Glassware at the Gift Show by Kristian Korsgaard

Eric and I made our first visit to the New York Gift show last year.  It was an eventful and eye opening trip, but our highlight was meeting Sudi and Simmin Taleghani.  These two sisters, based in California, have been working together for years creating popular Gourmet Oils, Candles and starting in 2007, Turkish Glass.  Stunning colors and designs; we loved it, and hoped it would be something we could afford to bring to Hudson!

   We met Sudi first and talked to her about our new shop and how we were looking for unique items that our customers wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.  We also discussed having a family business; it was at this point that Simmin (who designs the glassware) received some healthy ribbing from her sister…something about stealing each other’s lunch.  I remember this because at the time I was starving and as newbies at the fair we didn’t know where to get food!

Now that we had decided we had to have these dishes, it was down to business (so I could get some lunch).  The prices seemed very reasonable for these one of a kind pieces, but things just got better when we learned that they use lead-free glass making each piece food safe!  The fact that they can stand on their own as a beautiful and unique work of art, or be used to serve hot or cold food made the decision an easy one.

Eric, who I might add was not starving at this point and was therefore more inclined to focus on the task at hand, starting walking through the collection with Sudi narrowing down our favorites.  The first piece he picked up was a beautiful side dish with a Moroccan feel; deep maroon, rusts and golds.  He held this plate clutched to his chest the entire time we were at the booth (much as I would have clutched a chili dog to mine had I had one).

Half an hour later when we were finalizing the order (and I was eyeing Simmin’s sausage sub with green, green envy) Eric was still clutching that beautiful little plate to his chest.  He made a little joke about holding it like he was keeping it and Sudi said, “You know what, I think we have an extra, you can take it.”  Eric’s face lit up just like mine would 30 minutes later when we found the food court!  We had our very own prize to take home with us.  Eric actually kept it wrapped in his bag and hauled it out to show every one of our friends that we saw the rest of the trip.

Now that we have it in the shop, we couldn’t be happier.  It looks as beautiful as we remembered.  We have since learned that their company, Red Pomegranate, is a fair trade company and that their partner factory recycles the water that is used for cleaning as well as the glass and metals used in gilding.*  Carrying this line of glassware just gets easier and easier!

Come in and see for yourself.  I can tell you myself that it was worth a grumbly stomach!

-Kristian

 * www.redpomegranate.net/about_us