News

July 24, 2019
Independent makers return to NY NOW

After a two year hiatus, independent makers Michael Wainwright USA and Caskata Artisanal Home return to NY NOW for the show being held August 11-14, 2019, at the Javits Center. This will also be the first New York collaboration between the two brands.

“It’s an international show, with a very diverse group of buyers. We love meeting new people and seeing old friends, and NY NOW has always been a great place for us to do that,” notes Shawn Laughlin, owner and creative director of Caskata.

“We’re excited to be re-launching Michael Wainwright USA as an independent brand, and debuting many of our new products at NY NOW,” adds Michael Wainwright, owner and designer of Michael Wainwright USA. “It seems fitting that we’ll be back in New York, which is where I started my company more than 25 years ago. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing our newest work.”

The two brands will share a space designed to highlight the value of the independent brand perspective in the tabletop marketplace. “Innovation and inspiration rarely start at a large corporate level” says Laughlin. “That tends to come from the artists who are still involved in the creation of their pieces. As designers and makers, both Michael and I are intimately involved in everything we make, I think people respond to that authenticity.”

“I’m passionate about every piece I make, and I’m thrilled to be able to share that again, to connect with my customers directly,” adds Wainwright.

Both Laughlin and Wainwright hope that their collaboration is the beginning of a larger shift in the way smaller, independent brands can work together to bring innovation, inspiration, and a diverse perspective to the tabletop market. “As the retail environment continues to evolve, this new iteration of NY Now offers an opportunity for us to re-think the way we approach our wholesale markets” notes Laughlin. Wainwright adds, “We’re hoping this is the first of many new, experiential ways that we can connect with our customers, and work with other brands to create an invigorated marketplace.”




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