Anything and everything that is hot in the world of stationery was showcased at one of the biggest events in the stationery business in New York. The National Stationery Show is the leading trade show in the business, a place where you will see the current trends, the classics with a twist, what is coming next and everything in between. We took a look at this year’s exhibitors and designers, and summed up the upcoming trends, read on to find out what’s what, and who’s who this year!
The National Stationery Show is one of, if not the biggest, stationery fair in the US, that takes place annually. At this year’s show, from 19th to 22nd of May, over 11 000 people visited and saw the products and designs of over 800 different exhibitors. At these shows the leading manufacturers, designers, and buyers all come together to see what is happening in the world of stationery. Here, where all the labels and producers are side-by-side, the trends are easier to see. Every year a few topics rise above the others, setting the new direction in designs, colors as well as producing techniques and materials.
Two trends were very visible above the rest. The vintage, and retro look was very popular, done in many different ways, techniques, and colors. Many designers had taken inspiration from old poster designs, illustrations, and imaginary. The second trend that rose above the rest was elegant custom made stationery. Also, the techniques and materials used gave the feel of luxury, often being in gold or silver tones, or white writing on a dark background.
The Badge Style hand-drawn card series by Hammerpress Letterpress & Design from Kansas City hits the color trend on the spot. The cards with the retro feel bring back in mind the games and summer camps of childhood.
Badge inspired cards by Hammerpress Letterpress & Design Source: Poppytalk
Gold Foil in the LOVE series Source: Poppytalk
Also one of the trends is the use of gold foil, it was seen done by several different designers, but one of the cutest ones was the LOVE card series by Hello!Lucky. The lightly toned cards have a shimmering texture that reflects light. Our favorite is the cute little anchor card. Hello!Lucky also has a vintage-inspired circus line with colorful, very retro feel type cards with elephants, fire-eaters and tightrope walkers on them. 
Circus Line by Hello!Lucky Source:Poppytalk
When it comes to techniques, screen printing was very popular this year, and to no surprise. The color saturation and the lovely texture it gives as a finish are so pleasing to the eye and the touch. These bright colored cards by The Paper Cub Co. are just adorable, also see the main photo.
The Paper Cub co. Source: Crow and Canary
Another one of our sure favorites was the Pieces & Patterns wall calendar by One Canoe Two. The colorful calendar with its geometric shapes and patterns looks very fitting to the current trends. One Canoe Two is known for their letterpress art prints, but they also do calendars, notepads, cards, recipe binders & boxes, and so much more. We fell in love with their clean and modern look and illustrations.
Pieces&Patterns wall calendar Source: The Sweetest Occasion
Personalized silk envelopes, Source: Haute Papier
The silk stationery was something new and exciting. Haute Papier’s letterpressed silk stationery is so lovely and elegant, it makes it every paper enthusiast’s must-have. Also, the custom wedding papers and letterpress designs they offered in their wedding category were just incredible. This is luxury stationery at its best!
Custon made wedding stationery, Source: Haute Papier
Of course Mohawk, our favorite US paper maker, also had a booth at the National Stationery Show. You can read about their experiences and some of their favorite booths on their blog Felt & Wire.
We wish you all a happy weekend!