Guest blog: SURTEX Preview

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Surtex 2011
Gift & Home Today invited Penny Sikalis, the vice president of show producer GLM and manager of the SURTEX show, to share insights into the trends and resources at SURTEX. Here is her report.

 
Penny Sikalis
If it's spring, then it's time to attend SURTEX®, on May 20-22, 2012 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Why? Because it’s the market that influences product trends across all home categories! Think of it as the crystal ball of emerging trends, and the indicator of product colors and designs that will soon be making their way into shops and then homes. 

In its 26th year, SURTEX features more than 300 exhibitors representing the works of more than 1,000 artist and designers from around the world … all of whom are on the cutting-edge of the design business. They’ll be offering the latest original artwork and brands to the 6,000 attendees (art buyers and licensees) who annually seek surface designs, from textile and graphic design to illustration, photography and mixed media. 

These designs will take shape in a broad spectrum of markets, including decorative fabrics, tabletop, giftware, stationery, greeting cards, gift wrap and other paper products, ceramics, linens and domestics, wall coverings and floor coverings, apparel textiles, toys, packaging and publishing. It’s an all-inclusive marketplace for not only product developers, but also smart independent retailers who want to stay ahead of their competition. They’ll get a sneak peek of what will be in development and launched for 2013 delivery. 

Here, two SURTEX exhibitors share a bit about their upcoming offerings. 

Sam Abell is President and CEO of Courtney Davis Inc.,  a leading art licensing agency for more than 37 years. His unique perspective for what’s ahead includes four themes:
  1. Color: fresh, bright and being used in a dominant fashion as well as accent 
  2. Mix & Match: patterns are being juxtaposed in a unique, playful manner 
  3. Burlap: a key accent in higher-end design 
  4. Organic: a growing area of interest in both design and subject matter 

Nancy Fire is founder and creative director of Design Works International, a well-known design studio and trend service firm of more than 20 years. 

Surtex 2011
"This year we are focusing on eclectic mixes of patterns, like large scale floral designs paired with geometric accents. In addition, there are lush tropical patterns in deep color combinations, sun-struck mid-tone colors for retro florals, and coconut grove brights for junior conversationals. Nature remains strong, including birds with pattern-fill images in many styles."

In addition to seeing exhibitors’ offerings, SURTEX participants will have access to an all-new Trend Theater, where world-renowned forecasting companies will share their future visions via daily multi-media trend presentations. Complimentary and exclusive to SURTEX, these 30-minute sessions will inspire viewers with the pulse of the market, from consumer attitudes and street happenings, to color, design and theme directions across multiple categories.

To get the full picture of what’s ahead, and what every design-related business – whether manufacturer or retailer – should be planning for 2013/14, SURTEX is a must-attend. A comprehensive Conference Program as well as networking activities, will round out the experience.For registration and attendance details, visit www.surtex.com.