During this fall’s Formex, we visited a very special stand in the new Craft Creative section. A unique collection stand with ten exhibitors who are all small-scale craftsmen, artists and designers. We Are Makers.
From market stall to exhibition floor
It was initiated by Dixie Thomas and Frida Enebro, who both organize design markets in their spare time.
– We love fairs and the special connection you get with the exhibitors, who tend to be mostly craftsmen and designers. We want to help them get noticed and now, thanks to Formex, we have a whole new forum to do this in,” says Dixie.
– We simply gathered a bunch of people who were eager to show their creations to a new audience. Since Formex’s theme for August was WE ARE, the name “We are makers” felt just right. “Makers” is what the exhibitors are, and all in different ways.
Getting ten designers on the same stand
The stand has been designed by visual merchandiser Elin Örnebring to have the feel of a workshop. It is light, airy and inviting for visitors but at the same time cozy for the ten exhibitors. In the process, Elin has tried to take into account the different products and needs of all exhibitors, without compromising the overall impression. The common thread has been uniformity with a clear community, while at the same time giving the individual designer a place of their own to dispose of. A lot of thought has also gone into the design to ensure that all the spaces are highly visible and catch the eye of visitors as they pass by.
– We never dreamed it could be this good! Elin has really exceeded all our expectations,” says Dixie.
Meeting retailers and making contacts
At the stand you could find glass jewelry, kimonos, crafts in fabric, leather and wood, just to name a few.
– Several of us have met at various design fairs and now we want to exhibit together to feel safe in the community. As small-scale craftsmen, not everyone has participated in large fairs before, so doing it together feels both more fun and safer. We are a team and we help each other to get the most out of the fair,” says Frida.
– And we have had so much fun! That has really been the best thing about exhibiting at Formex, that we have laughed so much, but also supported, covered up and lifted each other! Then we have made new contacts, both with each other but also with visitors to our stand and other exhibitors. And several of us have gained new dealers, which of course we think is great fun. That’s why we’re here.
More inspiration here
