Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

12 Seasonal delights unveiled at Spring Fair More than 2,000 companies formed connections and took bookings at Spring Fair 2019, which took place in February. This year, over 600 new exhibitors showcased their ranges at the NEC, with buyers attending from big-name brands including John Lewis, The White Company and Selfridges. A significant number of exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2020 show. “In spite of a mixed Christmas trading period and Brexit uncertainty, Spring Fair 2019 has been an immense success,” says Julie Driscoll, managing director of Spring and Autumn Fair. “We’ve enabled more connections, more sales and helped forge deeper business relationships across our sectors. We’ve brought together thousands of buyers and exhibitors to prove that retail is indeed resilient, prepared and well-equipped in the face of the year ahead.” The industry’s leading lights took to the stage to share their expertise in the show’s three live theatres. Speakers from Louis Vuitton, the V&A, Green & Blacks and Insider Trends all provided new ideas, insights and inspiration, looking at a range of topics including driving profit, ethical consumption, SEO and social media strategies. Visitors were also able to explore the event’s expanded First showcases, designed to support exhibitors across specific sectors. New areas included TasteFirst, ToyFirst and NurseryFirst, alongside returning areas FashionFirst and DesignFirst. Sustainability was high on the agenda this year, with buyers increasingly looking for ethically-sourced products and eco solutions. On the show’s main stage, Julie Driscoll and fashion commentator Caryn Franklin joined forces to host a dedicated speaker session on the subject. “With this year’s show we really wanted to embrace growing consumer demand for a greater choice of sustainable and ethically sourced products, with a new commitment to supporting retailers and exhibitors who want to do more for the environment,” explains Julie. “Those retailers looking for products aligning with this trend were able to get their hands on products from across the show which launched with this very idea in mind.” The show’s owner, ITE Group Plc, has also unveiled a major investment programme for next year’s event, which includes newly organised show sectors. “The 2020 re-edit sets up two distinct sourcing destinations for retail buyers, making it easier than ever for visitors to locate the right suppliers for them and for exhibitors to generate more custom,” adds Julie. “We’ll continue to provide world- class content programmes that help the visitors and exhibitors differentiate, compete and succeed, as well as introducing new product categories and sector names to create fresh inspiration for exhibitors and visitors alike.” Go to springfair.com for details. LOEWE PRIZE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED The names of 29 artists shortlisted for the 2019 edition of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize have been released, with UK-based finalists including Akiko Hirai, Andrea Walsh, Annie Turner and Harry Morgan. Each finalist’s work will be exhibited at Isamu Noguchi’s indoor stone garden in Tokyo from 26 th June to 22 nd July. The award recognises artists who have made a fundamentally important contribution to contemporary craft, and this year’s finalists range from recent graduates to well- known names. The prize was conceived by creative director Jonathan Anderson, who aims to acknowledge the importance of craft in modern culture. “Craft is the essence of Loewe,” he explains. “As a house, we are about craft in the purest sense of the word. That is where our modernity lies, and it will always be relevant.” The jury is composed of 11 leading figures from the worlds of design, architecture, journalism and curatorship and includes last year’s winner, Jennifer Lee. The winner will be announced on 25 th June and will receive €50,000. For information about this year’s prize, go to loewe.com