Coral & Tusk visits k colette in Portland, ME!
Here at Coral & Tusk, we are proud to have our products stocked in independently owned shops both near and far. Visiting our stockists in person and meeting our customers is always an exciting experience! The partnerships we've created with our wholesalers are unique and we are very lucky to have the opportunity to work with some of the most beautiful and truly inspiring stores. We are thrilled to share our store visits with you on our blog this holiday season!
Last week we joined k colette at their 5th annual Harvest Gathering, where we displayed our entire home collection for a trunk show! We've worked with k colette for nearly 3 years now, but this was our first visit to their beautiful Portland, Maine store.
photo courtesy k colette
Karen Burke, a former math teacher turned entrepreneur opened k colette in 2012. It was an artistically-minded family background that influenced her appreciation for creativity in art & design, and objects that bring true joy to people’s lives. She sources items from around the globe with a strong selection of goods from Maine artists. It’s her passion, intrinsic style, and creativity in collaboration that show in every detail of the shop. The energy and excitement Karen brings and the care she takes is a huge part of what makes k colette so successful, from the store curation and display, to the online shop and the wonderful staff of people who put their hearts into everything they do.
Karen, Stephanie, Paco and Lauren visiting in the Coral & Tusk studio
We have enjoyed getting to know Karen and the team during their visits to New York each season for the NY NOW trade show and welcoming them to our studio.
STUDIO PHOTOS COURTESY K COLETTE
We couldn’t have been more excited to get the chance to join k colette in Maine, to see their beautiful store for the first time and meet the rest of their team!
When a store owner and her staff genuinely love and appreciate the products they carry and the makers behind them, it shows in every detail of the shop. Karen’s support, passion and appreciation for all of the makers and artisans she represents is unique, and as a designer, we could not be more grateful for this partnership and collaborative relationship. As one staff member told us, "It is obvious that Karen does what she does, not for herself, but to support and champion the designers and work she most admires." k colette continues to go above and beyond with their gorgeous photography of their vendor's products. We are always excited to see everything they post and share.
They graciously hosted us as part of their annual Harvest Gathering for a trunk show in celebration of the season and as thanks to some of the wonderful artists they carry. They had delicious Hors D'oeuvres and drinks by Dandelion Catering Co. + Foulmouthed Brewing. Local artists in attendance included: Autumn Cipala Ceramics, Coral & Tusk, Erin Donovan, FINN & CO., Holly Brooks, Jill Matthews Paintings, Johanna Moore, Lisa Gent Handcrafted Jewelry, Maine Women Write, Molly Maps, Mulxiply, Valerie Paul, Seapoint Chandlers, and Wary Meyers.
Our display set up by their amazing team! We were blown away by the embroidered fabrics hung from the ceiling and with their weaving loom display in the window.
Our hand-made embroidered and appliqued canoe even made the trip!
The Big Sur collection feels right at home in coastal Maine!
Beautiful display with John Derian pieces. Backdrop includes one of our favorites, Astier de Villatte ceramics.
We had a wonderful time celebrating with k colette and meeting some amazing Maine artists and artisans! We can’t thank them enough for having us and hope we get the chance to visit again soon! We were lucky enough to get to spend an extra day exploring the area and visiting some of our stores along the coast! Read all about our trip to Maine on our blog post, Coral & Tusk visits Maine.