Meet the Vendors | Your Guide to Who’s Who at CURATE 2023

Hello design aficionados!

Get ready – CURATE 2023 is just weeks away, bringing a remarkable lineup of vendors eager to dazzle you. While each one brings something special to CURATE, they’re united by a passion for infusing joy into the world through design – something near and dear to our hearts and the very reason we created CURATE!

Drumroll, please!

1. Orientalist Home

First up is our featured vendor, Gady Yesil of Orientalist Home. A master of textiles and a dear friend, Gady has been weaving his expertise in quality rugs for 30 years. Shopping with Orientalist Home isn’t just shopping for a rug – it's an education in quality and craftsmanship that you won't find anywhere else and it’s the reason we were thrilled when he agreed to come back to CURATE for a third time!

Timeless Oushak, intricate Kilim, and more – Gady has rounded up only the finest to elevate your space with elegance and beauty. Want to know the story behind that intricate pattern? Curious about the techniques that make these rugs last for generations? You're in luck! Gady’s wealth of knowledge is at your fingertips. Whether you're an interior design guru or are simply looking to jazz up your living space, these rugs are game-changers, and the insights you gain here are invaluable.

Follow Gady on Instagram at @orientalist.home

2. Gabby Summer Classics

Meet Traci Lantzy, the powerhouse behind Richmond’s Gabby Summer Classics. Her store isn't just a store; it's a haven for design lovers and it’s also the enchanting venue for CURATE 2023.

Every time we hit up High Point Market, the Gabby Summer Classics exhibition is the talk of the town. Why? Because whether you're on the hunt for the perfect indoor centerpiece, eye-catching outdoor furniture, unique accent pieces, or high quality pillows and fabrics, Gabby Summer Classics has everything you need and more. Imagine this: signature collections that steal the show, a team of the most brilliant design minds you'll ever meet, and an atmosphere so beautiful you'd want to move in and never leave. It's like a secret society for design enthusiasts, and Traci is the mastermind behind bringing it all right here to Richmond.

When Traci agreed to let us host CURATE at her store we were over the moon because we couldn’t dream of a better partner in bringing this event to all of you.

Be sure to follow along for the latest trends and collections: @summerclassicsrva

3. Host Pretty, Host Often

When Hannah Langhorne, the creative force behind Host Pretty, Host Often, stepped into The Iron Gate Co. Shoppe last fall, we knew we had found a kindred spirit. What sets HPHO apart? It's not just a business; it's a passion-driven venture led by three remarkable women. Hannah masterfully handles all things business and social media, her mom Bridget, the heart and soul of their entire operation, curates their beautiful booth at RVA Antiques, and her sister Jenny works behind the scenes, sourcing and perfecting their finds.

Their philosophy is simple yet profound: why should beautiful items be stashed away for "special occasions only" when every moment with loved ones is a special occasion in itself? Together, they scour the world for the crème de la crème, whether it's exploring estate sales, scouring thrift shops, participating in online auctions, or embarking on journeys to Italy. Rest assured, these women have you, their cherished buyers, in mind every step of the way.

At the core of Hannah, Bridget, and Jenny's ethos is a single mantra— "You should host pretty, and host often." And we couldn't agree more!

Join their journey on Instagram: @hostprettyhostoften.

4. Michael Talmadge Home

Let us spill the beans about someone you absolutely have to know – Kevin Malone, the creative brain behind Michael Talmadge Home. When it comes to Michael Talmadge Home, Kevin is all about turning it up a notch! In a world where everyone's obsessed with neutrals, he fearlessly cranks up the color and dives headfirst into the wonders of maximalism. His antiques? They're not just pieces; they're characters in a vibrant story, bursting with color and whimsy, and bringing life to any space.

Kevin's passion for what he does is not just evident; it's downright contagious. You're absolutely going to want a piece of that infectious joy right in your home. Fun fact – he's just as nuts about all things equestrian as we are! It's like a design dream come true. So, saddle up and come meet him!

And while you're at it, give Michael Talmadge Home a follow on Instagram: @michaeltalmadgehome

5. Cakes By Jen

Exploring all of the treasures you’ll find at CURATE will require some sustenance which is why we are thrilled to have Cakes by Jen joining us!

Cakes by Jen started almost 15 years ago in Jennifer Gorsline's kitchen with a treasured family recipe. What started as gift giving for neighbors, friends and teachers over time grew into a cottage business that hasn't looked back since. Jen has always loved baking; the smell, the taste, the creation of something delicious. This love can be traced all the way back to her childhood experiences while growing up in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela where baking was one of her favorite free-time activities.

We at the Iron Gate Co. have been long-time fans of Jen and her cakes and we can’t wait for you to join the fan club! Design and dessert – what could be better?

You can follow Cakes by Jen on Instagram at: @cakesbyjen_rva

6. The Arranger’s Market

As we cozy up to the fall season, we've got a little touch of spring just for you, courtesy of the incredible mother-daughter flower power duo at The Arranger's Market!

Meet Kate Hugo Vernon and Nancy Ross Hugo, the dynamic minds behind The Arranger's Market. These two have a simple motto that makes their craft extra special: flower arranging is all about celebrating nature. With that in mind, they believe the spotlight should be on the plant material, not just the vessel holding it. Over the years they've mastered the art of easy-to-use yet hard-to-find containers – the kind that are smart, simple, yet oh-so-sophisticated. Every piece of equipment they offer, from vase brushes to clippers, is top-notch and handpicked (or shall we say “curated”) just for you!

So, swing by, grab yourself a stunning arrangement, and get ready to celebrate the beauty of nature with The Arranger's Market. And don't forget to follow their floral adventures on Instagram: @thearrangersmarket

7. Courtright House Antiques

Rounding out our antiques vendors is a new addition to the group with the sweetest story!

Meet Elizabeth Adams, the heart and soul behind Courtright House Antiques. Now, here's where it gets heartwarming. Elizabeth isn't just running an antique shop online; she's carrying forward a legacy of love for antiques and interior design. Picture this – it all began with her grandfather's antique store back in the 1960s on Newbury Street in Boston, aptly named Courtright House. Inspired by her family's tradition, Elizabeth is on a mission to spread the joy of unique and interesting finds.

In a world that's increasingly manufactured, Courtright House Antiques is like a comforting time machine, offering a journey into the past with treasures that bring a touch of romance to everyday life.

For a sneak peek into the magic, follow Courtright House Antiques on Instagram: @courtright_house_antiques

8. The Iron Gate Co.

And of course, we can't forget The Iron Gate Co.! Meet Christine Shepard, the heart and soul behind it all.

Living in Midlothian, Virginia, with her husband and three kids, Christine considers The Iron Gate Co. her fourth child. Christine is all about creating spaces that are like warm, rich hugs. Her roots go deep into Danish culture, where hygge is more than just a fancy word – it's a way of life. For her, hygge is about wrapping your soul in the cozy comfort of everything around you – the sights, the smells, the textures. And what better way to do that than through soul-touching design?

Our specialty at The Iron Gate Co. lies in creating beautiful, comfortable spaces that tell the story of the people who live there. We believe that everyone deserves a safe space to fall at the end of the day and it’s our mission to help people find it.

Visit us at CURATE to check out what we’ve got to offer and in the meantime, give us a follow on Instagram at: @theirongateco

So, there you have it – your design dream team at CURATE 2023! This isn't just an event; it's a party, and these vendors are the life of it. Mark your calendars now, because you don't want to miss out on the coolest crew in town. Let the design adventure begin!