Gift Shop Magazine February 2018

Las Vegas Market, Houseware Design Awards big hit this winter

6 minute read

This winter’s Las Vegas Market was nothing short of incredibly inspiring. From simply a product standpoint, there were so many new items and collections that were on point, trend-wise. These are some of our favorite reoccurring themes: Black and white and gold all over | This super simplistic combo has been gaining traction recently, especially when the black-and-white duo is showcased in stripes.

Left: Roman C-907 Right: 8 Oak Lane in Grace by Catherine Sullivan C-1039

Gilded hints | That lovely look of gold being the accent to a more dominant color is something we’re really loving right now.

Clockwise from top left: Aspen Bay Candles in CMA C-691, Votivo C-860, Home Essentials in Next Step Reps in C-875, and Bloomingville in Ivystone C-676.

Geometric shapes | Because math is everywhere.

Left: Badgley Mischka Home C-500 Top right to bottom: Ameico C-187, Illume C-185A and Alessi C-189

Animalisms | Animals dressed as people, doing human activities will never get old.

Left to right: Green Box Art & Culture in Ivystone, C-676, Studio Artique C-540 and Fab Funky C-524G.

On Tuesday, I hosted a seminar about the Maker Movement. I, along with a panel of maker-specific leaders, discussed the ins and outs of becoming a maker, selling small-batch products in shops and where to turn for advice on both. There’s a heavy focus on learning practical skills and applying them to professions that create some beloved products in our gift industry. This movement is an evolution of the millions of people pouring their time and energy to making and selling their own creations. This trend’s incredible shift will continue to have an effect on larger retailers, making it a special, memorable time in history and shaping the future.

Speaking of trends, I had the pleasure of checking out the 13th annual Housewares Design Awards while at this market. Presented by HomeWorld Business, the Housewares Design Awards focused on design innovation and celebrated 65 product finalists in 13 categories. Attendees were able to see the spotlighted finalists on display at the event on Tuesday, January 30. Along with the announcement of the winners, the second annual “Design Influencer of the Year” award was presented to Joanne Domeniconi, co-founder and chief discovery officer of The Grommet.

Joanne Domeniconi

“Las Vegas Market is delighted to celebrate creativity and innovation in the housewares industry by hosting the Housewares Design Awards,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift Leasing and Chief Marketing Officer, International Market Centers. During the event, Peter Giannetti, Editor-in-Chief of HomeWorld Business, announced the finalists and Best in Category winners in 11 categories. From the Best in Category winners, a trio of Best of the Best overall products — Gold, Silver and Bronze winners – were also revealed. In addition to these awards, iRobot received the inaugural “SMART” Award for its Roomba 690 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum that launched this year. 2018 Housewares Design Awards finalists include (winners shown in bold):

Emile Henry

Cookware & Bakeware

Cooking Miracle, LLC, Smartbowl System
Emile Henry, Soup Pot
Lifetime Brands, Inc., Sabatier Rust Resistant Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware
Newell Brands, Calphalon Premier Space Saving Cookware
SCANPAN USA, SCANPAN PRO S5 9.5-inch Fry Pan

Jura Inc.

Countertop Cooking & Beverage Appliances

Chefman, Chefman Perfect Pour Volcano Belgian Waffle Maker
Fagor America, LUX LCD Multi-Cooker
JURA Inc., Capresso Froth Control
JURA Inc., JURA J6
Midea America Corp., Midea Glass Kettle

Braun

Countertop Food Prep Appliances

Bianco Asia Limited, Multi-function Vacuum Pump System
Braun, Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender
Lidl US, Silvercrest Juicer
Lidl US, Silvercrest Smoothie Maker
TRIBEST CORP, Dynapro Commercial Vacuum Blender

Botto Design

Countertop Kitchenware

Architec Brands, Architec Gripperwood Acacia Grilling & Concave Board
Botto Design LLC, ½ Smart Storage System
DKB Household USA, Cole & Mason Duo Oil & Vinegar Pourer
OXO International Ltd., Silicone Oven Mitt
Typhoon Homewares LLC, Mason Cash in The Forest Flour/Coffee Canister 128-fl. oz.