A New View

As we went to press with this issue, at the height of the International Casual Furniture Market in Chicago and at the dawn of HD Boutique in Miami, all heck broke loose!

Need I re-open the wounds? The collapse of Lehman Bros., the sale of Merrill Lynch to Bank of America, the government-led rescue of AIG, and finally, a big government proposal aimed at stabilizing the U.S. financial system. Widespread panic erupted in both the public and private sectors. Everyone asked, “what else can happen?”

Even though there was much concern and all eyes were watching their dollars during this time, there was also a lot of creative thinking going on. And it is those thought processes that are leading to a New View for the industry.

At the Casual Furniture Market, though traffic was down, exhibitors were innovative with market specials and new products for a cost- conscious yet still style-hungry consumer. And kudos to those who exhibited at HD Boutique — Global Views, Fine Art Tapestries and ReginaAndrew among them. These manufacturers have the initiative to take their products into new areas — to the hotel, restaurant and casino specifiers in need of innovative new products for their projects. That’s creating a New View, one that doesn’t live — or sell — in the past, but moves towards the future and creates new business.

You’ll find a lot of New View ideas in this issue of HomeFashion. First, take note of page 12 and our State of Green reports in “Green Perspectives.” We all know “green,” “sustainable,” and “recyclable” are industry buzzwords now, but who is really green and where has the Green Movement taken the industry? Jeff Hiller of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and Wally Stryk of Asian Art Imports lend their observations in very in-depth discussions.

As I’ve mentioned, the Hospitality industry is beckoning many to a new frontier and the industry has one more big event coming: the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. This November must-attend event shows Hospitality in action, with special presentations and innovative new initiatives. See what’s in store on page 26 and be sure to check out the new product profiles on the following pages.

And if you’re looking for a New View, you must turn to page 38, “Profiles In Design.” The five designers presented there are true innovators, always in search of a New View. You can not read their words and not be inspired.

Despite economic dramas, markets will continue and this issue celebrates the season’s big ones: the New York Tabletop Market and the Fall High Point Market. If you’re in search of a New View, these are the places to find it.

Yes, things are rocky and who knows what else will happen. But as my favorite uncle used to say, “When things get tough, just keep bobbin’ and weavin’. They can’t hit a moving target.”

Pamela Graves

Editorial Director