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The One of a Kind Show comes to New York for a second year just in time for holiday shopping. The eight-day event features over 100 designers manning their own booths and offering handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces. Each booth is marked with the designer's name and provenance for a personal touch, and the merchandise runs the gamut—jewelry, apparel, household, art and more.
We took a walk through the expansive show this morning to peruse the handicrafts and goods. On the whole, this isn't your average holiday market and things don't come cheap, but hey, blood, sweat and tears went into the creation of these pieces.
Of course jewelry tends to make a big showing at these design shows and there were styles for everyone. From our generally overwhelmed experience, here are a few highlights: nek jewelry has whimsically adorable necklaces (starting at $50) crafted from vintage medals and odds and ends, plus mix and match earrings ($20 to $40). Rebel designs offers punchy and colorful cocktail rings ($55+). Rewind from Indio, CA boasts unique pieces refashioned from old vintage pocket watches circa 1700 and up ($45+ for rings and $65+ for necklaces) and Jahyun Rita Baek displays adorable and affordable candy-hued nylon mesh rings ($12 and $15).
There isn't a ton of apparel, and there aren't any dressing rooms—other than the one brought to the sale by the very forward-thinking designer of Killion. Her architectural yet comfortable pieces are made of natural fibers and average about $130 each. Before we forget, Marla Duran from season two of Project Runway was manning her own booth of, uh, eclectically-patterned separates. Also, we thought that Coy Clothes's bamboo and organic cotton tees ($45 for adult size) made with vintage ad graphics and Beebop & Wally's 50's-inspired car coats ($240) made of upholstery fabrics were super cute.
Speaking of vintage, Rogue Confections chocolatiers offered whimsically packaged treats adorned with vintage patterns—not clothing exactly, but at $24 for a box of six, much more budget-friendly. We were also a bit flummoxed when we stopped at P. Gaddi's handcrafted leather booth to check out his Bottega Veneta meets tropical vacation woven bags. The pieces range from $500 to an astounding $39,000 for an alligator piece. That's like four Birkins!
For a $15 fee, you get entrance for all eight days of the show, plus the chance to hear artist talks and demos and make your own buttons (cute bears!) and holiday ornaments (more bears!) at the super homey Etsy booth. Even better, there are also two bar/cafés serving hard liquor on hand for a comprehensive drunk shopping experience. Check out the website for more ticket and schedule info.
· One of a Kind NY [Official Site]