What do manufacturers want to talk about at trade shows? At the recent New York International Gift Fair (February 1-6, 2008), designers waxed poetic over their new collections while lamenting the slow traffic. When we got off the subject of business, the conversation turned to - more business. The business of moving residences and offices, the joy of travel, and who was seen wearing what - who being a mini-celeb (Suri, Violet, and the like) and what being the dress, shoes and accessories - in celebrity magazines.

Now, Aftershow:

Harald and Lynn Husum of Appaman are giving up their New York City Lower East Side workspace and movin' on up to the Flatiron district. Their new digs, says Lynn, will be three times the size of the original location. And all that space is needed with the imminent launch of the new 13-piece denim collection. The line, for girls and boys, will include several pant styles in two washes, skirts, a jumper and jackets. Look for Appaman's boys' collection at their newest outlet, Barneys New York, this spring.

Shelley Hunt, the mastermind behind the ArtWalk, My Boy Sam, and Skivvydoodles knitwear collections, is a Brit at heart. Twice a year, the designer heads to London where she spends hours in all the great boutiques and department stores. "The big stores are like they were in the States 30 years ago. They have sewing and notion departments; they're much more comprehensive," says Hunt. She's also a fan of the city's flea markets and flower shows where she digs through bins for inspiration. "I just take it in like a sponge," she says. Shelley and Rob Hunt are so enamored with the city that they're planning on spending more time there - a lot more time. Shelley is thinking of renting a houseboat that will dock on the Thames.

Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut. That's what Carolyn Forsman did when she decided to introduce three new pieces of jewelry with the iconic peace symbol. "I could just feel it in the air," says Forsman of her decision. That hunch paid off. Her new pieces, as well as her classic wooden block bracelet, are selling in London's Tate Gallery, the MOMA in San Francisco and in four stores in Tokyo. After a hiatus of several years, Forsman will return to the ENK Children's Club in March.

Out of the house and into…a loft. A big, sky-lit loft and showroom for Oeuf. Owners Sophie Demenge and Michael Ryan have given up the luxury of working in their home digs, and moved their office to Park Slope, Brooklyn. "The space is really beautiful," says Demenge. "It's great to have our office and now a showroom in the same location. Our customers have responded to the change really well. It's very convenient to get here." (Their new office/showroom, 119 8th St. between Second and Third Avenues, can be reached via the F train to 9th Street.) More news: Oeuf has launched "Goodies" a collection of knit toys and party favors sold in novelty bags. Buy the items (under $25 wholesale) and you help support a women's collective in Bolivia who hand craft the goods.

Here's something I've heard maybe, well, never. "We just moved next door to my in-laws - and it's a good thing!" Okaaay. That's the news from Shannon and Chris Svensrud of Pixel Organics, the modern furniture, bedding and apparel collection. The Svensruds and their two small children just doubled their living space, and now have a garage, and, says Shannon, "It's a real house with a big lawn for the kids to play on."

Oh, baby. Make that two. Katie and Troy Klith of Urban Smalls will be adding a new little Klith to the family later this year, making their son, Gunner, a big brother. As if a new child isn't enough, last summer the Klith's relocated from New York to Santa Fe, New Mexico. What's next? The Southwestern Smalls collection?

Ready for their Closeup:

Bette Midler put on a one-woman show for designer Jenny Krauss at the Kinderware booth during the recent Grand Central Gift Fair. The diva swept in, and in true Hollywood fashion, remarked, "Isn't that expensive?," when Krauss quoted a whopping $25 for a doll. Midler bought the item and several other pieces of apparel and then insisted each gift come in its own bag. Other Kinderware fans: the photographer Annie Liebowitz purchased Kinderware plates for her kids from ZooZoo Children's Clothing, a boutique in the Hamptons on Long Island.

Wry Baby's new pillowcases embroidered with the words "On Duty" and "Off Duty" have hit a nerve with consumers and trend experts. Elizabeth Mayhew of the Today Show featured the items in a pre-Valentine's Day roundup of cool gifts for under $50. No more forgetting whose turn it is for that 2 a.m. feeding.

Originally published March 2, 2008