Indego Africa Relishes Another Stellar Gift Fair Season

January 2011 saw Indego Africa showcase its products at gift fairs on both U.S. coasts – first at the San Francisco International Gift Fair (“SFIGF”) from Jan. 8th to 11th and then at the New York International Gift Fair (“NYGIF”) from Jan. 29th to Feb. 2nd.

As thousands of buyers trolled glittering aisles at the Moscone Center for the SFIGF and the Javits Center for the NYGIF, many found exactly what they were looking for at Indego Africa’s stylish booths. Whether reeled in by brightly-colored Nicole Miller Bracelets or intricately-woven Plateau Baskets, buyers from museum shops, boutiques, and large volume retailers alike marveled at the artistry and precision of Indego Africa’s artisan partners. Many of those same buyers expressed a profound appreciation at the opportunity to support such remarkable Rwandan producer communities while stocking their shelves with promising product lines for Spring 2011.

In addition to featuring a host of collection classics, the SFIGF and NYIGF also debuted some of Indego Africa’s most recently-launched products, including Double-Braid Bracelets, iPad Covers, Urban Village Scarves, and Lined Shopper and Patchwork Weekender-style Tote Bags. The overwhelmingly positive response to all of these products only served to reaffirm the great strides that our artisan partners continue to make in designing and developing products that resonate with discerning consumers half way around the globe.

Many thanks go to the Competitiveness and Trade Expansion Program (“COMPETE”), a USAID initiative to stimulate economic growth in East and Central Africa through enhanced regional participation in global markets, for their support and sponsorship of Indego Africa’s participation at the SFIGF. Hats off as well to Global Goods Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to global women’s empowerment, who shared a booth with us at the NYIGF.

Next up on the gift fair menu is SOURCING at MAGIC at the Las Vegas Convention Center where, from Feb. 13 through Feb. 16, Indego Africa will again team up with COMPETE at the largest fashion sourcing trade event in North America. Vegas baby, Vegas!

Conor French and Kristen Waeber

(Photos: top and bottom right, Indego Africa's booths at the NYIGF and SFIGF, respectively, and, middle left, a fashionable new home for your iPad)