SHOPPING FOR FASHION AT THE ATLANTA WINTER AREA RUG MARKET, PART 2 |
ATLANTA -- The Atlanta International Area Rug Market, held in tandem with the eight-day long Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market that officially closed on Jan. 16, reaped the benefits of continued economic optimism across the country.
While compared to winter 2017, when there was a whirlwind of events marking new showrooms, company birthdays and product announcements, the 2018 event proved rather calm in comparison. Still the high-profile showroom opening of Nourison in the lobby of Building 1 was cause to celebrate, and Amer Rugs' opening night Mexico-themed fiesta event drew crowds to the rug maker's showroom. Throughout the rug floors in Building 1, a constant flow of new fashion-forward products satisfied market shoppers with lots of fresh colors, textures and constructions.
In Part 2 of this exclusive Atlanta International Rug Market roundup, follow RugNews.com as we cover the people, places and all things rugs at the first market of the New Year.
Below, we tour the show with companies from Loloi to United Weavers, which hosted exciting new launches. Also, make sure not to miss Part 1 of the exclusive RugNews.com Atlanta market showroom tour, where we report from companies Amer to Linon/Powell. LOLOI 
Ken Johnson of Loloi, Gerald and Carla Gerami of The Rug Gallery by Gerami's in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Steven Loloi of Loloi pose in front of the lustrous new Urbana collection, which is hand-loomed of viscose, wool and cotton.
The new mosaic-inspired Porcia collection by Loloi, a winter market winner, features hot vintage looks in a palette of soft neutrals, rusts and blues, all power loomed of cross-woven, space dyed polyester. LR RESOURCES 
Sam Presnell, Dave Lammers, Beau Presnell and Trish Taylor, all of The Rug Gallery in Cincinnati, stop in to review new collections with Mike Thompson and Krishna Laddha of L.R. Resources.
The new Modern Traditions collection by L.R. Resources reworks classic elements in contemporary color combinations for a fresh look that resonated with Atlanta market shoppers.
MOMENI
Aria Momeni of Momeni, Kurt Kammeyer of Rug Masters in Charleston, S.C., and Ray Ehsani of Momeni take time out from reviewing new collections for a photo op with RugNews.com.
The hit Erin Gates collection by Momeni, launched last fall, is presented in a dedicated showroom for Atlanta shoppers.
NOURISON
From left: Ellie Bliss of Garnet Hill poses with Steven Peykar and Julie Rosenblum, both from Nourison, in front a new Christopher Guy Home abstract design.
Nourison's latest addition to its 3D-like Prismatic collection, crafted of shimmering silk-like fibers, proved a showstopper.
ORIAN
Part of the Grand Tapis range, the new abstract Canopy rug in soft white by Orian was a hit with Atlanta market shoppers for its super plush polypropylene pile, braided fringe and bright colors.
Modern colors, including Millenniel Pink, paired with classic motifs and a plush feel garnered kudos from market shoppers for the Made in America Bartow design, also from Orian's Grand Tapis series.
ORIENTAL WEAVERS
Introduced in Atlanta, this design, one of 14 from the new Mantra collection by Oriental Weavers, reworks the classic central medallion in an eye-catching manner.
Oriental Weavers' latest addition to its Tommy Bahama line, the hand woven Angora collection in pure wool, attracted buyers' attention at winter market.
RIZZY HOME
From left: Rhett Peeples of Carpets of Dalton in Dalton, Georgia; Steve Roan of Rizzy Home; Amy Peeples, Morgan Jones and Ken Brown of Carpets of Dalton; Molly Mays and Teresa Parris of Rizzy Home.
Simply Southern's new accent rugs by Rizzy Home had fans of the popular license program stopping by the showroom to see the complete soft home collection.
SAFAVIEH
Emir Aziz of Safavieh and Lou Shafran of Pacifica Interior Design in Naples, Florida, pose in front of a fresh new interpretation of polka dots with cut and loop texture and fashion right tones of grey and white.
The modern mosaic styling of the hand-knotted Centennial collection from Safavieh ticked all the right boxes for buyers looking for crisp color, luster and dimensional texture.
SURYA
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