Homewares and textiles importer Ruby Star Traders has introduced its new ranges for this season, including colourful basketware and glass vases.
The products draw on the brand’s history as an importer of Indian products since 1996, and combine founder Karin Gardiner’s passion for both modern design and traditional handicraft.
All Ruby Star Traders’ products are made in India, and Alyce Devlin, national sales manager, says the brand collaborates with its suppliers to modify shapes, colours and prints that Indian artisans have come up with to create unique products.
“Because of Karin’s love of traditional textiles and Indian artisan techniques, it is important that these aspects are always present in each season’s release,” Devlin says.
“Although in recent years she has taken a modern approach on some ranges—including the fluoro baskets—there are always elements in the range that are strongly based around traditional handicrafts.”
The new wire baskets are an extension of the wooden bowls with fluoro accents seen in Ruby Star Traders’ collection last season, and Devlin says the use of bright colours was a conscious break from the pastel trend that is everywhere at the moment.
“This season wire is very popular, but rather than follow the crowd with pastels, we decided to continue with the bold neon look,” she explains
Having just landed, Devlin says the new silver glass vases with white accents are perfect for Christmas merchandising but can also be used as everyday décor and as candle votives.
They were made by a supplier that also manufactures a lot of Ruby Star Traders’ Christmas decorations and, as the brand is stocked exclusively by small independents, you won’t see them in department or chain stores.
Although the new products have just been released, the brand is already thinking about its next range.
“Owner Karin is actually off to India to attend the enormous Delhi trade fair, where final selections will be made for the next seasons range—and that’s all we can say for now,” Devlin adds.
The new products are available to order now.
By Ruth Cooper
