Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2018 (Issue 110)

Innovation and trends shown at 10 th edition of HOMI The 10 th edition of HOMI, the Fiera Milano Lifestyle Trade Fair, took place between 14 th -17 th September 2018. With 1,100 exhibitors, of whom 31 per cent came from 36 countries, the event narrated new lifestyle and personal accessory sector trends and promoted the latest innovative offerings of companies, which in many cases constituted small start-ups. The manufacturers’ creativity and flair were once again the focus of the show, whether that was on useful objects for domestic spaces, decorations, textiles and home fragrances or bijoux and personal accessories. Originality was yet again the name of the game at this edition. Innovation in recycled or unusual materials, attention to alternative and unconventional shapes and new intended uses for daily needs represented the features that set apart most of the products on display. The areas boasting the most innovative creations made a big impact at this edition of HOMI, from the HOMI CREAZIONI space, to the DA UNO A CENTO area. HOMI Hybrid Lounge, located within the Materials Area and realised by HOMI and POLI.design, turned out to be one of the most frequently visited areas by designers and creatives. Amid samplings of new materials capable of characterising design projects in the future, the space also offered the opportunity to discuss the de-materialisation trend that requires an increasingly fluid interior design approach and personalization, representing a more shareable luxury, that’s available to all. La Magnifica Forma, the experimental HOMI laboratory dedicated to the comparison between design and arts and crafts, breathed life into a suggestive showcase of products manufactured in various regional districts and using traditional glass-working techniques, from crystal and coloured glass to borosilicate and blown or printed glass. Innovation and originality also characterised the vast Fashion&Jewels area, which hosted 650 companies and was the setting for numerous meetings relating to interpretations of new fashion trends. For the first time, HOMI also hosted 7 Artists for 7 Days, a space created alongside the Rome-based myday-byday gallery, where the creations of seven artists, including pieces of jewellery inspired by different traditions and cultures and made using alternative and diverse philosophies, were showcased. The next HOMI, the Lifestyle Trade Fair, Fiera milano, will be from 25 th –28 th January 2019 (from 23 rd –27 th January for the Festivity sector only). GLEE BUYERS POWER LIST WINNERS ANNOUNCED The winners of the 2018 Buyers Power List were announced during an awards ceremony within the Seminar Theatre at GLEE in September. From individual garden centre buyers to multiple retailer buying teams, the Glee Buyers Power List was introduced to celebrate the garden retail buyers that have made a difference within the industry in the past 12 months. Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was attended by retailers and suppliers alike, event director Matthew Mein said: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise a key group of decision-makers in the gardening industry that are often overlooked: garden retail buyers. Through these awards, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and reward their continued hard work, passion and dedication. Our huge congratulations to all of the winners, the finalists and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.” The winners were announced as: Best Independent Garden Centre: Perrywood Garden Centre & Nurseries Best Multiple Garden Centre: Blue Diamond Best DIY/Builder Merchant/Buying Team: Stax Best Online Buyer/Buying Team: Primrose Best Supermarket/Department Store Buyer/Buying Team (New for 2018): Waitrose Best High Street Garden Retailer Buyer/Buying Team (new for 2018): The Range giftfocus 11 news & events