Apr 16, 2009

NYIGF Creates Exciting New Synergies Between Trend and Design Resources

White Plains, NY — Exciting new synergies between on-trend and contemporary design resources will be created at the summer 2009 New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) through the repositioning of the STUDIO™ division alongside Accent on Design® at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

STUDIO, a lifestyle division which debuted at NYIGF in 2008, showcases a variety of fashion-forward and on-trend cross-category merchandise combining fresh and sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer, Accent on Design, presents a dynamic juried collection of contemporary design-driven and innovative products across all gift and home categories.

“This convergence of Accent on Design’s contemporary design aesthetic with STUDIO’s fashion-forward style will create an exciting and comprehensive collection of lifestyle merchandise,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF Director. “The synergy of these two divisions, both of which are defined by aesthetic rather than product category, is a definite benefit for cross-category lifestyle retailers shopping NYIGF.”

STUDIO’s 100 exhibiting companies – showcasing baby gear to pet products and fine stationery to hip home décor – will be located in two aisles at the north end of Javits on Level 3. Among confirmed participants to date are: Beth Weintraub (wall art); Jane Marvel (handbags and travel accessories); Jill Rosenwald (lighting); O+D/Offensive+Delightful (paper); Plush Living (pillows); Skeem (candles); and Snow & Graham (paper).

In line with this change, Accent on Design will undergo floorplan modifications unveiling a fresh new presentation of new and returning resources. Chief among these changes: exhibitors Jonathan Adler, Umbra, and Wabnitz, all established leaders in contemporary design products, are moving to up-front exhibit floor positions; and the division will welcome back several leading companies – Joey Roth, Meg Cohen and R&Y Augousti – to market this summer.

Other newcomers to the division will be announced later in April following the Accent on Design Selection Committee’s review of applications. Two new committee members – retailer Jamie Gray of Matter (Brooklyn and Soho, NYC); and Dave Alhadeff, designer and retailer of The Future Perfect (Brooklyn) – will join returning members – Ilene Shaw, Shaw + Co! Productions; David Reid/James Klein, KleinReid; and Miguel Calvo, Design & Research.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 12 for the division’s A+™: The Young Designer’s Platform, an “incubator” program introducing the work of promising designers and emerging talents to the wholesale marketplace. A+ participants will be comprised of both applicants accepted by the Accent on Design Selection Committee and fresh talents recruited and curated by the American Design Club (AmDC). A+ applications are available online at NYIGF.com.

The summer 2009 edition of NYIGF takes place Saturday, August 15, through Thursday, August 20, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers in New York City. Accent on Design and Studio both run Sunday, August 16, through Thursday, August 20, at the Javits Center. NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,900 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. Some 30,000 attendees from all 50 states and around the world are expected. For information and registration, visit www.nyigf.com.