Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 117)

67 IHGF SHOW IHGF takes on sustainability This iconic show, now 48 editions old, continues to be a promising resource for business worldwide The recently concluded IHGF Delhi Fair, in its Autumn 2019 edition, held from 16 th – 20 th October, 2019, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, drove home a thought-provoking message on sustainability and responsible manufacturing. In keeping with the theme of ‘Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle’ were colossal installations of animals, butterflies and trees to name a few – all on view at the fair venue. Made from 50 tons of industrial waste including plastic, metal, wood and fabric, they perfectly exemplified the amalgamation of traditional Indian lifestyle values and practices with reimagined creativity using cast-off everyday materials. As a nation, India prides in its long history and tradition of harmonious co- existence between man and nature, with craft practices contributing to sustainable lifestyles. The IHGF Delhi Fair, Autumn 2019, builds on workmanship, artisanship and the innovative use of natural derivatives among raw materials, projecting these traditional values of being at one with nature and a step towards building a consensus on practicing sustainable trade and living. Emphatic displays of several eco- friendly home lifestyle lines, gifts and decorations made from recycled materials as well as interesting assortments in fair trade products further affirmed this. More than 7,000 trade visitors from 110 countries enjoyed the fair throughout the five days, to engage with the 3200+ exhibitors spread across 197,000 sqm in 14 display areas. A substantial number of products at the show were influenced by what’s going on in the world around us. As climate change envelops the world at a much faster pace than can be contained, treasuring the environment becomes top priority and ethical products gain more momentum than ever before. Responsible manufacturing is taking centre-stage and the idea of zero waste spurs many to think outside the box. IHGF Delhi Fair offers anything and everything tangible, to make a house a home. The show also offers lifestyle and personal fashion products to feed almost every retail-able product line. This edition showcased home textiles and furnishing featuring contemporary styles, regional nuances and zealously practiced weaving traditions of India. Art metalware, EPNS ware, wood carvings, furniture & accessories, glassware, fashion jewellery & accessories, hand-printed textiles, embroidered goods, lace, toys, houseware, decorative, gifts & general handicrafts, home textiles and home accessories, candles & incense, and so much more. The exhibition hosted decorative objects, dimensional art, vases, wall brackets, frames & mirrors, vintage toys, relic replicas, alongside house ware, furniture and woodcraft in varied textures, forms and shades as well as a plethora of textile crafts and home furnishing, was all about well curated compelling pieces, honest materials, craftsmanship and quality designs. In housewares, gifts and decorative, an extensive mix of customised and innovative décor and collectibles appeared alongside an eclectic range in modern, directional and unusual medium to high-end lines that emphasise material, design and value in home accents, knick-knacks as well as utilities. Brushed, matte, or polished, stainless steel took on myriad stylistic expressions in everyday utensils and décor. Bathroom accessories offered a blend of the old and new with sheer opulence, rustic ethnic and stylish contemporary for home baths, spas, resorts and hotels. Lamps and lighting embraced many trends as festive décor was celebrated with an effervescent line up in core decoration collections, affluent décor ideas, gifting as well as packaging. Regional crafts brought in from the length and breadth of India reflected local cultures, native uses and indigenous techniques in staged exhibition areas, themed pavilions and collective displays. Repurposed materials and new design alignments brought out innovative creations in this category. Among initiatives to minimise waste, organisers of the fair-Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, replaced bottled water with metal flasks that could be refilled at water stations at the venue. Looking forward The 49 th edition will be held from 15 th -19 th April, 2020, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, Delhi NCR. The fair is being organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the apex national body representing Indian Handicrafts manufacturers and exporters. The EPCH facilitates its 10,000+ members to customise and offer one- of-a-kind styles and quality products in home, lifestyle fashion and textiles to the global sourcing community. For more information: Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts EPCH House, Pocket 6 & 7, Sector – C, LSC Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070, India. Email: visitors@epch.com , mails@epch.com Website: epch.com