Preview
Top Drawer
A chance to reconnect It’s been a while, but Top Drawer is back at Olympia this month, ready to help the greetings industry get back in touch As we head into the last quarter of a very unusual year, Top Drawer A/W 2021 offers a chance to reconnect the industry and also brings retailers a welcome buying opportunity for the new season, and of course the all-important Christmas period. Clarion retail show director Russell Rule says: “We’re counting down the moments until the much-anticipated return of a live Top Drawer and are so thrilled to be providing our retail community with this important opportunity to buy, sell, learn, be inspired and connect. ‘’Passion for design is at the core of our DNA and shared by everyone who is part of the Top Drawer community - from retailers, exhibitors and designers to our curators, speakers and organising team. Nothing beats walking the aisles of the show and seeing the creativity and talent that abounds in this industry; we know how important touch, feel and in-person connection is for our network and we look forward to creating an inspiring setting for our network to do great business together.’’ The event will bring visitors new designs from more than 400 brands across greeting cards and stationery, interiors, gift, fashion, children’s, craft, and food & drink. Top Drawer A/W also promises one of its most stellar content line-ups to date; offering visitors access to the expertise and insight from some of the industry’s leading names including Liberty’s Bryony Sheridan, Holly & Co’s Holly Tucker, and Net-A-Porter’s Evie Collins. You will also be able to explore trends presented by Clarion Retail’s new digital marketplace, REVEAL.
It’s back!
First time exhibitors include: David Fussenegger, Deluxe Home Art, Ela Life, HAM, House of Disaster, Orla Kiely (Allied Imports Ltd), Oyoy Living Design, RJB Stone and Wondercandle. You can also expect to see greeting card brands including: James Ellis, 2ToTango, Apple & Clover, Middle Mouse, Alljoy Design, Artpress Publishing, Cath Tate cards, Five Dollar Shake, Earlybird Designs, Lorna Syson Pressed & Folded, Lottie Murphy, Rosie Made A Thing, The DM Collection and many more.
‘’Passion for design is at the core of our DNA and shared by everyone who Covid safety is part of the Finally, as restrictions are lifted, the pandemic, safety and confidence has Top Drawer still been uppermost in the organisers’ community mind. It surveyed its community of retail buyers and interior designers to from retailers, gauge enthusiasm for the show - with 82% saying they planned to attend. exhibitors and The team that brings together Top designers to Drawer is the same team that was responsible for sister show, Home & Gift, our curators, which ran in July – the first retail exhibition to take place following the pandemic. speakers and “The event was run safely and organising successfully, exceeding everyone’s expectations – and we can’t wait to bring the same opportunities back to team’’ London,’’ says Clarion’s Russell Rule. Zoë Bonser, portfolio director, adds: “We are delighted to be returning to Olympia London in September and will continue to work in partnership with the Association of Events Organisers (the AEO), who is liaising directly with the government, to ensure the safest and most successful event for our community.” Visitors must show proof of their Covid status in one of two ways,
Top Drawer A/W returns to Olympia London from 12-14 September 2021 16 www.greetingstoday.media
On trend With design and newness at its heart, the show is always the place to spot the latest trends. For this year, organisers have identified four main design trends: An Opulent Addition: Expect to see glinting accents and a touch of metallic. ● Cottage Cool: As we have all spent more time at home, we want to surround ourselves with cosy, calm comforts, so expect traditional design to be all around. ● Modern Mirage: Bring warmth with a new take on previous Palm Springs or Oasis trends, this time focusing on textures, tones and natural patterns of the desert. ● The Power of Prints: Pattern is back with a vengeance! ●
which can be either: Two vaccines (first and second dose), with the second dose at least 14 days before the show, or a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours prior to attending the event – this can be displayed via NHS App, SMS text, or email. For details see www.topdrawer. co.uk/safety-information. If you haven’t bagged your ticket yet, registration is open at www.topdrawer.co.uk.
