Eye Candy for Event Planners
Check out the fabulousness of Designing Trendz newest theme, Under the Sea. We love the colors, the details and the scale of these looks.
White, contemporary, and submerged, this lavish tented wedding reception was set deep beneath the sea. Clear Chaivari chairs hugged rectangular tables dressed in simple white linens, round mirror chargers, and crystal candlesticks. Centerpieces consisted of spectacular tall pilsner vases with explosions of exotic flowers found on top. Fuchsia, lime green, orange, yellow and purple blossoms, added a subsurface splash of colour to the white tent walls that surrounded guests. Designed by Designing Trendz’s creative director, Craig Gruzd, the wedding cake entailed golden octopuses studded in blue rhinestones that hung off tiers and, colourful coral reefs among edible sea shells that flourished along the cakes base and up its ocean blue canvas. This was truly an underwater expedition full of fantasy, colour and splendor!
In Keeping with the Under the Sea theme, Designing Trendz has brought to life the folklore of theses mythical and magical creatures found deep beneath the sea with the Mermaid Table Top featureing ocean blues, the glittering white foam of breaking waves, and the greens and yellows of underwater vegetation. Mermaids have been sought out for centuries, but look no further as this real-life-size Siren, created for an exclusive photo shoot, is made available for viewing and dreaming pleasure.
Award Winning Decor Company Opens in Vaughan
Award-winning Event Design and Décor Company Designing Trendz, has moved to the commercial district of Vaughan, Ontario.
Established in 2001, Designing Trendz is a fully integrated event design and décor company whose concepts parallel the latest trends in fashion, art, and interior design from around the world. Highly recognized for his creativity and passion, Creative Director Craig Gruzd, has lead Designing Trendz to receive numerous awards from the Canadian Events Industry, the Canadian Wedding Industry, and the Canadian Special Events and Meetings Expo. Accreditations include most creative booth, best booth, floral designer of the year, table top theme challenge winner, and 5 time winner of best themed décor.
“We are very excited about the move,” said president and creative director Craig Gruzd. “Our new warehouse is 10,000 square feet, a 4,000 square foot difference from our old space,” continues Gruzd. “At Designing Trendz, we aspire to grow in ways that allow us to conceptualize and deliver the latest trends, and continue to create spaces of elegance, magic, and ingenuity.”
Gruzd has over 15 years of experience in the industry and has served the Canadian market for over ten years. A creative genius, Gruzd set out with a degree in Landscape Architecture from his native land, South Africa. With an unwavering passion for art and design coupled with dreams of opportunity, Gruzd set sail for Canadian soil. Here he discovered a daunting lack of synergy in the event design industry and so, Designing Trendz was born.
Over the years Gruzd has worked with several high profile celebrities such as, Her Majesty the Queen while visiting Toronto in 2010, Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, Innes Di Santo, and Grace Ormonde, to name a few. Gruzd is also a proud supporter of the charitable work done through numerous hospitals and charities in the GTA. He has had the pleasure of being a part of several fundraisers with the Canadian Breast Cancer Association, Canfar, Aids Beat, Baycrest, York Central and BMW’s fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital. Other notable events include the launch of the ROM’s Michael Lee Chin Crystal, the opening of the Paramount Conference & Event Venue, and the launch of the McLaren Mercedes Benz.
Designing Trendz
2189 Hwy 7, Unit 25
Vaughan ON, Canada
L4K 1W6
www.designingtrendz.com
Game Changers
June 15 – 16, 2011, Webcom Publishing Office, Toronto
Tina Kessler, canadianspecialevents.com OnSite Reporter
Game Changers 2011 June 15&16 rock paper scissors art"][/caption]The idea of a themed event is hardly new in our industry. Most events have themes, whether it be the tried and true ‘under the sea’ or the ever popular ‘casino night’ we’ve all been to an event with a theme and most likely planned one as well. We can all recognize and appreciate the importance of an event theme, but how memorable was your last themed event? Did it make an impact? How does one weave the theme throughout an event without bashing the attendees over the head with it?
I recently volunteered at Game Changers 2011 and really got to thinking about the importance of theme. Webcom, a book printing company in Toronto, opened its doors to select publishers, associations and media for Game Changers 2011 (June 15 & 16) showcasing its latest $12 million investment in printing technologies and production program: BookFWD. This production program is aimed at transforming the way Webcoms’ publishing customers print and manage the distribution of books, directories and catalogues. Game Changers 2011 was about changing the game that is the publishing industry and providing a win-win situation for all and boasted the event tagline: “We’ve changed the rules so you always win”.
The theme of Game Changers 2011 was the well-known game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’. Here’s where the theme earns its first points: it’s identifiable. Everyone at some point has come to an agreement based on this simple game. Second, the theme was integrated: it began in the event invitation, highlighting the strength of rock, the flexibility of paper, and the sharpness of scissors, continued in the decor and room names, was present throughout the event, agenda, and even featured original artwork created for the event. Third, it was focussed. Some themes get so out of hand they leave attendees confused and overwhelmed. But the theme at Game Changers 2011 was featured just enough times that attendees were pleasantly surprised. Fourth, the theme was memorable. Memorable, in that it was a unique theme, but also that it fit the purpose of the event. The attendees arrived knowing the theme, saw it featured throughout the event, appreciated it and will remember it for years to come.
And so, while this event could easily have gone without a theme and just stayed a ho-hum corporate business event it instead took a leap of faith and executed a brilliant event theme. The event’s success will no doubt boost sales and I’m betting the theme has a lot to do with it.
FOS Creates a State of Euphoria
Contemporary Furniture POPs With Cocktail Seating
Toronto's successful and cutting edge furniture rental firm Contemporary Furniture Rentals brings in a super chic and fun line of cocktail loungers including this fun and flirty Martini Stool. Its 161/2 inches high and comes in four cool colors including green, metallic silver, and orange.
Also new in Contemporary's inventory are the Cindy Lamp in pink, gunmetal, blue, green and more delicious hues; the Provence day bed and the fabulous patent button tufted borne in orange, white, black and silver. For more from Contemporary visit their site at http://www.cfrentals.com/
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Hot Color!
“The More than lights online store offers clear paraffin oil as well as a variety of colored oils designed for burning in clear glass containers, enhancing the natural beauty of the oil lamp and adding additional color to the lamp and room.
colored oils add a unique designer touch to every occasion and as simple as they, have huge impact in any size room.
Pantone Announces Color of the Year 2011 -Honeysuckle
Energizing Honeysuckle Lifts Spirits and Imparts Confidence to Meet Life's Ongoing Challenges
Pantone and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011.
While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.
“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”
Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”
Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It's a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women's apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men's ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.
Honeysuckle products are currently available from a variety of manufacturers:
Wedding Apparel
A flattering hue for wedding attendant apparel and accessories, Honeysuckle is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social-occasion and flower-girl dresses. PANTONE WEDDING exclusively from Dessy provides a collection of color tools to make it easy for brides to achieve perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.” See www.dessy.com for more information.
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Like The Color? Match It!
The coolest new tool for the event designer, myPANTONE, for the iPhone or iPod Touch, lets you take your Pantone colors with you. The best part of this app is the matching system. Let’s say you walk by the Bay's Christmas Windows and see a stunning display of haute colors. Take a picture and let myPANTONE tell you what the closest Pantone matches are. Oh, and if you like a specific color, myPANTONE will automatically generate harmonious color combinations! Learn more at pantone.com or go to the Apple App Store.
Asian Inspired Chic at District 319
District 319 is a stylish, state-of-the-art private event and multimedia facility located in the city’s urban core.
Carefully transformed from its abandoned Asian movie house state to its contemporary revitalized form, District 319 offers clients an exciting and unparalleled event experience. Easily accommodating large groups, the licensed reception/lounge and screening room are ideally suited for film industry screenings, corporate presentations, private parties, live performances, fundraising and festival events.
Total Area: 4000 sq ft + -
Screening Room
The ambiance of the District 319 screening room is unique. With its 150 red leather club chairs complete with foot rests, the room has a modern and luxurious feeling. It is fully equipped with a 37' X 17’ white screen with side masking, 37' x 17’ Silver Screen for 3D formats, Christie CP2000 Digital HD Cinema projector, Christie 35mm projector with platter film server system, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and full multimedia capability including: CD/DVD and Blu Ray DVD; HD Cable; computer and other media sources.
The room has a front stage riser with stair access on both sides and a two-tiered floor system. Theatre Seating is non-fixed providing opportunities for multiple configurations or removal of all seating.
Screening Room: 3000 sq ft. + –
Bar and Lounge
The distinctive Asian-themed lounge and reception area, with licensed full-service bar, is adaptable to a range of hosting uses and catering opportunities.
The lounge area is connected to the Screening Room with an innovative curtained glass wall allowing for privacy or full view of the screening area.
The lounge area has 3 overhead digital projectors, HD Cable, Internet Access as well as a Sound System with flexible inputs for DJ, computer and Ipod sources.
Lounge: 1000 sq ft. + – ric
k walls, polished concrete floors and a loft-style timber ceiling.
Gallery: 2750 sq ft. + -
Profiles of Canadian Success: Designing Trendz
Designing Trendz Inc. is a full service event design and décor company with a talented creative team dedicated to orchestrating every aspect of an event, professionally and with flair. Based in Toronto, the company has been producing stellar award winning events since its inception in 2001. Today Designing Trendz continues to take pride in dedicating themselves to the needs of their discerning loyal clients and ensuring that each client’s needs are carried beyond décor to include all aspects of an occasion to produce the most stunning events imaginable.
Lead by Creative Director Craig Gruzd, Designing Trendz is comprised of a full service staff: Event Managers, In-House Floral Designers, Decorators, Prop Designers, Drivers and General Studio Employees, housed in a 10,000 square foot: office, showroom, floral studio and warehouse.
Discovering his artistic and creative talents at a young age Craig Gruzd dreamt of an outlet for his passions. Determined to discover a way to use those talents Craig moved from South Africa to Toronto to realize his dreams. Craig came to Canada with a background in catering and quickly gained employment within the special events industry. During that time Craig noticed that a void existed between aspects of the industry, specifically a void between the décor and other elements used to create an event. Recognizing this as an opportunity Craig founded a modest event design company to bridge the gap. Previously decor elements such as centerpieces, linens, lighting and even event entertainment lacked cohesiveness, Designing Trendz Inc. was born.
Craig founded the company on the basic principal of total event design and changed the face of the industry. Since founding the company, Designing Trendz has become one of the largest event design and décor firms in the country. With Craig at the helm as Creative Director, Designing Trendz has created numerous unforgettable events taking inspiration from colour, texture, design, art and architecture.
Craig and his expert team of designers and managers now travel the world in search of the latest ideas and trends constantly raising the bar for event design and décor. Known for setting new standards, Craig is in high demand as one of the most sought after speakers at industry events.
In his busy schedule Craig is committed to giving back to the community. He is active in developing the next generation of event professionals by working with students at colleges, assisting them in realizing their dreams.
This is a profile of a Canadian Event Success Story, just one of the new and creative ways CEP Magazine showcases amazing, talented event professionals in Canada. CEP Magazine: a Canadian company, dedicated to Canadian business.
