Nearly 70 design leaders fill new category at International Home + Housewares Show

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 2/11/2011 11:29:52 AM

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Design leaders Azberg Porzellan GmbH, Black + Blum, Blomus - SKS USA Corp., Charles Viancin Paris, Erik Bagger and Guzzini are among the nearly 70 suppliers to be featured in the new Discover Design category that will debut in three weeks at the 2011 International Home + Housewares Show, March 6-8.

Other Discover Design exhibitors include: Bottles Up, Cose Nouve, dv clay, De la Terra, Hermes-Otto International, Jasper + Black, Joseph Joseph, Kahla Porcelain, Legnoart, Lekue, Loveramics, Modern Twist, Museum of Robots, notNeutral, Nuance, Robert Welch Co., Royal VKB, Slice, Storebound, Stelton Inc., Urban Butik, Vipp, Vynebar, Wabnitz Editions Ltd. and Walnut Brands. Located in the Dine + Design Expo in the South Building, the area will highlight inspired design from around the globe and feature companies, many of whom are attending the show for the first time, with creative products that push the envelope of the design spectrum.

"The rebounding economy has prompted retailers to look for innovative new products for their stores, and suppliers are ready to take a chance on new concepts," said Phil Brandl, president of the International Housewares Association, which owns and operates the show. "One of the great attractions to this category is the entrepreneurial spirit emanating from the participating companies. The designers themselves will be in attendance to showcase their creations. I believe their energy and enthusiasm will attract buyers looking for something new and different."

Exhibitors in the category were selected based on criteria including inspired design quality, brand positioning, outstanding craftsmanship, exclusive market focus, retailer and consumer favorites and design-focused sustainable products.

Each company in the exhibit also will be eligible for a Global Innovator Award (GIA) for product innovation and visual merchandising. The GIA program is expanding to include manufacturers for the first time. All products considered for the GIA must be new to the U.S. market. Winners will be announced at an invitation-only dinner Sunday, March 6.

All the products submitted for the GIA will be displayed in the exclusive Discover Design Gallery adjacent to the exhibit booths. The gallery will be open only to buyer and news media attendees. A media event at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7 will present the finalists and winners. The event will be held in the Discover Design Lounge next to the exhibits and gallery.

"This is a great match for their mission at our show and the sophistication of our buyer audience," said Brandl. "We have a significant and growing gift buyer component and these are the people who really look for design-driven products. We also recognize that this type of exhibitor needs a place to bring attention to their unique products. We listened carefully to exhibitors to bring them what we believe is optimal for the success of their businesses."

For a sneak peek at the companies in Discover Design, visit www.youdiscoverdesign.org.