Biscotto greeting cards - Tea anyone?

D-Bros Biscotto Greeting Cards

We stumbled upon works from D-Bros, a design atelier based in Japan, while shopping at the Conran shop in London. We have to admit, this was one of our most expensive greeting card purchase but it was truly worth it; a whopping $18/£9 for the Biscotto Card. We have not used or [...]

Working with vendors - reality bites

The biggest challenge other than collecting money from clients, is finding the right suppliers and vendors. Most designers including us are anal retentive, obsessive compulsives and we want everything to be PERFECT. Unfortunately in the manufacturing business nothing is perfect.
You can try your very best to cover all basis, to make sure the materials [...]

Paper jewelry from Barcelona

Ana Hagopian’s Paper Necklaces

Mel Lim met Ana Hagopian on a serendipitous road sales meeting. Ana had just landed from Barcelona and came into Juxtaposition in Orange County to show off her wares too. Mel was blown away by the craftsmanship and beauty of Ana Hagopian’s work instantaneously. Ana went on explaining how each piece was [...]

How to find retailers or buyers?

Some of us may start by visiting store to store or what we call road sales. It’s a great way to meet the store owners in person and get personal attention. Sometimes, store owners are welcoming and sometimes not. You have to also understand, they get a gazillion emails, phone calls and mailers every day. [...]

Top tradeshows - listings

With so many tradeshows in a year, it’s hard to keep track, but we’ve managed to compile this list for you. Some we have attended as both buyers and exhibitors. Some we’ve heard nothing but great reviews. To find tradeshows that are geared towards your own product line, visit INFOMAT.
Design + Lifestyle - I Saloni, [...]

When your bag is your weapon

Vlieger and Vandam from Rotterdam

During our 100% Design Tokyo show back in 2007, we stumbled upon Vlieger & Vandam from Rotterdam. The couple, Hein van Dam and Carolien Vlieger were absolutely amazing! Their background in graphic design, architecture as well as shoe and bag making, resulted in this line that is whimsical, modern yet innovative [...]

Color trend magazine from UK

MIX Interior from London

We recently discovered this amazing publication called MIX FUTURE INTERIORS by Global Color in London. We were lucky to be next to [...]

When buyers are rude - how to react.

Talking buyers

Design is personal to any designer. It is hard to accept when people tell us, oh don’t take it too seriously; it’s JUST business.
We agree that it is business, hence when we are told that our products are NOT a good fit to a store, we understand completely. You can not expect a Kmart [...]

To do or NOT to do a trade show

JOY by Mel Lim at NYIGF August 07

In less than 3 years, we’ve exhibited in over 10 tradeshows. We know many of you wonder which show is worth the investment of time and money. Especially if it’s your first debut. We have a list of shows that we’ve attended as buyers and exhibitors, and shows [...]