SURTEX hits its 30th anniversary this year. In wedding years, that’s the Pearl Anniversary, so what better time to focus the limelight on some of SURTEX’s “pearls,” exhibitors who have been with the show from the get-go — or close to it.
DIANE HARRISON DESIGNS, Ltd., Cheadle, Cheshire, UK — Managing Director Tristan Goodfellow reporting:
“Diane was there at the first-ever SURTEX (30 years ago). At the time she was working through an agent who took her collection to the US….She worked alongside him on his stand. The following year Diane had a stand in her own right (and) she has never looked back.
“Since the start of SURTEX the design industry has changed enormously…. Our latest addition is a Hewlett Packard printer which enables us to print onto fabric. We will be launching the collection at SURTEX this year. Our clients have changed, too, and their deadlines become increasingly hard to hit. We are now getting design files to clients within 24 hrs because their clients are demanding virtually instant product.”
Does he have a favorite memory of SURTEXs Past? “The party boat cruises which were so much fun, especially seeing the sunset on the Hudson River, cocktail in hand and bound for the Statue of Liberty.”
ARTWORK DESIGN Ltd., Cheshire, UK — Exhibitors for 30 years!
Specializing in original designs for all aspects of home furnishing, from wallpaper to rugs, Artwork Design has a reputation for producing designs to the highest creative and technical standards. As director David Hedley reports, “We have a constantly updated collection of designs available, and are renowned for our ability to work quickly and accurately to a brief.”
BANAFSHE SCHIPPEL, Ltd., Climping, West Sussex, UK — Susan Schippel and Simin Banafshe, exhibitors for 27 years.
Explains Simin, “Exhibiting at SURTEX has given us an opportunity to find our niche in the US market, enabling us to work with many furnishings, upholstery, and wall covering companies and manufacturers. We love being in NY….we think the venue for the Show is great. We have come to meet lots of interesting people, both clients and designers, throughout the years of doing SURTEX.”
COLWILL & WAUD, London — Maggi Waud and Nick Colwill, exhibitors for 20+ years.
They met soon after school in England — she had gone to Chelsea College of Art and Design, he to Leeds and Camberwell Colleges of Art — and together Maggi Waud and Nick Colwill have spent more than 30 years setting global trends in textiles. Known for their signature depth of color and clean-edge graphic design, Colwill & Waud are all about what Maggi calls “inspiration and chemistry. We want absolute perfectionism.” No wonder Colwill & Waud have been cited as “major behind-the-scenes influences on American surface design.”
LINDA BRUCE DESIGNS, London — “I think I participated in the second-ever SURTEX, in the late 80’s…and ever since!” Linda recalls.
Her favorite memory 29 years later? “When Penny Siklas (former SURTEX manager) gave me an award for Exceptional Design. Also, the one year I sold 31 patterns, which is a lot for a ‘one-man-band!”
SUZANNE CRUISE CREATIVE SERVICES (SCCS), Inc: Leawood, KS —
About to chalk up her 16th year as a SURTEX exhibitor, Suzanne Cruise brings big news to the Javits next month: she and Joanne Olds of The Buffalo Works, another 25+-year veteran of the industry, have joined forces to create “a larger full-service licensing agency,” according to their joint media release. Or a “blockbuster in the creative industry,” as Suzanne sees it.
In the new union, The Buffalo Works will focus more fully on branding and product development while SCCS, Inc. will continue to focus on traditional art licensing opportunities, explained Suzanne, who has been a long-serving member of the SURTEX Advisory Council. “This will allow for even more licensing success for all of the amazing clients we now collectively represent.”
ARTWORKS! LICENSING, LLC, Jupiter, FL– Carol White, exhibitor for more than l0 years.
“Our main purpose for exhibiting at SURTEX is to attract new customers….We find SURTEX to be a show where we can connect not only with our existing customers but, more importantly, with potential new customers.
“What makes our art unique? Our artists are quick to respond to requests. We stay on top of current trends and provide top-notch service to our customers/licensees.”