Trade Shows and Treasures

It is trade show time and I dutifully made my way down to Melbourne to see what was what at the Life In style Trade Show.

As always the venue was packed with fresh, inovative designs and creations.

What I love about this show and it's exhibitors is the genuine love for their product. For three days they have to put their hearts on the chopping block for retailers, bloggers, stylists, editors and other industry players to at times brutally disect what has taken years of imagination, sacrifice and basic hard work to create. It was easy for me. I was able to swan around, with my nanna trolley in tow, and pick and choose whatever took my fancy. I was the customer for a change and it was great! But I really felt for all the exhibitors who had to smile and be gracious throughout some very long days.

It was lovely to catch up with existing suppliers such as Little Lamb, Chik and Polka Luka. Watching each brand grow steadily is exciting and I am proud to say Bendy Street is part of that too. They have put so much work into their products and they deserve all the great press and attention they are getting. The other aspect of our working relationship that I appreciate, is that it is primarily about the art, design and creative process not just the bottom line and ability to mass produce.

Working my way through the maze of exhibitors it was exciting to meet the new faces and products I had not been able to see before. The french market baskets from 2Duck Trading will be perfect for a summer at Bendy Street. These baskets have been lovingly sourced by Miriam and the fabric liners perfectly and painstakenly chosen by her. She is off to France soon to lead a tour visiting all of her favourite places and to no doubt source some more great things to bring back to Aus. As jealous as I am of her trip I hope she has a great time.

Another new product I am excited about and which will be in store soon is the range from Pony Rider. These graphic cushions, wall dots and decorator pieces all have that vintage industrial retro edge that can fit into any decor. Based on a background in fashion, photography and media this brand will be one to watch and has already developed a great following in all the top magazines.

The hardest choices were in the Jewellery and Stationery lines. The range was huge and all of great quality. So much product was made by the exhibitor themselves, piece by piece. Every card had been lovingly wrapped up and prepared like a child heading off to it's first day of school. I love that everytime I sell a gift tag or card I can tell my customers exactly where it came from and who made it and why. One of my suppliers to be, Chickenfoot came to my attention via a customer who knew the designers so it was great to put a face to the name and make that connection.

So at the end of a nine hour marathon I came away with a nana trolley full of brochures, business cards, order forms and invoices. But most of all, I came away inspired and thrilled that at least in some sectors we really are moving away from the disposable mentality of buying thoughtless rubbish. There really is therapy in retail if we buy with our hearts and our heads rather than just pure commercial greed.

Thanks Life In Style for providing a forum for so many talented people and the champagne at the end soothed the tired feet and weary head.

Good luck to all of the exhibitors and thanks for putting yourselves out there, retailers like Bendy St love it!