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Last Look at Dallas

By Maria Weiskott and Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts and Dec, 6/27/2007 1:29:00 PM

June 27, 2007 — The Dallas summer gift market may be over, but the experiences we had, the new people we met and some of the things we learned will definitely stick around with us for awhile.

For instance, one of our editors learned about a new “style” while in Dallas; at least it was a new style for her: Add “country chic” to the plethora of panache from urban chic to shabby chic. As this concept was explained, it is product with a bit of cowhide (yes, the real deal) incorporated into the design, with perhaps a bit of turquoise added as well. We saw it mostly in women’s accessories, like handbags from Leaders in Leather, but did catch glimpses of country chic in home décor as well.

Another accessory that caught our attention was a particular type of belt buckle developed by a division of Frenzy, 3G Buckles. These buckles — which can be worn two or three or more at a time spaced on a wide belt — are made from the art found on old cigar box tops. The art is laminated on to the metal buckle piece. With belts all the rage again with women, it seems like an ideal time to come up with a concept that extends the “look” of a belt; women can accessorize a single belt with different buckles to complement her attire.

MORE NEW STUFF

Kurt Adler plush

New at Kurt Adler is a line of plush figure designed by character artist Jacqueline Kent. The Personality Plush collection consists of eight fanciful animal-like characters that have a plush body and a sculpted face and come with their own adoption certificate. The characters include Curious Kitty, Watch Dog, Dust Bunny, Hugs, Kisses, Black Jack, Cuddles and Ruff n’Ready. The idea for creating the collection developed from the special sculpted plush gifts that Kent used to create for the children of family and friends.

Drawing a lot of interest in the Portico showroom, Lollia, known for its softly fragranced, feminine personal care products, introduced a collection of sweetly feminine sleepwear. The pieces are done in muted pastels and made of soft, yet crisp, handkerchief cotton. Among the items in the collection are nightgowns that are like slip dresses, a kimono style robe, sleep shorts and a camisole. Many of the pieces are accented with ruching, pleated ruffles and lacy trims. What a way to truly pamper oneself!

ArtisinCards is new concept in greeting gifts, which made its debut in the Keith Smith showroom. Having been privy to seeing the product early on while it was in the developmental stages, it was particularly a delight for us the see the finished product. ArtisinCards is framed art that opens like a greeting card. A customer chooses a frame — a real 9”x11” picture frame that has a backing on it that opens like a greeting card so the customer can write their message; then they choose the 5”x7” art print that they wish to put in the frame along with a coordinating mat. It comes complete with its own mailable gift box. The art and the mat press into the frame; there’s no glass. The card backing also doubles as an easel.

Click here for previous Dallas market reports.

— Maria Weiskott and Caroline Kennedy

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Last Look at Dallas

Jun 27, 2007

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