HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Cram-packed appointment calendars and an ever-growing roster of celebrity designer collections debuting at furniture and rug showrooms didn't stop buyers and designers attending High Point Market from hitting the campaign trail in support of 'Thom Filicia for President.'
The interior designer had been promoting his bid for the "presidency" leading up to market with the campaign slogan,"Making America Beautiful Again," and attracted quite the crowd with a parade which began at one of his licensing partners (Vanguard Furniture) and marching all the way to Eastern Accents at Market Square. Replete with high school bands, cheer leaders and costumes, the event was just one of many star-studded happenings at the October 2016 show.
In Part 2 of this special two-part roundup, follow RugNews.com as we cover the people, showrooms, events and all things rugs at the Fall 2016 edition of High Point Market.
MOMENI
Reza Momeni, Robert and Cortney Novogratz, Momeni's lead designer, Katy Repetto, Ali Momeni, and Aria Momeni celebrate the launch of Novogratz by Momeni at the brand's exclusive new High Point showroom.
Aria Momeni and Jeff Hallman of Momeni flank Aimee Concepcion of Lulu and Georgia in West Hollywood, Calif., at the High Point launch party for Novogratz by Momeni.
From left, Cortney Novogratz; Heather French of French & French in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Jeff Fenton, Amy Leary, Chris Martinez, and Kendra Henning, all of Reside Home, Santa Fe.
MOE'S HOME
Neno Nenoff of American Furniture Galleries, Colorado Springs, and Connie Post of Connie Post International Affordable Designs, celebrate the opening of her accessories merchandising program for Moe's Home.
NOURISON
Robin Goldberg, left, and Neil Goldberg of Raymour & Flanigan in Liverpool, New York with Kathy Ireland, center, at Nourison's High Point showroom.
Barclay Butera poses with his innovative Cooper rug, by Nourison, crafted of cowhide and textile in a checker board and diamond pattern on display at the fall 2016 High Point Market.
NULOOM
Megan Stoeckle (left) and Julie Stauter, both of Ashley Furniture in Arcadia, Wisconsin, flank Koorosh Yaraghi of Nuloom at the rug maker's C&D building showroom in High Point.
ORIENTAL WEAVERS
Oriental Weavers' Sam Belak and Martha Niceswanger with Veronica Knox and Ashraf Al Sayed of Maak Furniture in Akron, Ohio
RIZZY
Dustin Pruitt (left) and Cheri Stroud Pruitt, both of Stroud's Home Furnishings in Morrilton, Arkansas, with Kevin Von-De Bur, Rizzy.
SAFAVIEH
Rugs Direct's Bill Martin and Adrienne, with Safavieh's Paul Ng, Jesse O'Connell stand in front of new Centennial rug.
Safavieh's Andrew and Ashley Yaraghi in front of the new Lily Pond rug in blue and rust.
SAMS INTERNATIONAL
Zachary Arbore, left, Sams International, explains the construction of a rug with metallic yarns to buyer Annalisa Aveclar of Annalisa Aveclar Interiors, Los Gatos, California.
SURYA
Meg Donovan of Frontgate, West Chester, Ohio, Seth King, Surya, Colleen Brewer, Frontgate, and Tara Henderson, Surya
Elle Decor Home representatives, Eva Platini, on right, marketing manager, and Samantha Scragg, design manager, present to a standing-room-only crowd at the Surya debut of Elle Decor Home rugs and pillows.
TAYSE
Todd Hyatt and Leila Bohac of Tayse in front of a new Journey collection rug machine made in Turkey of polypropylene.
THOM FILICIA FOR PRESIDENT
The newest third party candidate Thom Filicia drew crowds of supporters in his bid for the Presidency, highlighted by a parade from Vanguard Furniture to Eastern Accents, both licensees of the designer.
Local high school students strut their stuff in a parade in honor of their candidate for president, celeb designer Thom Filicia.
TRANS-OCEAN BY LIORA MANNE
Liora Manne with the Desert Lily design, a best seller at High Point Market and part of the company's popular Everywear collection