CURATED: THE CALIFORNIA BESPOKE EXHIBITION

As a contributing editor to The Editor at Large, I was asked to curate an assortment of California made home furnishings and accessories for an exhibition last week called California Bespoke for the CA Gift Show. The 1,200 square-foot gallery featured the region's most influential designers, artists and craftsmen in a juried collective of custom furnishings, one-of-a-kind home accessories, jewelry and fashion accessories, stationery goods, hand-crafted objects and original works of art. "Curated and merchandised with this aspirational customer in-mind, California Bespoke cultivates a vibrant mix of regional, new-to-market offerings and time honored designs, creating a relevant and inspired buying experience to serve the modern retailer." The variety and depth of the choices on display were so amazing. I loved the idea of great homegrown talent, and embraced the opportunity to showcase artisan products that looked high design without being crunchy granola. And yes, California is at the forefront of many great design trends today from up-cycling to block printed fabrics, so it was really fun to participate in. Along with Vanessa Kogevinas, Get It! Consulting; Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loeke Interior Design; and Jennie Nunn, jennienunn.com, we searched for innovative designs in every corner of Northern and Southern CA. Christopher Gaona, christopher gaona, inc., created a stunningly produced display area that integrated the varied items, giving them a meaningful setting.
Take a look at what I chose here:

What is display in CA without bringing a little outside in? The California Gift show bespoke area stood out with giant faux topiary lettering.

Joe Cariati, the LA glassblower, makes some of the best hand-blown glass pieces. This smoky glass assortment of vases is from his Angelic collection.

I had to have something from West Hollywood's Hollywood at Home! The Chameleon Desk Lamp is a handmade ceramic lamp with Peter Dunham fabric insert.

A dog bed from Ferrick Mason textiles in Lucas Check brings a little canine style to the floor.


Their pillows add a kick of color to upholstery, this is Calliandra in green.

Hillary Thomas's Rock n' Rolla Finials of semi-precious stones from her Finial Touch collection through Chic Shop.

A selection of San Francisco-based Agraria scented candles in Petite Crystal Cane vessels. These are great if you want to make a hotel room seem fresh.

San Francisco potter Alex Marshall Studio's ceramic white nesting bowls have an imperfect, artisinal feel.

LA-based letterpress stationery purveyors Sugar Paper do personal, party paper as well as prints.