Crowds at AmericasMart were huge this year and spirits unusually high despite Atlanta's ice-covered sidewalks. As I walked the three gigantic buildings, I discovered some serious eye candy and other curious delights.
1. RETRO GOES MAINSTREAM
2. SEASONAL SPARKLES
3. COLOR EXTREMES
4. REPURPOSED CASTOFFS
5. CELEBRITY CHEF WARE
6. ANIMAL MOTIFS
7. QUIRKY LIGHTING
8. VINTAGE TOYS & GAMES
9. COCKTAILS & CUPCAKES
10. PEACE & LOVE
1. RETRO GOES MAINSTREAM
Vintage animal prints continue to abound on shoes, bags, and every other imaginable product. A promotional postcard includes a nod to the iconic "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. "Keep Calm and Carry On" dates back to the outbreak of World War II. Originally created by the British government, the design has been revived and is now all the rage on posters and many other products. I wouldn't have thought to combine roses with a skull and crossbones, but somehow it works.
2. SEASONAL SPARKLES
Christmas trees featured glitter, od-fashioned tinsel, white lights, and crystal ornaments. A whimsical "tree" is anchored by glass marbles. Bottom, a colorful Menorah.
3. COLOR EXTREMES
Vivid pinks and oranges catch the eye, while smooth, translucent stones in shades of pale blue and seafoam green glow in a window display.
4. REPURPOSED CASTOFFS
Computer keyboards are the basis for this picture frame, while vintage typewriter keys become handmade bracelets. Industrial gears, meanwhile, have a steampunk flavor when transformed into one-of-a-kind home decor pieces.
5. CELEBRITY CHEF WARE
Here I am with Steve Raichlen, star of the PBS show Primal Grill® and author of "Planet Barbecue," which chronicles his adventures on the barbecue trail. Recipient of five James Beard Foundation awards, Steve's grilling demo was jammed. Afterwards, he signed copies of his book to promote his line of high-end outdoor cooking tools.
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| Steve Raichlen & Kathy Alpert |
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| "Best of Barbecue" |
6. ANIMAL MOTIFS
Dinnerware features the ever-popular rooster, while silver serving pieces are inspired by alligators. It was a surprise to see peacock and leopard designs on nail grooming kits.
7. QUIRKY LIGHTING
An outdoor lighting fixture made of upside down blue glass bottles is shown here, along with a chandelier made from colorful detergent containers and a stunning fixture with a mid-century vibe.
8. VINTAGE TOYS & GAMES
I spotted marbles and jacks in the corner of a showroom window. Inside, were model airplane kits, train whistles, and costumes - impeccably crafted authentic repros, many dating back to the 19th century.
9. COCKTAILS & CUPCAKES
Cocktail culture rocked the show. Margarita and martini glasses serve as ornaments on this holiday "tree." Cupcakes remain the treat of choice, especially in product design.
10. PEACE & LOVE
The sixties vibe keeps on truckin' with feel-good slogans gracing pillows, t-shirts, and other products. Even the peace sign is back, bringing good karma along for the ride.
There you have it, a visual feast, courtesy of my humble iPhone camera and AmericasMart. Up next: Come with us to the Grammys and get the inside scoop on trends from the red carpet.
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