The McCormick Place convention center provided a much-needed refuge from the torrential downpours frequenting Chicago during GlobalShop this year, April 16-18. This time around, trends saw a departure from repurposed materials in favor of items that tell a heritage story with a push toward an authentic, historic and weathered feel.
Across the board, furniture, fixtures, displays – and even some mannequins (e.g. CNL Mannequins’ Daydreamers collection) – sported a rugged, exposed look with rough lines, patches of missing lacquer and imperfect surfaces. These items seemed more authentic than vintage, as their assumed age and heritage add a sense of aesthetic value.
Unlike items simply created from reclaimed materials, which were trending the past couple of years, these products are made to appear old and even worn, as if transported from an early 20th Century estate sale.
Some structures were purposefully rusted to appear aged, such as a three-story staircase crafted by Amuneal Mfg. Corp. (Philadelphia); a miniature replica in the company’s booth displayed the detail. Created for Ted Baker, the staircase featured a blackened and rusted steel patina, adorned with molten brass details. Unexpected materials were also integrated into items, such as tensioners used in various display tables in the Elevations Inc. (San Francisco) booth.
VMSD also recognized five booths (shown) this year for outstanding design and innovation, including Holiday Foliage Inc. (San Diego); Amuneal Mfg. Corp. (Philadelphia); Judith Von Hopf (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.); Holiday Image Inc. (Moonachie, N.J.) and CNL Mannequins (Buena Park, Calif.).