Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2019 (Issue 111)

24 giftfocus looking forward Fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier showcased runways with Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista both sporting a monobrow – a tribute to Frida Kahlo’s style. Clements Ribeiro, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti and Dolce and Gabbana have all paid tribute to Frida by using big flowers in hairstyles and adding details to their outfits to give the iconic style a modern twist. The V&A has also had an amazing exhibition, which opened in 2018 to rave reviews, and the high street is packed with pieces that pay homage to the amazing Mexican artist. Expecting to see the trend continue, Groovy UK is launching a new Frida Kahlo collection at Spring Fair this year. With a modern twist, Groovy UK is brining four new Frida Kahlo collections to market, including one paying homage to the classic French and Mexican Vogue cover. New products include table-top ceramics, tea towels, cushions, placemats, coasters, dressing gowns, slipper, trays, bags, purses and lunch bags. Along with the Frida launch, Groovy UK is releasing its new Mr Men and Little Miss range, with characters inspired by Roger Hargreaves’ classic book collection. Most people can identify with one or more of the characters and their emotions. They relate to different generations from kids to their parents, who remember the original characters. New products include sparkly lunch bags and cut-out daisy backpacks, as well as a Mr Happy bag you just want to cuddle. The Little Miss Princess Robe has “it’s all about me!” embroidered on the back. With matching slippers, there are so many ladies it would be perfect for. Groovy UK is also predicting success with Jimmy The Bull, Gudetama and Brandalised in 2019. With many more exciting products and licences to come, 2019 is set to be a very interesting year. Monique Scott, Managing director, Groovy UK groovyuk.com The tribal trend is back. Next season will see the tribal trend make a major comeback. African Interiors and fabrics are full of warm tones and vibrant patterns. 2019’s take on it is very much about crisp neutrals of black and grey, creamy whites, warm honeys and browns. Tribal patterns and themes are popping up all around us in the home and gift industry, from geometric Aztec prints to wild animal patterns. Inspiration comes from far-away destinations and is then translated into ornamental pieces such as vases, framed prints, masks, animals and accessories. All pieces look more rustic and handmade than the usual elegant, polished look and feature materials that are available in nature such as wood, clay, shell and rattan. Still very much en vogue for 2019 is the bee trend, a great look for spring/summer. This look is very stylish, with beautifully illustrated bees, beehives and honeypots. Causing a buzz in the gift world, this popular insect has landed on fabrics, stationery, ceramics, jewellery and accessories. It is even featured on the Catwalk by the world’s most famous design houses. Celestial imagery such as the moon, stars and the constellation continue to perform well in home and gifts. This dreamy theme shines with metallic golds and silvers along and a vibrant palette inspired by the Northern Lights. Combined, all make a beautiful backdrop for sentimental messages such as “love you to the moon” and “reach for the stars.” Our colour predictions for next year are warm, earthy neutrals such as honey and amber, which look great with matte blacks, greys and charcoals while also sitting with the more impactful colours of rustic reds, burned oranges and vibrant teals that will also be key for next year. Laura Leigh, Head of product development, Joe Davies joedavies.co.uk It will be interesting to see how things shake out in 2019 and what effect Brexit – if there isn’t another vote! – has on our industry. What is certain is that the world will go on turning. People will continue to celebrate occasions such as birthdays and weddings, and as suppliers, we must be ready with exciting, innovative products to maximise sales for our retail customers. To that end, we are delighted that, after years of research and testing, we have brought our own Cello range of candles, reed diffusers and accessories to market with great success. I sincerely believe that we have something special here. We have added new fragrances and accessories for spring and summer, but the collection will always be on-trend because it comprises the UK’s 12 bestselling fragrances. Our innovation is typified by Cello’s hourglass reed diffuser. A glass vessel is filled with oil, reattached to its metal frame and turned over, allowing the scented liquid to seep into the absorbent reeds at its centre, with the passage of air filling a room with fragrance. It takes two-and-a-half to three hours for the fragrance to complete a cycle. And be it 2009 or 2019, sentiment will continue to sell. That’s why we are enjoying brisk sales of sentiment-driven Splosh ranges, which will see numerous introductions at Spring Fair. Tom Sykes Director, Xystos xystostrade.co.uk