HELLO FROM THE NY GIFT SHOW: CATCHING UP WITH THE DESIGNERS THAT SET THE TONE

Meet some of the great designers at the New York Gift Show. These creators have influenced trends, silhouettes, materials, finishes, patterns and colors. Here is a behind the scenes look at what the talent is up to at the Piers and Javits Center. More to come-- so much ground to cover...

BUNGALOW 5

You know the highly publicized Jackie table, now meet the man behind it! Luca Rensi (above) and John Roudabush (busy with clients) made this company hot. Luca came from an interior design background, having been at Mark Hampton, David Kleinberg and David Easton as a senior designer. He and his partner wanted to create furnishings and accessories that were well-made with high style. Starting from scratch, they now have a mini-empire, creating great hand-rubbed lacquer furniture, recently added porcelain lamps, eglomise framed art, and other great accessories.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Chest of drawers wrapped in linen. Interior designer taste without the prohibitive prices.

Subtly channeling the pagodas of Tony Duquette in a lamp.

Track down a lovely home store near you at Bungalow 5.

HOME, JAMES!
David Cipperman and Joseph Schreick know tabletop. For the past twenty years their shop home, james! in East Hampton has outfitted summer houses with beautiful accessories, gift items and place settings. Then, several years back, they created their own line of china, crystal and linens, inspired by the beach, resort lifestyle and travel. Their color choices are poppy and fun, making their designs easy to love.

SHOWSTOPPERS:
Ikat in soft blues has found its way onto the plate. Perfectly summery for Crete to Watch Hill. The all-over pattern is sharp.

Their Chinatown pattern was a great success. Chinoiserie is such an evergreen design motif this new pattern is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Throw a dinner party every weekend with home,james!.

JONATHAN ADLER

Oh, Jonathan! Work the camera. Your energy and talent keep on cranking out the hits. So many new additions- when do you sleep? New orange and turquoise enamel frames and napkin rings round out a great season. Do not fret, tons of pillows and accessories are in abundance too.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Double-cased bright glasses in candy colors.


JA lacquer is back! The tray table is uber- chic and I was starting to miss the octagonal umbrella holder.

See it all at a store near you or at Jonathan Adler.

JOHN ROBSHAW
World wide travels inform John's design aesthetic. Indian block printing and hand woven details have made his bedding and soft goods a favorite of bohemian chic. A gig with HSN and lots of great press means that his influence on design has really taken hold. The stripes, squiggles and small all over patterns mix really well with each other. Coordinates are the way to go.

SHOWSTOPPER:

Rock the block print at John Robshaw.

ROOST
Roost Co. is located in Sausalito, CA. Each and every show Scott Donnellan wows crowds with inventive glassware, wooden pieces, furniture, tabletop, accessories and other goodies. Handmade pieces with an artisanal feel put Roost above the rest. They set the trends with the material selections, finishes and shapes.

SHOWSTOPPERS:
As I like to say, one can never own too many trays! The metal edging makes them campaign -style- meets- nautical.

Cherry blossoms have been in the mix for some time, but on glassware they look fresh.

Find out where to buy it at Roost Co.

DRANSFIELD AND ROSS

Dransfield
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Ross, in his killer suit. This man loves fabric.
John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross made pillows fashionable again. We want to switch out the throw pillows at the end of each season, thanks to them. They are known for their fashion-forward materials, working with grosgrain ribbon, preppy prints, ikats, embroidery, velvet, feathers, and patchwork. In addition to place mats and napkins, their line includes small tables, bath accessories and bookends.

SHOWSTOPPERS:

Lime green and turq, a perpetual spring favorite.


Pop art is an inspiration in home right now. Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein are influencing. Fashion design Lisa Perry does mod dresses that would go well with the puddle side tables shown here. Louis Vuitton's Stephen Sprouse brights came out at just the right time.


Hand-painted scenics in blue and white are a nod to tradition. And in case you did not sense it, traditional is back in a big way. In a down economy, comforting and classic are the way to go.


The multi-color painted patchwork with dragged finish is so chic.

Feed your inner color muse at D and R.

AND FINALLY:


The showdog! Winnie has her own buyer's pass. At Chelsea Textiles she welcomed everyone and kept them smiling.


Global influences and embroidery are still hot. The Moroccan star pillow from CT is graphic and chic.

See more embroidery in soft colors from Chelsea Textiles.

Stay tuned for more design picks from the show...