Lula loves NYC
“I want to wake up in that city
That
doesn't sleep
And find
I'm king of the hill
Top of the
heap”
- Frank Sinatra
The New York International Gift Fair took place in January this
year and Melissa found that she was on top of the world. With the New York
International Gift Fair attracting more than 35 000 attendees from throughout
America as well as more than 80 countries, this is super exposure for a brand
notably Lula Fabrics. The NYIGF hosts about 2800 exhibiting companies
showcasing their very best lines.
Melissa showing off her stall
at the NYIGF
There
was much interest in Lula Fabrics, namely from Noli Design Interiors, whom is extremely keen on
representing Lula Fabrics in Long Island. Susan Calabria, owner and designer of
Noli Design Interiors, has been in the design business for over 15 years. Another
interested participant is One King’s Lane which is an online store
showcasing various home ware products of many designers. Watch this space for a
Lula sale on One King’s Lane! Melissa met up with Todd from Roselli & Associates, whom represents various
fabric houses, such as Kathryn Ireland and Raoul Textiles. He provided helpful information and suggestions on
how to fine-tune Lula Fabrics for the American market. Here we come!
Lula
Fabrics was surrounded by fantastic stalls and talented designers from all over
the world during the Gift Fair, namely John Robshaw and Jonathan Adler, with their inspiring and
impressive range of home ware, fabrics and textiles.
Examples some of the great
stores at the NYIGF
It
was not all-hard work, with the South African Consulate organizing a tour of
various retailers in New York City who have an interest in buying. Some of
these retailers were Bloomingdales, ABC Home, West Elm, Anthropologie and Rain. Rain is not a brand
unfamiliar to us in South Africa, being a well-known company creating bath and
body products.
Rain located at 59 W 49th Street, NY
Anthropologie
And when we were not networking, we were exploring the iconic
buildings of the Soho Grand (which as the name
suggests, is oh! So
fabulous is the eclectic mix of style, and it’s patrons.
Lavish reception of the Hudson
Hotel
Whilst our trip was a (glacial) whirlwind, it was a fantastic
travel
experience. Lula Fabrics received a lot of exposure from
fabulous
brands and we look forward to the next chapter, where we put our
plans into action and make them a reality.