Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

“One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynch “I’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.“

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

“We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.“

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.

Smart & Blue Unveils 3 New Smart Shower Products plus First International Availability at CES 2017 in Las Vegas

In the run-up to CES 2017 in Las Vegas, French Eco-Tech company Smart & Blue today announced three new HYDRAO smart showerhead products, the much-awaited international availability of its products, plus new industry awards. Smart & Blue is an innovation leader in smart solutions for water conservation. Headquartered in Grenoble, France, the company was founded by founder Gabriel Dell Monica in 2015. The company now employs 10 people directly.

The new HYDRAO Loop and First smart showerheads and HYDRAO Drop smart shower light bring innovation, color, enjoyment – and now French design chic – to the bathroom. They are designed to increase awareness of water usage and encourage reduced water and energy consumption. HYDRAO First will be the first product to become available internationally – starting tomorrow.

Smart & Blue Founder Gabriel Dell Monica

The designs of HYDRAO Loop and Drop have already won two new CES Innovation Awards: HYDRAO Loop in the Smart Home category and HYDRAO Drop in Tech for a Better World category.

THREE NEW SMART SHOWER SOLUTIONS

HYDRAO Loop: a combination of advanced Smart & Blue technology innovation with French luxury design to bring smart-shower capabilities to stylish, modern bathrooms.

HYDRAO Loop smart shower set (Photo: Business Wire)

HYDRAO Loop Hand shower

HYDRAO Drop: adds smart-shower water saving capabilities to an existing shower. It is simple to install, and has a flexible arm that can be positioned to illuminate any shower surface or water jet.

HYDRAO Loop on a showerhead

HYDRAO First: a fun, educational and affordable smart hand shower. Launched in France at the end of 2016, HYDRAO First is available internationally from Jan. 4th 2017.

HYDRAO First is a LED-illuminated showerhead that brings color and enjoyment to families, while educating users on water usage.

SMART-SHOWER INNOVATION WITH LUXURY DESIGN

DESIGN INNOVATION AND WATER EFFICIENCY: Both HYDRAO Loop and Drop benefit from a new miniaturized version of Smart & Blue’s patented smart shower technology, allowing users to benefit from a sleek, streamlined design, with no compromise to HYDRAO’s water conservation guidance. Also new is the ability to allow individual users to monitor their own personal usage and savings – on either one or multiple HYDRAO smart showers.

New smart water pressure innovations also let users enjoy an enhanced shower experience, even at low pressure levels.1 These enhancements include increased energy efficiency for the internal turbine, new water pressure regulation capabilities and an innovative aerated water flow feature. Together they ensure optimum water flow and lighting intensity, while decreasing overall water consumption.

For professional customers, the fully modular, interchangeable design of HYDRAO Loop and Drop allow for design customization. Smart & Blue smart shower technology can also be integrated into own designs.

The Largest Cake Expo, The Americas Cake Fair, in North and South America Rolls Into Orlando October 13-15, 2017

Food Network Star Duff Goldman And Other World-Renowned Celebrities To Appear At The International Celebration Of Cake

More than 10,000 baking industry professionals and consumer cake enthusiasts from around the world will descend on Central Florida next October when The Americas Cake Fair (Cake Fair) makes its sweet return to the area. The Americas’ largest and most dynamic trade and consumer show for the pastry, bakery, sugar art and chocolate industries will be held October 13-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event is hosted by Satin Ice, which is made by Satin Fine Foods, Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer distributing its premium range of cake decorating products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Pre-registration is now open to receive event updates and special offers.

Food Network Star Duff Goldman and other world-renowned celebrities will appear at The Americas Cake Fair, October 13-15, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo Credit: The Americas Cake Fair)

Mich Turner

Ron Ben-Israel

The highly anticipated international show will once again convene a passionate group of baking professionals, industry buyers, pastry chefs, cake artists, retail bakers, hobbyists and everyday foodies for a three-day celebration of cake, chocolate and sugar artistry. The inaugural Americas Cake Fair – the first show of its kind in North and South America held here in 2015 and became an immediate sensation among professionals and consumers, alike.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Cakes on display from the Live Global Cake and Chocolate Challenges, where international teams and individuals, respectively, battled for top honors.

Internationally popular pastry chef and television personality Duff Goldman, star of Food Network reality shows Ace of Cakes, Duff Till Dawn, and Holiday Baking Championship, among others, will delight attendees during his stage appearances on Saturday and Sunday. Other world-renowned cake industry celebrities scheduled to present throughout the weekend include Mich Turner, whose clientele includes The Queen of England, Madonna and David Beckham; and pastry genius Ron Ben-Israel, named “the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes” by The New York Times.

The Sugar Arts Fashion Show, with models strutting the runway adorned by cake costumes and edible ensembles

First CES 2017 Keynote Announced: NVIDIA CEO to Address Latest in Artificial Intelligence, Self-Driving Cars, Virtual Reality, Gaming

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ announced its first keynote speaker for CES® 2017: NVIDIA co-founder and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang, who will deliver the event’s preshow address at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association, CES will run Jan. 5-8, 2017, in Las Vegas, NV.

NVIDIA has spent the last two decades pioneering Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computing. It invented the GPU in 1996 and has evolved it into a computer brain that gives humans the power to simulate virtual worlds and gives computers the intelligence to understand the real world. NVIDIA is now the world leader in AI computing — turning science fiction into reality.

Huang co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and has served since then as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors. Noted by Harvard Business Review as one of the world’s 100 best-performing CEOs, he is a recipient of the Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award from the Global Semiconductor Association and has received other accolades, most notably the Daniel Epstein Engineering Management Award from the University of Southern California, and an honorary doctorate from Oregon State University. He is also a founding honoree of the U.S. Immigrant Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.

The Autonomous Vehicle Marketplace — formally known as Vehicle Intelligence — has grown by 75 percent since its inception at CES 2014. NVIDIA will exhibit alongside automotive manufacturers in the North Hall at CES 2017. Plus, more than a dozen CES conference sessions are dedicated to autonomous vehicles and vehicle technology.

“NVIDIA plays a central role in some of the most important technology forces changing our world today,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “Its work in artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, VR and gaming puts the company on the leading edge of the industry. Mr. Huang is a visionary CEO who consistently anticipates trends well before their arrival. I am especially pleased to welcome him to the keynote stage given the growth we’ve seen in all of these areas on the CES show floor.”

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Association also owns and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.

CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years – the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, the technology trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed.

For a sneak-peek into Huang’s CES keynote address, check out what NVIDIA has to say about it. Registration for CES 2017 is now open. Visit CES.tech for more information. Check out CES video highlights. Follow CES online at CES.tech and on social.

SCAD Announces Line-Up For 2016 Savannah Film Festival

“Jackie” to Open Fest; “La La Land” and “Arrival” set as Spotlight and Centerpiece Gala Screenings

Additional Gala Screenings and Docs to Watch Announced

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announce its line-up of films for the 2016 Savannah Film Festival, including Gala Screenings, Signature Series, Docs to Watch and a new Global Shorts Forum. The festival will launch on Saturday, Oct. 22 with “Jackie” and will feature the Spotlight Gala Screening of “La La Land” and Centerpiece Gala Screening of “Arrival.”

Savannah Film Festival (PRNewsFoto/SCAD)

Hosted by SCAD, the annual event has celebrated cinematic creativity from award-winning professionals and emerging filmmakers for 19 years. The festival will be held in downtown Savannah, Georgia, and runs from Saturday, Oct. 22 to Saturday, Oct. 29.

The 19^th annual festival gathers a diverse group of industry professionals from all fields of the business to participate in panels and Q&A discussions on several topics about the film, television and digital media business. More importantly, the Festival, and the competition, provides students with opportunities as unique as the movies on the screen. It’s a chance for SCAD students to exclusively connect with leaders from the entertainment industry through master classes, coffee talks, lectures and panel discussions and a chance for Savannah, a premier film hub, to promote quality movies produced by independent and studio filmmakers.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Opening Gala Screening: “Jackie” – A searing and intimate portrait of one of the most important and tragic moments in American history, seen through the eyes of the iconic First Lady, then Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (Natalie Portman). “Jackie” places us in her world during the days immediately following her husband’s assassination. Known for her extraordinary dignity and poise, here we see a psychological portrait of the First Lady as she struggles to maintain her husband’s legacy and the world of “Camelot” that they created and loved so well. Director: Pablo Larrain. Cast: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup and John Hurt.

Spotlight Gala Screening: “La La Land” – Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Damien Chazelle, “La La Land” tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Director: Damien Chazelle. Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and John Legend.

Centerpiece Gala Screening: “Arrival” – When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team — led by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) — is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers — and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity. Director: Denis Villeneuve. Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg and Mark O’Brien.

GALA SCREENINGS: The annual Gala Screenings spotlight upcoming studio films before their wide releases, including this year’s entries:

Annual Spring Dallas Metro Antique Postcard & Paper Americana Show and Sale Comes To Plano, March 18-19

Large crowds of enthusiastic collectors are anticipated when the Annual Spring Dallas Metro Antique Postcard & Paper Americana Show and Sale hits Plano, TX, Friday and Saturday, March 18, March 19, 2016. This is the 2016 edition of the Dallas Metro Postcard Spring Show and Sale, produced by Jim Taylor and CourthouseSquare.net. The Spring Dallas Metro show involves buyers and sellers from across the U.S. and nearly a million antique postcards, vintage paper Americana, ephemera and antique photography.

The show is located in a new venue this year: Comfort Inn and Suites Plano East, 700 Central Parkway East, (Exit 29, East side of Expressway, 3 blocks north of South Fork Hotel on Expressway frontage road, just behind new Furr’s Cafeteria, LaQuinta) Plano, TX 75074

In addition to postcards, vintage paper sellers from around the country will be there with a wide selection of old valentines, die-cut Victorian Scrap, Western Americana, military and Native American photos.

Vendors are bringing original historical photographs of Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Civil War, Western American, Route 66, mining, sports, political, maps, Native Americans, rodeo, movie, railroadiana, Oklahoma and Indian Territory, Victorian era, Kewpies, 101 Ranch, Border War and thousands of other topical and state view postcards. Other historical paper memorabilia and ephemera are also for sale.

Available at the show are archival postcard supplies and reference volumes, plus free Barr’s Postcard News issues while supplies last. Vendors buy collections and accumulations as well as give free appraisals of most all vintage postcards, old photographs, and paper ephemera as time allows.

“Our Spring show includes educational displays of antique and collectible postcards from many of the attendees, competing for a “Best of Show” award, and promotion of the Dallas Postcard Club membership.“

“Early bird” admission cost, available at 9 a.m., Friday is $6 and covers both days. Regular admission is $4 per person, and is available at 10 a.m.; it too covers both days.

Show times are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, March 18, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, March 19; with 9 a.m. early bird. Free parking is available.

Kabinett: 27 Curated Exhibitions Highlighted At Art Basel’s Miami Beach 2015 Show

Private View

Wednesday, December 2, 2015, 11am to 8pm (by invitation only)

Vernissage

Thursday, December 3, 2015, 11am to 3pm (by invitation only)

Public Days

Thursday, December 3, 2015, 3pm to 8pm

Friday, December 4, 2015, 12noon to 8pm

Saturday, December 5, 2015, 12noon to 8pm

Sunday, December 6, 2015, 12noon to 6pm

Atmosphere at Galleries, Art Basel Miami Beach 2014 © Art Basel

Art Basel in Miami Beach 2013 | Impression © Art Basel

A decade after its inauguration in 2005, Kabinett has become a much-loved and highly praised sector of Art Basel Miami Beach in which galleries display concise curated installations within their booths. This year’s 27 curated exhibitions will feature work by Eduardo Basualdo, Adolfo Bernal, Chris Burden, Waltercio Caldas, Michael Craig-Martin, Suzanne Duchamp, Jan Fabre, Li Gang, Al Held, Glenn Kaino, Joseph Kosuth, Dr. Lakra, Deana Lawson, Jochen Lempert, Isa Melsheimer, Meuser, John Miller, Chris Ofili, Richard Pettibone, Sigmar Polke, Stephen Prina, Ana Sacerdote, Zilia Sánchez, Alan Sonfist, Stanley Twardowicz, Agnès Varda and Nari Ward. Art Basel, whose Lead Partner is UBS, runs from December 3 – December 6, 2015. 

Atmosphere, Art Basel Miami Beach 2014 © Art Basel

Highlights this year include a new installation by Glenn Kaino (b. 1972, United States) at Kavi Gupta. ‘The Internationale’ (2015) is comprised of a recreation of a 19th-century Pierrot and the Moon automata installed within a pitch-black room. Triggered by the presence of spectators, the moon will trace the movement of visitors with its eye, speak fragments of seminal texts on post-colonial theory, and sing ‘The Internationale‘, the classic French song of the 19th-century socialist movement.

Lia Rumma, Joseph Kosuth, Installation view ‘Texts for nothing’ Samuel Beckett, in play, 2010. Photo credit – Daniele Nalesso; Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Text will be a point of entry for Galleria Lia Rumma’s presentation of neon works by Joseph Kosuth (b. 1945, United States). The series, conceived in 2010, features sentences formed in white neon installed in a floor-to-ceiling matte black space. From one angle, the phrases will appear to be composed of small points of lights, however on shifting one’s point of view the words can be read clearly, bringing into question the viewer’s relationship to language. Likewise, Casas Riegner will present a selection of text-based pieces by Adolfo Bernal (b. 1954 – d. 2008, Colombia). Comprising one- or two-word posters to vintage photographs and objects from the late 1970s and early 1980s, all of which highlight his interest in the visual power of words.

Casas Riegner, Adolfo Bernal, The End, 1980. Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Reflecting on seminal works by Chris Burden (b. 1946 – d. 2015, United States), the acclaimed artist who passed away this year, Galerie Krinzinger will exhibit his ‘Deluxe Photo Book 1971 – 1973′, a hand-painted binder containing all of the photodocumentation and explanatory texts of the first three years of his performances. This will be accompanied by material from Burden’s later ‘Bridges‘ series, as well as works on paper and smaller sculptures.

Lehmann Maupin, Nari Ward, Swing Low, 2015. Photo: Elisabeth Bernstein; Courtesy the artist and Lehmann Maupin, New York and Hong Kong

New works by Nari Ward (b. 1963, Jamaica) at Lehmann Maupin will reflect on his ongoing concerns with how the art object can challenge societal power structures. The centerpiece is ‘We Shall Overcome’ (2015), a large-scale wall installation that brings to mind both the African American Civil Rights Movement from the 1960s and current issues of race, identity and politics. Photographs by Deana Lawson (b. 1979, United States) inspired by the materiality and expression of black cultures globally will be on view at Rhona Hoffman Gallery. Drawn from across the last decade, the presentation will be a collective portrait, which investigates black aesthetics through the body, the domestic environment and various settings of ritual or celebration.

Galerie Lelong, Zilia Sánchez. Soy Isla [I am an Island], ca. 1970. Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Kabinett will include several works that have rarely and in some cases never been seen before. Bringing together the feminine and the erotic, a selection of shaped canvases by Zilia Sánchez (b. 1926, Cuba) will be presented by Galerie Lelong. Since the 1950s, Sánchez’s unique approach to formal abstraction has rarely been seen outside of Puerto Rico. At Art Basel Miami Beach, Galerie Lelong will feature recent and historic works such as ‘Antigonía’ (1970), ‘Módulo Infinito’ (1978) and ‘El Silencio de Eros’ (1982-1990), along with works on paper from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Van Doren Waxter, Al Held, 60-1 (detail), 1960. Courtesy the artist and the gallery

Galerie Nathalie Obadia will feature photographs by Agnès Varda (b. 1928, Belgium) created from 1962 to 1963, four years after the Cuban revolution. Many of the vintage prints that will be on view – which capture the island’s post-revolutionary ambiance and the premises of a Latino-socialism utopia – have never been exhibited before. A selection of assertive, freehand India ink drawings by Al Held (b. 1928 – d. 2005, United States) from 1960 will be on view at Van Doren Waxter; the works foreshadow the hard-edged geometry that he was to become known for in his later paintings.

Two Kabinett presentations will be located within the Edition sector. Alan Cristea Gallery will install new editions and mono-prints by Michael Craig-Martin (b. 1941, Ireland), including the world premiere of a new set of letterpress editions and a grouping of screenprints that will be shown for the first time in the United States. Two Palms will present ‘Black Shunga’ (2008-2015) by Chris Ofili (b. 1968, United Kingdom), a suite of 11 erotic line etchings printed on specially prepared paper with a dark blue color-shifting metallic surface. The series refers to Shunga, a Japanese style of erotic art that peaked in the Edo period (1603-1867). Ofili’s etchings reveal themselves slowly; upon close inspection, fine lines emerge depicting figures entwined.

The 2015 Architectural Digest Home Design Show Expands to Two Locations; Delivers New Programming, Special Events, and Installations

All Images by SocialShutterbug.com

The Architectural Digest Home Design Show, the premier U.S. luxury design fair, is set to run from March 19–22, 2015, at New York City’s Piers 92 & 94, 55th Street and Twelfth Avenue. The show is produced by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI), a division of Vornado, in partnership with Architectural Digest and co-sponsored by The New York Times.

Panoramic View at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

 

The show explores the world of design through inspiring installations, high-caliber programming, exciting special events, and more, (featuring more than 400 premium brands and covers a range of categories including: furniture, accessories, art, kitchen and bath products, flooring, rugs, carpets, electronics, ceramics, stone + tile, wall covering, lighting, outdoor products, building products and more). The show, open to both the design trade and consumers, has expanded this year, taking over adjacent spaces Pier 92 and Pier 94, together with DIFFA’s (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) showstopping DINING BY DESIGN. Popular areas such as Furniture & Furnishings, MADE, the SHOPS, and reFRESH will each feature a notably larger roster of new talent in addition to returning exhibitors like Scavolini, Ligne Roset + LV Wood, Orley Shabahang, PELLE, Asher Israelow, and Calico Wallpaper.

Design Trade Day at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Design Trade Day at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Design Trade Day at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Design Trade Day at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Butterfield Cafe at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Caliber at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Lori Morris Design at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Natuzzi at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

New York Times Design Series at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Palo Samko at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Relaxing in the Foley&Cox Lounge at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Sub Zero Wolf at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

The Schoolhouse Gallery at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Think Fabricate at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Tucker Robbins at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Voutsa at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show

Show highlights include:

• Exhibitions by a diverse range of 400+ brands in the luxury home market— from Fortune 500 companies to artisanal studios.

• More than a dozen new complimentary panels and talks by leading talents in 21st-century design, including a keynote presentation by Architectural Digest Editor in Chief Margaret Russell and the celebrated New York Times Design Series.

• New international exhibitors from the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, and France.

DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN table viewing at Pier 92 at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2014: Ralph Lauren

 

• MADE—a juried show-within-a-show featuring artists and designers with limited-edition, custom, and one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings— welcomes 69 new exhibitors. It will be a showcase of talent from around the country (Austin, Brooklyn, Detroit, Nashville, Providence, Seattle, and more) and around the world. An expanded Los Angeles contingent at MADE will include Eric Trine, Parachute Home, Wolfum, 100xbtr, Brendan Ravenhill, Ria Leigh, Elyse Graham, BROOK&LYN, Mimi Jung, and Lewis Mauk. Additionally, more than 30 businesses exhibiting are women-owned or -run.

IC Real Tech to Unveil World’s First 720-Degree Immersive Video Camera at 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show

Viewed and navigated via today’s leading mobile devices, this dual-lens camera captures an unprecedented 720-degree immersive view; 360-degrees horizontally and 360-degrees vertically. Along with its proprietary software App, the camera delivers a 3D-like monitoring experience unlike anything ever achieved before in video monitoring

Recipient of 2015 CES Innovations Award in both Digital Imaging and SmartHome Categories

IC Real Tech, a leading designer and manufacturer of highly-advanced video surveillance solutions and a global innovator of Internet of Things enabled video technology solutions, is tapping the 2015 ICES to show the world ALLIE – its 720-degree video monitoring camera. So revolutionary in its functionality, ALLIE (formerly called IC720) has already been named an honoree of the 2015 CES Innovations Awards in both the Digital Imaging and SmartHome categories. The camera can be experienced live at IC Real Tech’s ICES exhibit, located in the Sands Expo @ Tech West, booth #70223 from January 6 – 9, as well as the CES Unveiled press preview event taking place January 4^th at Mandalay Bay.

The IC Real Tech ALLIE Pro 720-degree immersive video camera does the job of several security cameras. (Photo- Business Wire)

ALLIE (pronounced all-ee, like “selfie”) is a dual-lens camera that gets placed on a countertop (or mounted to the ceiling) and easily connects to the Wi-Fi network. With an immersive field-of-view that’s 360-degrees horizontally and 360-degrees vertically, the camera — in conjunction with its integrated, proprietary software App — delivers an unprecedented remote-monitoring experience wherein the user can panoramically scan from floor-to-ceiling and completely around the camera itself — even zoom and freeze images – all in a smooth, unrestricted fashion without any blind spots or distortion.

Monitoring is achieved via any of a wide variety of wireless mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, Android devices and more. Recording is made possible via the camera’s integrated SD card (stores up to about 2 hours) as well as an optional cloud recording service that the company will offer.

The IC Real Tech ALLIE Home is for the DIY homeowner. (Photo – Business Wire)

The IC Real Tech ALLIE Play for the kids room. (Photo – Business Wire)

For enhanced functionality into the SmartHome, incorporated are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular technologies, as well as proprietary video analytics, which make possible home automation control via such gestures as the wave of a user’s hand. Because ALLIE is a portable camera and has a built-in rechargeable battery, users can make immersive videos anywhere they want, for example sporting and musical events, family gatherings and so forth.

IC Real Tech is showcasing several different versions of ALLIE at the 2015 ICES: the 26-megapixel ALLIE Pro – a sleek-looking camera for the professional security market that takes the place of multiple security cameras; the ALLIE Home – an elegantly-designed camera for the DIY homeowner, and the ALLIE Play – a playful-looking version shaped like a rocket ship. The first of the models, the ALLIE Pro, is targeted to reach the market beginning March 2015 at an MSRP of $3,000. The ALLIE Home and ALLIE Play are targeted to reach the market later in 2015, and for under $500 MSRP each.

“The immersive navigating experience, SmartHome features and portability all come together to make ALLIE a one-of-a-kind offering,” says IC Real Tech Senior VP of Retail IP Development and Sales Dominic Sharlette. “We are quite confident that it will quickly become the ‘go-to’ video monitoring choice for the DIY market.”

The Company provides its customers with superior video, installed at over 100,000 customer sites in over 10 countries around the world including such countries as Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Mexico, Qatar, Spain, United States, among others. IC Real Tech also has unique strategic relationships with leading global firms such as Verizon, Qualcomm and others. The Company’s technology is ideally suited for and has been deployed for use in business enterprises, residences, public infrastructures, schools, military basis, airports, ports, rail networks, stadiums, retailers and casinos, as well as other applications.

2015 CES Mobile Keynote To Feature Top Executives from Electrolux, General Motors, Philips and Qualcomm

Startups Set To Shift to the Next Gear at 2015 International CES

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) ^® announced that executives from Electrolux, General Motors, Philips and Qualcomm will take part in a panel discussion regarding How Mobile is Fundamentally Changing Our World at the 2015 International CES®. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2015 CES, the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, will run January 6-9, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2015 CES will feature more than 3,500 exhibitors unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across the entire ecosystem of consumer technologies.

The mobile keynote panel — scheduled for 1 PM Tuesday, January 6 in the Westgate  (formerly Las Vegas Hilton) Theater — will feature top executives including Jan Brockmann, CTO and SVP, Electrolux, Phil Abram, Chief Infotainment Officer, General Motors, Jeroen Tas, CEO, Healthcare Informatics, Solutions and Services, Philips and Steve Mollenkopf, CEO, Qualcomm Inc. The panel discussion, moderated by CNBC’s co-host of “Squawk Alley” Jon Fortt, will explore how mobile will fundamentally change our definitions of categories like smart home, wearables, automotive and healthcare. The panel will also examine how innovators like Qualcomm, GM, Philips and Electrolux are at the forefront of these disruptive changes.

“Wireless and mobile devices are changing how we live, play and work as global ownership and usage of smartphones and tablets continues to grow,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “We are thrilled to have these top leaders with us to discuss how mobile is disrupting and changing the way we live our lives.”

Jan Brockmann, CTO and SVP, Electrolux. Brockmann is responsible for product related functions including research and development, design and sustainability. With more than 3,000 people at R&D and design centers worldwide, the organization is spearheading innovation in areas like modularization, energy efficiency and connectivity. Brockmann previously held a number of senior management positions within the Volkswagen Group from 2001-2010. He then joined Electrolux as Head of R&D Major Appliances, and was appointed Group Chief Technology Officer in 2011. His earlier career includes management positions within Valeo Group, 1994–1999, and a position as Project Manager in Roland Berger Strategy Consultants GmbH, 2000–2001.

Phil Abram, Chief Infotainment Officer, General Motors. Abram is responsible for setting and implementing a global infotainment strategy for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, OnStar, Opel, Vauxhaul and Holden. Abram joined GM in January 2012, after serving as president and chief operating officer for Sonos, Inc., a wireless music system for homes. At Sonos, Abram headed up product management, worldwide sales and marketing, inventory, logistics and sales operations. From 1996 to 2007, Abram held a number of positions in business development, product management and engineering.  From 2005 to 2007, he was vice president and senior general manager, marketing for Sony Electronics, responsible for Sony’s television business in the US. Prior to that, he held a number of positions at Sharp Electronics and Eastman Kodak.

Jeroen Tas, CEO, Healthcare Informatics, Solutions and Services, Philips. Jeroen Tas has over 30 years of global experience as an entrepreneur and senior executive in information technology. Previously he was the Group CIO of Royal Philips, leading IT worldwide to become a fundamental enabler of growth for Philips as a real-time, connected company through internet enabled services like the recently announced HealthSuite digital platform and device cloud services for third parties. He co-founded and served as President, COO and vice-chairman of the Board for MphasiS, an IT and Business Processing Outsourcing company. In the mid-nineties he led Citibank’s Tech Lab, Transaction technology Inc.

Steve Mollenkopf, CEO, Qualcomm Inc. Mollenkopf began his career at Qualcomm as an engineer and for more than 20 years, has helped define and implement Qualcomm’s strategy and technologies. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. Mollenkopf has held a variety of leadership positions including President & COO and President of QCT. As the leader of the Company’s chipset business, Mollenkopf launched the Companies 4G/LTE systems; and drove Qualcomm’s technology leadership position in smartphones.

Jon Fortt, Co-host, Squawk Alley, CNBC.  Fortt is co-host of CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” and an on-air editor based at CNBC’s global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Fortt joined CNBC as technology correspondent in July 2010, working from CNBC’s Silicon Valley bureau where he covered the companies, start-ups and trends that are driving innovation in the industry. He also contributes to CNBC.com.

This keynote panel is part of the 2015 International CES keynote lineup. Other keynoters will include CBS Corp. president and CEO, Leslie Moonves, Ford Motor Co. president and CEO Mark Fields, Samsung Electronics’ president and CEO, Boo-Keun Yoon, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dr. Dieter Zetsche and Intel CEO, Brian Krzanich. Additional details are available at CESweb.org/Keynotes.

The 2015 International CES^® will also spotlight startup entrepreneurs and innovation across the technology spectrum in an expanded Eureka Park Marketplace at CES Tech West. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® today also announced new areas and events at CES dedicated to the startup community, including the Startup Stage. Owned and produced by the CEA, the 2015 CES will run January 6-9, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

An anchor for the startup community at CES, the 2015 Eureka Park Marketplace will feature more than 375 exhibitors, 59 percent more than the 2014 CES. Presented by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and UP Global, Eureka Park provides a platform for new companies to introduce their innovations to venture capitalists, media and buyers. Eureka Park also features concentrated exhibits from startups originating in France and Israel, as well as exclusive exhibits from Indiegogo and TechCrunch’s Hardware Battlefield finalists.

“CES is becoming known as the key event for innovative startups to increase their exposure and become successful,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, International CES and corporate business strategy, CEA.” No other event provides the breadth and depth of exposure to potential customers, investors and media as CES. The growth of Eureka Park is testament to the fact that CES is the ultimate providing ground for companies of all sizes and the place to network and expand your business.”

The Startup Stage, presented by UP Global, in partnership with Magna, will showcase the startup community via four days of programming at CES. The Startup Stage will feature panels with entrepreneurs, VCs, media and other young companies. This destination in Eureka Park also features office hours, pitching and networking. View the full schedule at CESweb.org/StartupStage.

Watch ten of the most innovative startups in the world compete live on stage in the Extreme Tech Challenge at CES for the opportunity of a lifetime: to pitch Sir Richard Branson on his private Necker Island. CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro will lead the all-star judging panel on Thursday, January 8.

TechCrunch is bringing the premiere startup launch competition, Hardware Battlefield, to CES on Thursday, January 8. Sixteen startups will reveal a brand-new product for the first time to a panel of industry experts and investors while competing for $50,000 and the coveted Metal Man trophy. The must-see competition can be watched live at the LVCC, Central Plaza, within TechCrunch’s broadcast tent.

ABC’s “Shark Tank” will host an open call on January 8 at CES for entrepreneurs who wish for the chance to appear on the television show. The open call will be held in section J of the Venetian Ballroom at The Venetian starting at 8 AM. Floored within Eureka Park, the University Innovations Marketplace showcases technologies that stem from colleges, universities, and academic research centers. Along with startups in the beginning stages of development, Eureka Park also will host more established, mid-stage startup companies looking to expand their growth.

For more information on the 2015 CES, visit CESweb.org.

2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show A High Design Hit

Photo Credit: Images by http://www.SocialShutterbug.com, with additional images provided by www.archdigesthomeshow.com

The 13th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show (ADHDS), March 20-23, annually held at Pier 94 in New York City, was (and is) a premier showcase for luxury products and cutting-edge designs from close to 400 brands. The four-day fair showcased the best in the home design and luxury market and features more than 300 exhibitors and close to 400 premium brands and covers a range of categories including: furniture, accessories, art, kitchen and bath products, flooring, rugs, electronics, ceramics, stone and tile, wall covering, lighting, outdoor products, and more. From product launches, theater programming, and special events, the show is (and was) a must-attend for the industry’s top professionals and discerning consumers. Next year’s show dates are March 19-22, 2015.

(Photo Credit: SocilaShutterBug.com)

Show Floor (Photo Credit: SocilaShutterBug.com)

More than 40,000 attendees from across the globe took to the aisles to discover distinctive items for their projects, visit the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio for exciting seminars presented by Architectural Digest and The New York Times, and experience the Shops at ADHDS, a new curation of cash-and-carry storefronts, and the first-ever outdoor pavilion. Exhibitors noted the marked increase in attendance, including a remarkable 55 percent increase in the number of design trade attendees, and came away with productive leads from both discerning industry professionals and consumer visitors.

AeroPod by Dean Jackson

Bella Vista Tile

Bertazzoni

Brian Boggs Chairmakers

Brizo

Bronzes de France

D’Apostrophe

Delightfull

Farrow and Ball Ltd.

Giulio Capua, vice president and publisher, Architectural Digest credits the show’s wide range of offerings for helping to set the tone for a successful weekend. “We’ve continued to innovate the show experience and programming by creating a showcase in step with industry trends,” he said. “This year, attendees experienced a wealth of great design—from of one-of-a-kind artisan pieces to new product launches from top manufacturers and design studios to important technologies leading the smart home revolution.”

Walpole Outdoors

Sonya Winner Studio

Sleep Studio

Seventeen20

RS Ceramics

Patrick Weder Design

Palo Samko

Orley Shabahang

Milano Smart Living

Mastour Galleries

Lipman Art

Ligne Roset

Lang Hall

Karkula

Grey Area

A showcase of some of the finest home furnishings manufacturers and leading designers present their latest lines and projects. A wide range of exquisite offerings from around the world including contemporary and classic furniture, lighting, carpets, decorative accessories, textiles, art and more. The juried MADE galleries showcase the work of craftsman, artists and designers of limited edition and one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings. Internationally renown and newly emerging talent present unique, beautiful and imaginative works in a range of mediums. The largest collection of luxury and premium kitchen, bath and building products in North America. reFRESH offers international product debuts, innovations in technology, state-of-the-art design and culinary demonstrations from leading chefs. Appliances, cabinets, tile & stone, bath fittings & fixtures, windows, doors, hardware, security systems, smart home technology and more. 

The Largest Jewelry Exhibition To Date in Istanbul; “Istanbul Jewelry Show March” 2014 Countdown Is Started

Turkey’s number one and the ultimate trading platform for worldwide jewelry industry professionals, “Istanbul Jewelry Show March“, organized by UBM Rotaforte will be held from 20 – 23 March 2014 at The Istanbul Exhibition Center (CNR Expo). As the 3rd largest manufacturer of gold jewelry and the 2nd biggest exporter of it in the world, Turkey serves around 80 countries in the region as a trading hub for countries in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Russian Federation and CIS, the Middle East, Black Sea, Caucasia and North Africa.

With Turkey’s strategic location,”Istanbul Jewelry Show March” is serving as the gateway for the world jewelry industry and provides a unique meeting platform to explore new business opportunities, an ideal place to source for a wide range of new products, and to discover the latest trends of gold, diamond, silver jewelry, gold mounting, gemstones, pearls and watches — with competitive price and quality to order for the new spring, summer, and autumn retail seasons.

The Turkish art and craft of jewelery, inspired by 5,000 years of cultural and historical heritage of Anatolia combined with the latest technology, outstanding craftsmanship, immense variety, flexible production capacity, excellent finishing quality, competitive prices and shortest delivery time make “Istanbul Jewelry Show March” an ideal place for sourcing products on every category of price and quality, from price point merchandise to high-end design jewelry.

The 4-day event will occupy more than 60,000 square metres of exhibition space in 6 halls and gather over 1,200 local and overseas exhibitors from 25 countries with an extensive display of Gold Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds & Pearls, Silver Jewelry, Mountings, Watches, Machinery, Tools & Equipment, Display Units, Packaging, Security Devices and Software just for industry professionals.

The exhibition halls are designed and grouped by product in order to save time and increase efficiency for buyers as they tour around and there will be 6 National and Group pavilions from Turkey, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Greece, UAE, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Thailand and USA.

Istanbul Jewelry Show March is supported by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation (KOSGEB), Jewellery Exporters’ Association (JTR), certified by the Union of International Fairs (UFI) and the Quality Management System ISO-9001, ensuring that it represents an outstanding international trade event serving the fast growing domestic and international markets surrounding Turkey.

NATIVE TRAILS INTRODUCES NATIVESTONE™ CONCRETE SINKS AT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST HOME DESIGN SHOW

UNIQUE BLEND OF JUTE AND CEMENT RESULTS IN A STRONG YET SIGNIFICANTLY LIGHTER CONCRETE PRODUCT

Native Trails, a leader in artisan-crafted, eco-conscious furnishings and fixtures for high-end kitchen and bath design, as well as home-decor products, is proud to introduce NativeStone by Native Trails Concrete Sinks at its inaugural exhibit at the 2014 Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Constructed using an innovative mixture of jute fiber and cement, Native Trails’ NativeStone sinks weigh approximately 40 per cent less than sinks made using standard concrete.

This exciting new collection of contemporary artisan sinks will be shown for the first time on the East Coast at booth #279 in the reFRESH pavilion at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show taking place Mar. 20-23 at Pier 94 in New York. The NativeStone collection includes kitchen, bar/prep and lavatory sinks – including a new addition of trough sinks for the bath. As with all of Native Trails’ products, NativeStone sinks incorporate sustainable, eco-conscious materials and artisan crafted methods. Each sink is handmade by artisans using a multi-stage process resulting in a beautiful, durable product for the kitchen or bath that is stain, scratch, and crack resistant.

“It’s been an exciting process to develop our NativeStone line with this new, innovative material,” says Naomi Neilson Howard, founder and CEO of Native Trails. “Our handmade, 100-per-cent recycled copper products put Native Trails on the map, and launching our new NativeStone sink collection is an exciting, natural progression – they are made by true artisans from natural, sustainable materials, and there is really nothing like this being done. When you see one of these contemporary styled sinks, one would never guess that eco-friendly jute fibre fills much of the space within their walls – making them lighter and stronger. And they are extremely resistant to staining – practically stain proof.”

NativeStone capitalizes on the inherent durability and resilience of jute, a vegetable fibre traditionally used for making rope, twine and heavy-duty packaging. When mixed with cement, jute helps to produce an extraordinarily strong material with high tensile strength, while creating a dramatically lighter product. Furthermore, the jute used in each NativeStone sink is grown locally, near the artisans’ workshops – which ties in perfectly to Native Trails’ eco-friendly initiative to support local communities. Jute is a renewable resource, as it grows in tropical, wet climates and does not rely on fertilizer to grow. In addition, jute is also 100-per-cent biodegradable and recyclable.

The process of forming the NativeStone sinks is a multi-day, intensive undertaking. The artisans build their forms to Native Trails’ specifications and design, then hand fill the forms with an exclusive blend of raw materials and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Once taken out of the mold, the newly formed sink cures for five more days before the hand polishing phase and sealing process begins.

Each sink is sealed using a cutting edge nanosealer, which penetrates the concrete on a molecular level to create a protective, yet integrated barrier against stains and scratching. The sealer is hand applied in a multi-step process, creating an impenetrable coating that is scratch resistant and impervious to water, oils, acids and food. The final coat enhances the natural beauty of the concrete blend, while adding even more strength and durability.

NativeStone by Native Trails offers a modern yet earthy, expressive and versatile option for the kitchen and bath and is available in three sleek finishes: Ash, a light, natural grey with beautiful mottling that works perfectly in many designs; Slate, a rich, dark grey for a deep pop of colour; and Pearl, a luminescent cream that can blend in or stand out depending on the colour palette.

Here is a brief listing of the entire NativeStone™ collection, available in April 2014:
Bar/Prep Sinks
• Ventana – This 15” X 15” X 8” apron front prep sink proves it is hip to be square. Its substantial apron shows off the sleek lines and organic beauty of NativeStone™. Can also be installed as an undermount.
• Pozo – At 16” X 8”, this round prep sink makes a statement. Its drop-in installation creates a striking raised profile, showcasing the sleek texture and finish of NativeStone™.

With an elegant raised profile and wide lip, Cuyama is far from ordinary. This is one bathroom sink that exudes a graceful, modern sophistication with just a hint of rustic comfort.
Cuyama is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the bathroom, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Bath Sinks
• Morro – The perfect half-sphere of this vessel sink makes it a true stand-out for the bath; a beautiful, contemporary work of art in any of three finishes. Best of all, at 17” X 5”, its bowl is the perfect depth for washing up.
• Cuyama – At 21” X 15” X 5”, Cuyama may be a traditional oval bathroom sink size, but it is far from ordinary. Its beautiful raised profile and wide lip create a clean, contemporary look.
• Montecito – Modern and angular, this generously-sized raised profile rectangle lavatory sink measures 21.5” X 15.5” X 5.25”.

Perfect for sharing. While Trough 4819 is the ideal size for larger bathrooms – with plenty of room for group wash-ups – you may find yourself seeking alone time just to delight in the distinctive mottled coloration and cherish the handmade beauty.
Trough 4819 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the bathroom, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Trough Bath Sinks
• Trough 3619: Durable, substantial, and beautiful – an ideal combination for a sink that is naturally the focal point of a bathroom. Trough 3619 features a single drain and measures 32” X 12” X 4” on the interior, with an exterior size of 36” X 19” X 5”.
• Trough 4819: Perfect for sharing, Trough 4819 features two drains and measures 44” X 12” X 4” on the interior, with an exterior dimension of 48” X 19” X 5”.

Farmhouse 3018’s smooth glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. And talk about versatility! Gorgeous as a traditional apron front, Farmhouse 3018 is also beautiful installed behind the cabinet, with no apron showing. Or create a real uprising by installing with the rim partially above the counter! This multitalented sensation is as suitable in a modern design as it is in a rustic country setting.
Farmhouse 3018 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the kitchen, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Farmhouse 3018’s smooth glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. And talk about versatility! Gorgeous as a traditional apron front, Farmhouse 3018 is also beautiful installed behind the cabinet, with no apron showing. Or create a real uprising by installing with the rim partially above the counter! This multitalented sensation is as suitable in a modern design as it is in a rustic country setting.
Farmhouse 3018 is artisan crafted of NativeStone™, an innovative, remarkably strong blend of cement and jute fiber that is surprisingly lightweight for concrete, extraordinarily heavy-duty in the kitchen, and refreshingly easy when it comes to clean-up.
Available in three finishes: Ash, Slate and Pearl.

Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
• Farmhouse 3018 – NativeStone™’s sleek glamour brings a fresh sense of durability and styling to this classic Farmhouse sink. Measures 30” X 18” X 10.25”.

Native Trails, a privately owned business based in San Luis Obispo, California, has produced high-quality, artisan-crafted kitchen and bath fixtures and home decor since 1996. Naomi Neilson Howard, Native Trails’ founder and CEO, established the company to pair the stunning copper craftsmanship she discovered in her travels through Mexico with contemporary design and sustainable business practices. The company’s artisan creations are showcased in more than 1,300 showrooms in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.nativetrails.net/

TAKUMI JAPAN to Showcase Quality Products from Japanese Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Businesses to a New, International Audience

Program to exhibit at Japan Week in New York City with modern handcrafted goods as the final event of three-month global tour; special showcase of TAKUMI JAPAN is also available at KITEYA SOHO boutique in Manhattan

TAKUMI JAPAN, sponsored by the Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, Japan, will be presenting at Japan Week March 6-8, 2014, in New York’s Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall as the final event of seven international trade shows that have introduced Japanese micro, small and medium-sized businesses to a new global audience. The TAKUMI JAPAN project presented more than 300 unique products from 100 Japanese micro, small and medium-sized businesses – from handcrafted goods to food and beverages – at these events that took place from January to March, in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France.

TAKUMI JAPAN to exhibit at Japan Week in New York City. (PRNewsFoto/TAKUMI JAPAN)

TAKUMI JAPAN is a project launched by the CFSCIJ to exhibiting at seven international trade shows, taking place in the U.S. and Europe where valued-added products are highly appreciated. This is to support Japanese micro, small and medium businesses, who build Japanese local economy, that are looking to gain opportunities to operate their business in overseas. By doing so, the project aims to enhance Japanese SME’s business strategies to create competitive products and improve sales force as well as to open the door to enter overseas markets.

TAKUMI translates to artisans who have skilled techniques and create products with an acute attention to details and aesthetic and embodies the spirit of ‘monozukuri’ (which translates to ‘making things’), and with the TAKUMI JAPAN initiative, Japanese small and medium-sized businesses are able to share this spirit of ‘monozukuri’ overseas by showcasing their handcrafted goods. Visitors to Japan Week will be able to experience the spirit of ‘monozukuri’ through these goods – conjuring up images of a local artisan using his plane to shave wood so thin it’s nearly transparent, or a metal worker hammering metal so hot the sizzle can be heard.

At Japan Week, TAKUMI JAPAN will introduce the TAKUMI initiative, and showcase modern crafts from Japanese businesses that highlight Japanese tradition, technology, design and local origin. TAKUMI JAPAN has selected wood, metal, glass, lacquer, porcelain and fabric items to portray a modern feel to follow in the theme of Japan Week’s futuristic focus. Additionally, business matching and informational sessions for professional buyers will be available with TAKUMI JAPAN executives.

In addition to Japan Week, TAKUMI JAPAN will be displaying the traditional and modern goods in KITEYA SOHO (www.kiteya.com), a Japanese boutique in Manhattan. At KITEYA SOHO from February 26th to March 8th, there will be a special TAKUMI JAPAN section to display several handcrafted goods.

TAKUMI JAPAN was developed by the CFSCIJ, an economic organization that supports Japanese micro, small and medium sized businesses and their communities. TAKUMI is a part of a national initiative to support these types of businesses that are looking to expand their businesses overseas. In Japan, micro, small and medium-sized businesses currently account for 99.7 percent of companies in the country and make up roughly 70 percent of Japan’s employment.

Buyers and retailers interested in learning more about the TAKUMI JAPAN initiative, or the participating companies and products, can meet with representatives at Japan Week/KITEYA SOHO or by visiting the TAKUMIJAPAN website at: www.takumijapan.jp.

For more information, please visit www.takumijapan.jp

UBM to Launch Southeast Asia’s Leading International Beauty Trade Show In Thailand

 UBM Asia is pleased to announce the launch of ASEANbeauty, the only beauty trade event supported by the Thai Cosmetics Manufacturers Association. This is to be the premier international beauty trade show for South East Asia taking place in Thailand from 8-10 April, 2015 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.

Thailand’s beauty industry is growing fuelled by a strong economy and increasingly sophisticated consumers , including men who are proving to be a particularly lucrative market. There are many opportunities for both international as well as domestic companies in Thailand due to the strong economy, increasing demand a vibrant market in which new products and innovations are leading to growing competition. With 70 million consumers, the market in Thailand is thriving with the value of the beauty and personal care market in Thailand growing by 8% just last year in 2012.

Thailand offers excellent business opportunities for anyone wishing to invest in this dynamic market. Strategically located at the heart of Asia, Thailand is also well placed to offer a gateway to both the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Asia-Pacific markets which offer excellent business potential.

The ASEAN region alone has a cumulative population of more than 500 million and GDP in excess of US $700 billion. Thailand’s economy is in the top three in terms of size and volume of international trade. It is therefore well positioned as the region moves towards economic integration and a single free-trade area by 2015.

Southeast Asia also is a strategic region, where economic growth and development is expected to exceed the global average. A wealth of natural resources, low-cost skilled labour and regional economic integration with the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 have attracted businesses keen to explore the vibrant new domestic markets that are emerging in ASEAN countries.

ASEANbeauty will be the leading industry event where companies looking to expand in Southeast Asia will be able to build business network and gain industry insights through seminars and educational workshops.

Mrs. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, President of The Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association and supporting partner of ASEANbeauty, welcomes the event: “We are proud to support ASEAN beauty as the market is ready for a fair representing the Southeast Asia region. The event will be the best place not only to meet potential buyers and distributors, but also to observe trends and gather market intelligence.”

“Visitors can expect to meet over 200 leading suppliers covering personal care, skin care, hair care, nail care including cosmetics, fragrances, raw ingredients, salon supplies, natural heath products, hair products, nails and accessories from Asia and countries around the world in a truly global marketplace,” said M Gandhi, Managing Director, UBM ASEAN Business.

Please visit the ASEANbeauty exhibition website at www.aseanbeautyshow.com for further details.

Crayola Reveals Innovative Activities that Spark Kids Creativity and Originality at 2014 American International Toy Show in New York City

Brand Debuts Unique Customization, Virtual and Mess-Free Activities

Crayola, a colorfully innovative brand for over 100 years, showcased its 2014 line-up of innovative holiday products and unique creative play activities at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, Feb. 16-19.

Encompassing a variety of exciting tools and mediums, the Crayola portfolio of products provides superior experience in color and creativity and inspires kids to let their imaginations run free. Kids can now mix and shake their own customized paint and create bright, bold and magical creations with a mess-free airbrush. A new drawing system enables kids to draw 2D and 3D images from smartphones, tablets or photographs. A new line-up of virtual products allows kids to bring their fashion and car designs to life on virtual runways and racetracks.

“At Crayola, we are all about kids and providing them with the highest quality products that inspire learning and creativity. We are dedicated to developing products that embrace kids’ originality and empower their creative spirit,” said Mike Perry, president and chief executive officer, Crayola LLC. “This year, we have developed an innovative portfolio that provides kids with new and exciting creative play experiences and activities.”

Highlights from the Crayola 2014 lineup of new creative activities include:

Crayola Brings America’s Favorite Color to Colored Bubbles Line Bright Bold Ka-Bluey Blue Comes to Life in Outdoor Bubble Line
America’s favorite Crayola – blue – is back in a brand new hue!
Introducing new Ka-Bluey™ Blue Colored Bubbles – the newest addition to the line of the only colored bubbles available. Crayola colored bubbles empower kids to go outside and fill the air with color. The colored bubble solution is specially designed to instantly rub off skin, spray away with water, and easily rinse out of clothes with only water. All color even just disappears with time, making colored bubbles worry free for parents. Ka-Bluey™ Blue joins the existing color family of Purple Pizzazz™, Unmellow Yellow™ and Fuchsia. More variety equals more fun with Crayola Colored Bubbles! For ages 4 and up. Suggested retail price $2.99 (per 4oz. Bottle)

Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 48 Count

Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 24 Count

Chalk Build Your Box

Ka-Bluey™ Blue Colored Bubbles

Color Wonder Air Brush

Color the Sidewalk with Bright, Crayola Colors: Crayola Introduces Customizable Colors and Grab and Go Games to Chalk Line
Crayola’s Washable Sidewalk Chalk is the first sidewalk chalk featuring 48 classic Crayola crayon colors. This year, kids can enjoy the bright and vibrant colors combined for different outdoor themes and draw to be active with grab and go game packs!

The New Crayola Chalk Build Your Box program uses Crayola color equity to build 18 different themes that inspire kids to color their outdoor world with amazing results. Use “Stars & Stripes” to color the perfect patriotic picture, “Martian Moon” for a cosmic creation, or use “Camouflage Barrage” to draw a concealed “base” for outdoor tag or hide-n-seek! Kids have the power to pick and choose the theme packs they like and want to build their own box of chalk.

“Ready, Set, Color!” The game is on with new Chalk Grab & Go Games, the latest way for kids to color and be active outside. Each game includes chalk, unique game play accessories and game rules and recommendations. Kids simply draw the play area as big or as small as they like, color it how they want, then stay outside playing and being physically active. The whole family can play along with great classics like Bean Bag Toss, Foot Hockey, Chip Shot Golf, and even an Obstacle Course. Grab & Go Games are perfect activities for summertime outdoor parties for both kids AND adults! For ages 4 and up; suggested retail price $4.99.

LG Gets Its ‘GRUVE’ On At International CES®, Launches Newest Premium Headset Debuts with Wired and Wireless Options

LG Electronics USA today unveiled the hottest new addition to its premium line of mobile device accessories, the LG GRUVE(TM) Stereo Bluetooth Headphones. Demonstrated for the first time here today at the 2014 International CES®, the LG GRUVE is designed to provide superior HD sound quality and comfort. It pairs nicely with premium mobile devices like the LG G Flex, LG G2 and LG G Pad 8.3 tablet, which all boast immersive and cinematic viewing experiences.

Perfect for music lovers and busy professionals, use LG GRUVE wired or wireless. (PRNewsFoto/LG Electronics USA)

Perfect for music lovers and busy professionals, use LG GRUVE wired or wireless. (PRNewsFoto/LG Electronics USA)

Perfect for music lovers and busy professionals, people can use LG GRUVE wired or wireless based on their preference. LG GRUVE can pair wirelessly with any Bluetooth-enabled devices or directly plugged in with an auxiliary cable also making it ideal for schools, libraries, and other audio-learning environments.

LG’s consumer-centric design approach recognizes most people nowadays use their smartphones for more than just making phone calls and this shines through in the versatile LG GRUVE. With Google Voice(TM) Actions integration, users can hear text messages read aloud and access other useful features such as text to speech and voice activated dialing.

LG GRUVE is available in black and white, comes with a storage pouch, and reusable box for on-the-go convenience. It provides up to 19 hours of talk time and music play time, and using the wired option, which disables wireless functionality and saves even more battery power, boosts extended listening times.

Additional Features:
—  Equalizer (Bass, Normal, Treble)
—  Wired Audio Option
—  aptX Compatibility*
—  HD Voice Compatibility**
—  HD Streaming Audio
—  Advanced Multipoint
—  Talk Time: Up to 19 Hours
—  Music Play Time: Up to 19 Hours
—  Standby Time: Up to 39 days
—  Noise Reduction and Echo Cancellation
—  Audible Pairing Assistance
—  Audible Battery Status Alert
—  Microphone Mute

Key Specifications:
—  Bluetooth Specification: version 3.0
—  Supported Bluetooth Profiles: Headset (HSP), Hands-Free (HFP), Advanced
Audio Distribution (A2DP), Audio/Video Remote Control (AVRCP)
—  Charging Time: under 3 hours
—  Dimensions: 6.30″ X 6.91″ (L) X 2.48″ (H)
—  Weight: 4.83 oz.

California Specialty Food Makers Stand Out at Winter Fancy Food Show 360+ Companies Lead with Quality, Passion at Top International Trade Event

More than 360 food artisans and entrepreneurs from across the Golden State will display their latest products from micro-greens to craft sodas at the 2014 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.

The show is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast. It takes place January 19 – 21, 2014, at Moscone Center. Now in its 39th year, the show features 13,000 exhibitors from across the U.S. and around the world.

California boasts the largest state showing, including 40 specialty food producers making their show debut. The state brings nearly four times the exhibitors as the next largest showing from New York, followed by New Jersey, Washington and Illinois. More than 18,000 buyers from top names in retailing and restaurants are expected to attend the event to discover the new products and trends for their menus and stores from both domestic and international exhibitors.

“California food makers continue to pave the way with distinctive food products crafted with premium ingredients and flavor profiles,” says Ann Daw, president of the Specialty Food Association, which owns and produces the Winter Fancy Food Show. “Their culinary creativity will be evident throughout.”

The show will feature an entire new look that supports the Specialty Food Association‘s new brand: “Specialty Food. Craft. Care. Joy.” The brand highlights the people and products behind the small businesses that fuel the $86 billion specialty food industry. The new brand will be depicted with bold graphics and giant portraits of exhibitors–several from California–on banners and signs throughout the exhibit halls.

Among the California exhibitors are:

Bucha Live Kombucha, Torrance – flavored kombucha teas
Califia Farms, Bakersfield – almond milks
Fresh Origins, San Marcos – micro-greens, herb and flower crystals
The Good Bean, Berkeley – roasted chickpea snacks
Heidi’s Salsa, Los Angeles – artisan salsas
Laughing Giraffe Organics, Lafayette –cookies, granola
Praline Patisseries, San Diego – artisan caramel sauces
Taste Nirvana, Walnut – coconut water
Three Twins Ice Cream, Petaluma – organic ice cream
Wallaby Organic Yogurt, American Canyon – organic low-fat kefir

Savor California, a show exhibitor, will bring together 30 niche producers to offer a statewide sampling of specialty foods, including from these show newcomers:
Cocoa Parlor/Tonic Scene, Dana Point – organic raw chocolate bars
Fava Life, San Francisco – fava bean hummus
Meyenberg Goat Milk Products, Turlock – milk, butter, cheese
P*de*Q, Fresno – tapioca cheese bread
Silk Road Soda, Roseville – flavored sodas

The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs who bring craft, care and joy to the distinctive foods they produce. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,000 members in the U.S. and abroad the tools, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association (formerly the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc.) owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Show, and presents the sofi Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at http://www.specialtyfood.com