table Top, Giftware, Textiles, Decorative Accessories, Fine Arts and related industries. Located at 7W 34th Street, its daily hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours during special market weeks. 7 W New York is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI).

MMPI is the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York, and Piers 92/94 in New York City; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; the Washington Design Center in Washington DC; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.

VORNADO REALTY TRUST, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

Victoria Kent

Public Relations Manager

MMPI

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Ste 470

Chicago, IL 60654

o 312.527.7508

f 312.527.6876

c 312. 617.0330

vkent@mmart.com

www.merchandisemartproperties.com

MMPI is the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.