Last week the company I work for, MayaMam Weavers, made its New York debut at the New York International Gift Fair. It was an amazing experience and I really did learn a lot. The second day there I was able to walk around a couple sections. I had never been in the Javits center before and therefore never realized how big it is until I walked around…and got lost…a lot. I was able to walk through the section we were in (Global Handmade), Designer Handmade and New York's Newest.
There is nothing I enjoy more, other than sewing, than discovering great companies with a story. Handmade products almost always come with a story, especially if they are international. As I walked through, I wrote down the names of all the booths I wanted to learn more about. The first was Mata Traders.
I'm obsessed with clothing. I love looking at the creativity that a designer can bring to a garment. Mata Traders is a lovely fair trade company from India who makes beautiful clothing and accessories. I intentionally walked by the booth many times just to keep looking at the clothing, but was always too nervous to stop and talk. So I purchased some products online! I bought a dress, a top and a skirt. (Also, their prices are amazing!)
Another company that stopped me in my walking tracks was Poppy Treffry from the U.K. Their bags are adorable and I'm in love with their website.
There were a few other companies that I wrote down, but can't find them online. I'll get more info when we go back in August.
(all images taken from companies' sites)
trish stitched 