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CURATED: THE CALIFORNIA BESPOKEEXHIBITION

JULY 29, 2011

by Marisa Marcantonio

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.

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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.

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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.