T
op Drawer is an essential destination for discerning buyers on the hunt for inspiring merchandise and future trend insight.
One exhibitor we’ll definitely be paying a visit to is British home textiles designer Jan Constantine, who is to launch her new Tropical range at the show. This striking collection of hand embroidered cushions, throws and accessories is inspired by ‘the return of the house plant’, currently gripping interiors everywhere and also updates the long-term tropical flamingo and pineapple prints with a bold toucan design.
Other key trends already pinpointed as ones to watch by show organiser Clarion Events are:
70’s Remix: The distinctively bright colour combinations and dynamic patterns so redolent of 70s décor get a fresh update on a range of modern products, perfect for now. The Orla Kiely Charm jewellery range from Gecko encapsulates this trend and with the Bee Charm (left) you’ll also be tapping into a general consciousness stream towards the importance of bees to life on earth.
Echos of Deco: Bold geometrics, metallics and an aura of luminous luxe characterize this ultra-glam trend. Think high-shine, high design, max desirability. Stationery and greeting card company Chase & Wonder has a fantastic line in Art Deco style notelets and cards that perfectly meet this trend, with several other covetable ranges besides.
Happy: This direction sees eye-popping colour, modern materials and strong, graphical influences across a vibrant selection of products for a very hot new season. German brand Perlenfischer (left) offers an unusual take on this theme with a fun and extensive collection of stamps for home crafted papers, cards and other DIY items.
Not only will these help you bring popular crafting items into the mainstream gift zone, but they’ll help you cover the all-important personalisation category for a gift that keeps on giving. Also look out for neon brights across stationery, cards, home and fashion accessories, such as these Good Vibes greeting cards, also from the design-led East End Prints.
The Blues: The tranquil tones of myriad different blues grace everything with a touch of beautiful, ethereal cool. For enduring appeal and a serene seasonal scene, add a blue note. Libby Ballard’s wonderful rustic ceramics hit the blue note whilst also keeping things simple.
The Tribe Vibes: Pattern, material and texture reference a tribal, natural vibe in this tactile direction. Away from pure neutrals, colour is vivid; the urge to touch almost irresistible. There will be a tantalising smattering of tribal, gypsy and hippy-ish products at Top Drawer, such as these fabulous vintage wool pots and Indian bracelets by Bohemia Design.
The next edition of the show will take place from January 15 – 17 at London’s Olympia, where thousands of hand-picked brands, many of them exclusive to Top Drawer this season, will present their new collections across the core product sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft.
Top Drawer sees more exclusive brands, first time exhibitors and new products being launched across all sectors of the show, which also incorporates Greetings & Stationery, including Paperfest and the Food Emporium. Pictured left is an intricate laser-cut greeting card from Forever Cards, a pioneer of this distinctive style.
Home will present more exclusive brands than ever at S/S17 with many new brands presented at the show, while star potter Keith Brymer Jones, presenter of the BBC Great Pottery Throw Down, will be spinning his wheel to bring friendliness and warmth to the heart of this sector.
One stand in Home we really won’t want to miss is Finnish brand, Muurla, which alongside its other super-stylish home and kitchenware has a stunning line in Moomin licensed product that we never seem to tire of.
Craft, the curated showcase of handmade products, will feature ceramics, glass, jewellery, fashion, textiles and mixed media from over 150 hand-picked international makers, while Fashion is the place for buyers to update their accessories offer for the coming season. The Fashion Show takes centre stage in this zone, with the latest trends in accessories and jewellery starring on the runway. This statement necklace by jewellery crafter Rosa Pietsch perfectly captures the glamorous Deco trend of the season.
For stationery and greetings buyers, PaperFest and the PaperAwards, sponsored by G.F. Smith, will return following a hugely successful debut at Top Drawer A/W16. Look out for hot off the press Spring Season ranges like this romantic Valentine design by Chau Art.
Spotted also returns with a top pick of emerging talent showcasing their products for the first time. Curated by Charlotte Abrahams, this edition presents over 40 budding brands spanning all sectors of the show. In and amongst the rest of Spotted we’re looking forward to seeing what Edinburgh-based neckware designer Niki Fulton (left) will bring to the show.
Dedicated product trails will guide visitors through the halls to discover specific categories. The Men Only trail highlights original gifts and accessories for him, while the UK Debut trail enables buyers to home in on new international brands. These will be accompanied by the ever-popular Product GB and Eco trails.
Looking beyond Top Drawer we’ve noticed an above average contingent of cute daschund dogs and unicorns appearing on everything from wall-mounted plaques to greeting cards and necklaces. Witness this fabulous daschund planter from Parlane and (surely the ultimate fantasy creature) unicorn zebra from Chase & Wonder. In 2017 we look forward to welcoming more the miraculous into our lives!
