Beginning this year, MMPI’s annual California Gift Show (CGS) will give greater focus to California’s emerging product designers, artists and craftsmen. CGS is ramping up to a new look and new vision this July fueling a fresh perspective and enhanced experience for the west coast’s gift & home market.
"We are extremely excited about the upcoming California Gift Show in July," said Mark Furlet, vice president and general manager CGS/L.A. Mart/L.A. Mart Design Center. ”Our newly assembled marketing and sales team led by Jeff Sampson and Sara Dahlstrom respectively has embarked upon a fresh new direction. The California-unique focus will provide retailers with a broad array of innovative and on-trend merchandise across all of the most popular, volume generating categories."
The show's theme will be more California-centric and include a new brand campaign, curated installations, engaging programming, lifestyle destinations featuring informative and entertaining product/trend demonstrations, live entertainment and local culinary inspirations.
California Bespoke, curated by The Editor At Large, will include a juried, gallery-inspired design showcase presenting the region’s next generation of tastemakers producing one-of-a-kind, limited edition and new-to-market home fashions, accessories, hand-crafted objects and original works of art. The installation will be designed by Emmy-nominated set designer Peter Gurski and curated by editors from The Editor at Large.
Gurski's work includes set design for Will & Grace, The Ellen Show and The Class. He also designs in front of camera for HGTV's Designing for the Sexes and Surprise By Design and A&E Network's We Mean Business.
Design Studio for high-design home decor will feature both regional and national artisans and custom manufacturers of furniture, lighting, textile, accessories, art and more.
The Best New Product and Exhibitor Excellence Awards will recognize leading exhibitors selected by an internal committee and will be judged on innovation, design and creativity. The award winners exemplify the best and the brightest at Market.
“As consumers consistently look to Hollywood and California for inspiration on fashion, home, entertaining and lifestyle, CGS is tapping the inherent equity of the state’s iconic brand value and its next generation of product manufacturers,” said Sampson. “Redefining the CGS position as a celebration of California style and innovation supports our permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors as they continue to offer on-trend merchandise in the most sought-after categories for the modern retailer.”
