For the thousands of consumers streaming into Exhibition Place’s Direct Energy Centre this weekend, the spring One of a Kind show and sale represents a fun outing, a chance to shop for unique clothing and gifts and to talk with some of Canada’s best artisans. For the designers and craftspeople manning the booths, however, the show is an entirely different proposition; a five-day, 9 till 9 marathon that represents a big financial risk and opportunity. Booths at One of a Kind are priced according to size and location starting around $2,000 and going up, up, up from there. A handful of sellers are hobbyists wading into the marketplace for the first time but the vast majority of One of a Kind vendors are professionals who will sink or soar depending on how well they and their wares connect with the buying public this weekend.
Toronto-based potter Kim Henderson (Clay Cauldron, above left), echoes what many participants tell me, that One of a Kind represents a big piece of her quarterly sales; if she doesn’t move inventory this weekend she’ll be in some trouble. Fortunately, many vendors report that the spring show is one of their best. Toronto clothing designer Jannis Ruck (Olio Studio, above centre), who has been selling at One of a Kind since 1992, says that Easter weekend is generally even better than Christmas on a sales-per-day basis. Local textile designer Yasmine Louis, above right, concurs: “Easter is fantastic,” she says, “people are in a good mood because spring is here and attendance is good — lots of families, mothers and daughters; the show definitely attracts more women than men.”
Louis has been doing One of a Kind for a number of years and says that in addition to the consumer exposure she also landed a significant design commission from the Art Gallery of Ontario as a result of her participation in the show.
Fellow textile and product designer Natalie Butterfield (below left, FLUF) adds that she and partner Terra Kushner have made connections with wholesale buyers who first saw their designs at One of a Kind. FLUF’s business is based at the Toronto Business Development Centre, one of several City-sponsored business incubators: “The TBDC has been incredibly helpful,” she says.
David Greig (above right) has given his Wildhagen hats booth a retro, mid-century feel that helps it stand out among the 450 exhibitors. “We’re trying to reference that period in the 1940s and ’50s when hats were at their peak,” says Greig. “They went out of fashion in the 1960s but now they’re back in a really big way and naturally we think that’s great.”
Hats, belts and bags are among the most popular accessories on offer at One of a Kind this weekend, as are eco-friendly, recycled and up-cycled products. And of course, there’s always room for talented artists like Toronto’s Robert Wu, below left, who practices the very old art of “marbling,” a watercolour technique that he applies to framed art pieces, bookbinding and small boxes. “My work exists in the space between art and craft,” offers Wu.
Young woodworker Marc Honsberger, 24 (above right, Holtz Furniture), is dipping his toe in the One of a Kind pool for the first time this weekend and says he’s “nervous but confident” about his prospects. “My work is priced competitively and reactions have been very favourable,” he says. With a sleek, embossed business card and a sexy new website, Honsberger clearly understands that good marketing, as much as great design and craftsmanship will play a big part in his success. Connecting with would-be buyers at shows like One of a Kind will also be critical.
WHERE/WHEN: One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale is at Direct Energy Centre (Exhibition Place), March 31 – April 4; $12 adults, $6.50 students/seniors (children free).
Photos by Christopher Jones
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