Steve and I lived in Chicago right after we were married. He had received a job offer he couldn’t refuse from Pioneer Electronics. I had worked for Target for 8 years and was ready for the next step (it turned out to be with Rubbermaid, where a National Accounts position in the home office products group was created for me). Our daughter Elizabeth, who goes by Biz, was born there, and I started Marketing Directions, Inc., publishers of The Trend Curve™, during our Chicago years. I have so many good memories of Chicago and still feel like I am home when I get there.
During that era, I attended every International Housewares Show. But in the past few years no one from The Trend Curve has been able to fit it into our busy travel schedule. That’s why, when one of our subscribers suggested—not once, but four times—that we put it on our calendar, I arranged to fly back early from a Scottsdale trip (I was speaking at an IFDA Professional Day event), then jump on another plane to Chicago.
I’m glad I did. There was plenty to see in Chicago. Check yesterday’s post for a few color and style remarks before you read below about notable directions that were tracking at the Housewares Show. I’ll post tomorrow about items that grabbed my attention.
Silicone handles on premium glass bakeware from Anchor Hocking
– Silicone could not be stopped. Anchor Hocking added silicone handles to premium glass bakeware; ISI put spring steel inside of silicone to make spatulas rigid; Hot Spots offered new colors of silicone potholders (Kiwi, Mango, Candy Pink, Lilac).
– 1930’s archival product and inspiration was noted. It made a great counter-point to the plethora of loopy florals and classic elements that dominated surface designs.
– Stemless wine glasses continue as footed water glasses took hold.
– Tea continued to build, with pots, brewers, sets.
Pastel colors from PTS America
– Pastel colors had more visibility than they have in years, yet few companies called them out as new. The ones I have pictured here debuted from PTS America at the Show.
– There was enough “Kitchen Aid Red” to choke on from brands other than Kitchen Aid.
– Cream was advancing, suggesting that pure White was over-exposed (pure White also backed off at Ambiente in Frankfurt Germany; The Trend Curve has an entire report about the Ambiente fair called Trend Album: Ambiente 2007. Email Janice to order or visit our Trend Store).
Tomorrow’s post will include a few products that I thought deserved attention.