Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1526980
Jim Kastleman JACK THOMPSON I 've rambled about this before, but as I look through the contents of this guide, it's almost unimaginable to see how the trajectory of the Round Top Antiques & Design Show has accelerated even in the last two years. I'm talking about the layers and layers of diverse offerings, born from a simple antiques show. I'm often in the position of having to explain what, exactly, the show is — and it ain't easy. I run through its genesis as a simple gathering of friends who loved antiques, expanding venues into barns and tents, then layering in vintage and modern furniture and objects as tastes began diverging over the past two decades or more. Then, new furniture and vintage fashion, then new fashion, entered the fray. New venues were built — all originally un-air-conditioned, now most air-conditioned. What's striking now are the name- brand players. That's a testament to an appreciation of the creative and forward-thinking influencers, probably starting with Junk Gypsy and Recycling the Past, to name but two. Then there are the big-name creative teams — I'm talking Restoration Hardware and the like, plus the national chain hotels, who have always come to Round Top to be inspired and to buy. National and regional brands have already set up shop: German kitchen powerhouse Noblessa has a showroom, along with the presence of JennAir, Benjamin Moore, Cisco Home, Kemo Sabe, and now some new players. The multi- store arbiter of Western wear, both new and vintage, Double D Ranch out of Yoakum, is now a permanent fixture; they're pushing their creative limits with luxe exotics and dabbling in furniture, in addition to their beloved Western staples. Tecovas has teamed with the aforementioned Junk Gypsy. Cowboy Pools and Tupelo Goods — you've probably sat your butt on one of their über-cool, comfy formed- plastic chairs at Bader Ranch — are both permanent. The latter three are all Austin-born, and the latter two have parked at The Halles, where we've created an Austin Pavilion to highlight the city's very best. Why Austin? Because Round Top is seeing a flood of folks from there — plus, it jives with our recent purchase of the city's Tribeza magazine. Still, the heart of Round Top are the creators who inspire everyone else — and the day they go away, Round Top becomes another High Point. Folks ranging from Cooper and his woodwork at ReCoop to Victor Rojas' metal magic drive the shows — analogous to economics, where small businesses drive the economy. Visit roundtop.com for all the show information and event schedules. Jim Kastleman Chairman jim@papercitymag.com Importance of Show 12