Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves

In a past life, I was editor of a national magazine for writers. As such, I used to speak at writing conferences, where I’d also attend the other seminars and network with attendees. It’s always nice and inspiring to meet people who are committed to doing something they love. I found that people who write fiction in their spare time can tend to be on the shy side, but gracious and passionate as they interacted with politeness and modesty.

And then I came over to the retail design industry.

At last week’s winter market in New York, the recently rechristened NADI Retail Design Collective, there were the usual solid educational seminars and the chance to check out the latest, greatest products in some truly inspired surroundings. But you know what else we got? The opportunity (nay, obligation!) to cavort with models dressed up to look like mannequins, standing among actual mannequins, while sipping a blue cocktail and watching some guy in a Lady Gaga hat ash his cigarette out the window. Or, you can sip champagne at 2:30 in the afternoon, surrounded by couture-dressed mannequins in handmade feather headdresses, while Cher’s “Half Breed” blasts over the sound system. This is how I spent a few of my working hours at this year’s market.

So, clearly, designers know how to party. But even cooler than that, you guys know how to mix business with pleasure in a way that buoys the entire industry. The PAVE Gala, benefiting students and other young designers in our field, has become a can’t-miss event during the New York market. Yes, the drinks flow freely, and we all strike cheesy poses for the photographer, but the level of insight you get from chatting with peers and mingling with the next generation of visual merchandisers and retail designers—you can’t beat it. Whereas the writers I used to mingle with certainly had passion, artistry and creativity, so many of the designers in our industry have the added bonus of vivacity, bawdy humor and candor. My kind of people.

While the Little Economy That Could starts its long journey up the mountain, we can all use a nice, sustained dose of positive energy backed by forceful personalities and creative oomph. An electric-blue martini every once in a while helps, too.

For a more thorough take on the 2009 NADI Retail Design Collective, including insights on industry trends and products, watch for the February issue of VMSD (mailed in mid-January). Sign up here to subscribe.