The PAVE gala is a wonderful opportunity to burrow into what’s one of the best parts of our industry. It’s in New York, which in December is aglow with all the lights, windows and displays this industry produces. It’s during NADI, when the participating showrooms put their best faces – and most creative ideas – forward. And it’s a convivial regathering of old friends and colleagues, many of whom haven’t since each other since the last PAVE gala.
This year, its record attendance put to lie, if only for an evening, that the economy and industry are suffering. I think it raised record revenues for the good works the organization does.
Mostly, though, it recognizes the future, through its student design competition and Rising Star awards. So congratulations to all the bright young faces from FIT, FIDM, LIM and the other design schools. Congratulations to Rachel Zsembery of Bergmeyer Associates for her Rising Star award. Congratulations to Louis Vuitton and Polo Ralph Lauren for winning this year’s VMSD Excellence in Visual Merchandising and Design in New York awards. And congratulations to our industry for smiling and laughing through a challenging economic environment.
In January, when the Christmas lights go out and winter chill descends, it will be back to business – perhaps grim business. But for now, cheers for the holidays.