News

Earlier this month, NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, highlighted the hottest trends for tens of thousands of attendees at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City at the industry’s most expansive marketplace event. NY NOW provides an incredible platform for brands to showcase their latest designs across hundreds of categories from home furnishings, tabletop, personal accessories, gifts, handmade and more and this year delivered some of the most creative and inspiring trends yet.

“Each market, we continue to see tremendous enthusiasm and excitement across the board from buyers and designers, to exhibitors and press alike,” said Randi Mohr, NY NOW co-show director and vice president, Emerald Expositions. “The creativity from so many beautiful brands combined with the passionate buyers looking to bring new products to their customers makes NY NOW a win-win for all who participate.”

In particular, attendees commented:

“Having attended all major industry markets, we can easily say NY NOW is by far our most preferred market. NY NOW features the most modern brands, artists, and trends, and sets the bar for buying trends and finds. From the venue at the Javits Center where you can view the NYC skyline or walk by booths and see the Hudson River, to phenomenal support staff, the show is top notch.” – Dylan and Melissa O’Connell, Belvidere & Hern

“I always find new and on-trend products at this show — I wouldn’t miss it, ever. And of course saving a little bit of time to experience all that the Big Apple has to offer is a big bonus.” – Karen Clark Adin, Bop-to-Tottom, LLC

Exhibitor Highlights
Divided into three collections – HOME, LIFESTYLE and HANDMADE – NY NOW showcased thousands of innovative products created by designers who perfectly balance design and function. Tens of thousands of inventive products were shown from more than 2,300 emerging and leading established brands. Most notably, many exhibitors had exclusive product launches at the market, providing a first-look opportunity for buyers and the industry.

“We know how important it is for buyers to connect with brands in person to experience their products firsthand, and we couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s roster of new and returning exhibitors,” said Scott Kramer, Emerald Expositions Vice President and NY NOW Co-Show Director. “There was so much variety and we are always so thrilled and excited to provide our attendees with a unique market experience featuring a number of brands and product launches that they will only see in New York.”

International Spotlight
As part of its ongoing efforts to spotlight the compelling design and products from the global community, international exhibitors brought a special creative flair and contributed tremendously towards helping make NY NOW a successful event. Buyers and attendees were able to experience unique offerings from around the world. More than 375 companies from 45 different countries were on hand, showcasing products across the home and lifestyle spectrum. Additionally, there were 10 government-sponsored pavilions that offered a unique look into each country’s creativity and individuality, including representation from France, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal and more.

Award Programs and Recognition
NY NOW’s acclaimed Accent on Design Awards program recognized product design excellence, innovation and creativity among NY NOW’s Accent on Design exhibitors, a juried collection of contemporary designers and their products. Exhibitors Barebones Living, Wallace Sewell, vacavaliente LLC and TASCHEN all were honored with an Accent on Design Award distinction.

NY NOW’s “Best New Product” Awards celebrated the extraordinary product offerings from exhibitors across the market! Hundreds of exhibitors entered the awards and one winner was chosen from each of the ten sections within the HOME, LIFESTYLE and HANDMADE Collections as well as the Accent on Design section, which was added to the program for the first time this market. For a list of winners, please click here.

All “Best New Product” Award winners were eligible to receive the “Best in Market” Award, which recognizes one extraordinary product that stood out most. This year, the ten category winners from the “Best New Product” Awards were evaluated by Maxwell Ryan, founder, and Carrie McBride, managing editor of Apartment Therapy, before a winner was selected and the Sari Throw by Anchal Project received this prestigious distinction. Inspired by the strong women of Anchal’s artisan program, the Sari Throw revolutionizes traditional kantha quilting with contemporary geometric designs through aggregated stitch patterns.

Other awards presented during the market were the “Best Exclusive Launch” Awards and Eco Choice Awards. A complete list of awards and winning products is available online.

Seminars and Events
To complete the NY NOW experience, the NY NOW seminar program offered a jam-packed schedule of more than 30 different sessions for attendees and exhibitors looking to expand their knowledge or advance their career or business. NY NOW’s full range of educational programming covered compelling industry topics ranging from color and design trends, digital media, retail strategies and more. Seminars were led by leading trade and consumer publications and industry associations, and provided attendees with new insights on our industry and invigorate them to succeed.