Direct from Market: New York Tabletop Market

By Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts and Dec, 10/30/2007 1:13:00 PM

	Michael Aram for Waterford

October 30, 2007 — The New York Tabletop Market, October 27–31 at 41 Madison and 7West New York, got off to a good start with a cocktail reception celebrating the launch of Michael Aram’s lines for Waterford. Aram, who has a collection of his own as well as a retail store, was on-hand to introduce the new pieces. The three collections are Jaipur, which draws inspiration from India; Woodgrain, which finds inspiration in nature; and Garland, which offers a more traditional look. This extensive collection and was well-received at market.

Along with Michael Aram, buyers were introduced to a new dinnerware, stemware and giftware collection from bridal gown designer Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton. The company debuted the collection at the Friday night reception, and the patterns are elegant. It was evident that Lhuillier found inspiration in her own designs. For instance, the border on Dentelle looks like the hemline of a dress.

In keeping with the celebrity- and chef-designed dinnerware, German tabletop manufacturer Rosenthal turned to Italian chef Massimilano Alajmo to create in.gredienti for the company’s Studio-Line. These plates are created to give diners a full experience when eating a meal — from smell to taste. Each plate is designed for different meal requirements: an exaggerated rim on the soup bowl makes it easier to “scoop up” the last spoonful. The collection was designed with the idea of celebrating food.

Luxurious Table
Surprisingly, in this flat economy luxury is going strong, and there was no shortage of it at market. Tempting Crystal from Lalique showcased a number of crystal pieces inspired by nature. Birds are found in the Brambles vase, and crystal Panther head is the epitome of luxury.

Christofle also gave buyers something to covet: diamond embellished flatware. Market attendees were introduced to this collection at a previous market, and the line continues this time around with diamonds gracing the Malmaison flatware pattern.

L’Objet, found in the Richard Cohen Collection showroom at 7West, introduced Mythologie, a new dinnerware pattern in olive and gold that features a broken Greek key border. Also in that showroom, Haviland introduced four new patterns: Tolede, Manufacture, Violette and Sari.

The Nautilus vase from Arte Italica

Arte Italica, also in 7West, introduced a designer collection of decorative accessories in pewter. The first in the series, the Nautilus vase, will be sold in a limited edition and will retail for approximately $2,800.

Liebestrank from Sieger Design

German design house Sieger Design, found in Gallery on Six at 7West, featured a new collection of glasses called Liebestrank (Love Potion). Each glass features a portrait, and they are meant to be paired. There are eight glasses: four male and four female, and it’s the buyer’s choice which two culturally diverse glasses to put together. Also new is Sieger Papeterie, a collection of folios that act as notebooks, planners and address books. Available in calf leather, lamb nappa or goatskin, in three sizes. Sieger also introduced a collection of blank notecards in four designs.

Moser’s Fleur vase is part of the 150th anniversary collection

Moser continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary by adding new pieces to its anniversary collection, including the Alexandra vase featuring ocean life; the Fleur vase in pink featuring little blossoms; and the Paradise vase in yellow, which also features a floral motif.

	Dynasty from Wedgwood

Asian Inspiration
A few tabletop manufacturers have been turning to the Far East for inspiration. And, come to think of it, we did hear that this was a recurring theme at Maison & Objet this September. Wedgwood’s Dynasty pattern, inspired by the company’s archives, features a dragon motif accented with a Greek key, creating a grand tabletop setting.

Villeroy & Boch gave market-goers a sneak peek of what’s to come with New Wave Oriental, while Royal Crown Derby expands its Kimono pattern with Kimono Latte. The original pattern featured rich blues, reds and golds and this time the tabletop manufacturer turned to warm caramel hues, creating a more modern look. Gorham also found inspiration in the Far East with its new Orient Green dinnerware pattern.

New and Noteworthy
Ritzenhoff, found at Gallery on Six at 7West, continues to add to its glassware collections. This market, the company introduced six new designs of champagne glasses, Prosecco and My Darling mugs. There are also new designs in its Clubstar collection, as well as four new espresso and two new tea cups.

Also new to the Gallery showroom is Hogri, a German manufacturer of stainless steel tabletop and home accessories. The pieces take a whimsical approach to kitchenware in two designs: Friends Forever and Geo. In Friends Forever, the tools feature cut-out faces, while Geo features more geometrical shapes.

Black Tie from Riedel

Riedel introduced a new collection of stemware titled Black Tie, with glasses feature either a black stem, for red wine, or a clear stem for white.

Lifetime Brands introduced a new collection of tabletop and giftware from Lisa Jenks. The designer found inspiration in her own jewelry designs, and created three new dinnerware patterns, as well as coordinating stemware and flatware. Also new is Uh Oh, a baby gift line. The collection includes a coin bank, two-piece utensil set, a baby cup and frame.

	Viridia by Tracy Porter from The Zrike Company

The Zrike Company, 7West, introduced two new dinnerware patterns from Tracy Porter: Lemon Chiffon, which takes on a cottage look, and Viridia, the sister pattern to the company’s successful Artesian Road. Also new is Butterfly Paradise in the Lynn Chase collection, as well a new tea service in the Disney Princess collection.

The Bee collection from Tag

Tag, 7West, is all set for spring with two new Easter collections: one taking on a handcrafted look, the other a bit more contemporary. The Rosebud collection, the Blueberry collection and the Bee collection are also new. Plus, there are additions to its children’s collection.

Royal Albert is celebrating 100 years, and to mark the occasion Royal Doulton went to its archives and pulled one pattern from each decade to offer in a breakfast set, sugar, creamer and figurines.

	New lamp from Vietri

Vietri’s new Marble dinnerware looks just like marble. Three colors are used in the process — swirled together to create a marble effect. The company is also gearing up for a new addition to its extensive tableware and giftware line: a new collection of lamps, many based on existing tabletop patterns.

Acapulco dinnerware from Villeroy & Boch

Acapulco is new from Villeroy & Boch. The company, like many at this market, turned to its archives for this new pattern that takes a modern approach to folk art.

Tabletop manufacturer Rosenthal is trying its hand at jewelry. The company has introduced a collection of porcelain pieces that are coated with titanium or gold.

Targeting the Younger Consumer
A few manufacturers are turning their attention to the younger consumer. Lalique has streamlined its stemware line and dropped the prices. Stems will start at $85, and go up to about $125 at retail. Also looking to the younger consumer is Royal Crown Derby. The tabletop manufacturer known for elegant dinnerware that has graced the tables of royalty is looking to show the younger shopper that its tableware is for everyone, and can me be mixed with contemporary pieces — as the company did in it its showroom displays.

And Lifetime Brands has launched an entire campaign to educate the consumer about sterling silver flatware, stressing that it’s not just for special occasions. Sterling 365 will help retailers show their customers that they can use silver everyday — and that, in fact, it’s better if you do. In addition to its traditional patterns, more contemporary designs have been introduced to target a younger consumer.

Mark Your Calendar
Tired of losing your entire weekend at a tradeshow? Well, get set for a change come April. The New York Tabletop Market will run from Wednesday, April 9 to Sunday, April 13, giving buyers a chance to get in early in the week and get their shopping done by the weekend.