Autumn 2009 - Crafts Council of Ireland

AUTUMN 2009News and Reviews 8‘Trends are central to ensuring products are consumer led,therefore increasing the potential of orders’Trends at Showcase 2010Expect the UnexpectedTrends compiled by Eleanor Harpur (Stylist) and Emma McGrath (CCoI’s Retail Executive)ORGANIC GEOMETRY, TIMEBANDS, WITCHCRAFT, PLAYTIMETrends took a prominent placing at Showcase 2009. They weresuccessful in promoting product and creating drama. Buyersloved seeing products brought together in such an inspirationalenvironment.Trends are a key element and tool used at European shows likeFormex and Maison. Trends are central to ensuring products areconsumer led, therefore increasing the potential of orders. Theconcept of trends may be off putting; however it is important toremember that some knowledge of trends can stimulatecreativity and help focus any new concepts you may have toproduce new craft products. In addition buyers use trends as avaluable tool in merchandising, branding and ultimately sales.We defined the Trends for Showcase 2010 by looking at whata trend means and secondly what influences them.1. A Trend is spotting products that stimulate creativityand inspiration for buyers.2. What will differentiate Showcase Trends with otherEuropean shows is the following:• Environment• Economy• Culture• Ethnic Diversity• Style of Trend Reporting‘Each theme is accompanied by a narrative,a fashion inspiration, an interiors inspiration,a pattern and pantone colour board’We are excited to present the overall concept for the Trends atShowcase 2010 and the 4 themes within. Each theme isaccompanied by; a narrative, a fashion inspiration, an interiorsinspiration and a pattern and pantone colour board - all of whichwill be available to download in full via the Showcase website at:www.showcaseireland.com/highlightsEXPECT THE UNEXPECTEDIn times of flux and change, creativity thrives. Thrown back onour own resources we seek new answers to new problems.Creative ideas and new trends emerge by drawing inspirationfrom our rich cultural heritages, our fragile eco system and fromembracing new technology with soft rigour. Add creative energyand a willingness to experiment into the mix and you canexpect the unexpected.To be in tune with the prevailing trends and the mood of thetimes, Irish designers and craftmakers will create products thatstand the test of time, objects that reveal the secrets of naturaland unnatural worlds. The essence of creativity is to play withand rejoice in the unexpected.ATTENTION EXHIBITORS: Product wanted forthe Inspirational Zone at ShowcaseAt Showcase 2010 an Inspirational Zone will be prominent. Thereforein the lead up to the Show, we will be sourcing products fromCraftmakers to feature. We look forward to the new and wonderfulproducts that Craftmakers will be bringing.Exhibitors with product for consideration for the ShowcaseInspirational Zone, please note the following:Presenting Trends at ShowcaseTrends for 2010 will be presented at Showcase in a number of ways:• Up to three seminars on different aspects of trends will bepresented at Showcase.• There will be a special display of trends at the entrance feature inthe main hall, featuring products from the show that demonstrateparticular trends.• Showcase has a professional merchandiser who will be looking forproducts that give expression to the trends identified.How products are identified for inclusion in the Trends Areaat Showcase 2010Products will be identified from the images submitted for the photoGallery on the Showcase website and from the applications of makerswho are selected for Creative Island as well as from searching thewebsites of exhibitors in advance of the show.PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SHOWCASE EXHIBITORSIf you feel your products are ‘on trend’ please emailyour suggestions to: Mary Jennings, Showcase Managermaryj@ccoi.ieFurther information will be posted on the Exhibitor section of theShowcase website www.showcaseireland.com