Top Drawer Autumn/Winter 2013 was at London’s Olympia exhibition hall on the 15th-17th September. The exhibition hall was originally built in the 19th Century. The “leading design-led gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories trade event” showcased a kaleidoscope of gems to enhance any shop specialising in gifts and home interiors. Commercial buyers bought from more than 700 stands at the show. Many customers were buying for their independent stores and boutiques across the UK. This image shows how Parlene International presented a big stand full of world traveler themed pieces. These natural finishes, organic and earthy colours, textures and materials were popular choices for products throughout this show. |
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As a contrast to the natural look, visitors to the show were also treated to ranges in deep jewel hues like emerald, amethyst and ruby. Several accessories companies at the show also had sparkly jewellery ready to entice customers looking for seasonal gifts. Precious metals, diamante and simulated tortoiseshell were among the materials chosen this season. Delicately sized, classic jewellery and accessories ranges appeared at many of the elegant stands. |
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Botanical and floral inspired prints usually associated with summer were in vogue for winter like these digitally printed scarves by Woody Collections which are hand painted in China and sold in the UK by the London based company. Another continuing trend was retro inspired graphics, fonts and prints from the 1940’s and 50’s in soft and faded ‘aged’ colours. We were interested to see so many good quality products in familiar ‘from the good old days’ fabrics and finishes that will brighten up the selection in the shops for Winter 2013 and Spring 2014. These traditional designs will add to our interiors and make our homes into comfortable havens. There were few radical ‘out there’ designs with most ranges treading cautiously in design terms and coming under the ‘attractive investment piece’ umbrella with ‘a nice design twist’ or accent.
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A strong ‘heritage trend’ was present at many companies, which is all about good quality and timeless pieces which are crafted in the UK and Europe. Hand crafted and hand finished pieces enhanced many of the stands. Tartans, woven natural fibres and materials associated with the countryside like leather and wool featured across the home interiors and accessories suppliers. As this was the week the Autumn weather finally hit London we decided we couldn’t leave Top Drawer without snapping up an Irish wool scarf by John Hanley & Co Ltd, woven in striking jewel colours.
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