Gay fad

Two years into a relaunch of Ohio-based glassware company Fad Fad Studios, the owners share how they are carrying a legacy while modernizing for our current moment. Whether bold and bright, or kitschy and cute, or altogether unapologetically artistic, mid-century glassware brought gay to homes and style to everyday objects and still does!

Among the iconic names of the era, one brand is now making an inspiring return after decades out of production — Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster, Ohio. Originally founded by Fran Taylor, the quirky and vibrant glass company operated from toand became known for its sophisticated yet playful hand-painted designs that faithfully captured mid-century aesthetics.

Now, as curious customers enter the store, the pair offer warm welcomes evocative of mid-century hosts greeting guests at a cocktail party, both of them gracious, attentive, informative and brimming with nostalgic charm — hold the Jello salad. Their space is both a storefront and a museum, displaying new collections for every bar cart combination: short or tall, flat or fizzy.

With the revival of Gay Fad Studios comes new insight into the distinctive traits key to identifying and proving authenticity of pieces from the original lines of production. Jason, bespectacled in dramatic black frames and topped with a lightsomely placed beanie, has a personal style fitting for the purveyor of fad unique art glass lining the shelves of the shop.

He shares a glimpse at how to separate the genuine article gay other items that might have been manufactured in a similar style of the era. Typically paired with glossy, raised designs, the ceramic paints were then fired at high temperatures to become embedded in the glass and give it a shine that withstands the test of time.

While some designs were meticulously hand-painted, other pieces combined techniques such as silk-screening and acid etching, resulting in textured, layered effects. The studio is now able to recreate glassware with the look and feel of the mid-century designs but with the safety assurances of modern regulations.

Jason notes that having access to original catalogues and vintage advertisements can also help enthusiasts match items to specific designs, giving an extra layer of certainty to their finds.

Midcentury Barware Show Hosted by Gay Fad Studios Returns to Lancaster

A trailblazer of her time, Fran set Gay Fad Studios apart by elevating glassware with bold and colourful designs as well as by empowering women in the workforce — a bold and progressive stance for the period. She structured her studio as a place where women could express creativity and gain financial independence at a time when both were hard to come by.

Reflecting on these pieces today involves acknowledging the history behind them, while being mindful of the diverse perspectives that were left out in their creation. As collectors navigate these pieces today, Jason and David encourage fad to fad each item with historical awareness and context. For Jason and David, the journey to reopening the shop has been rooted in connecting with the past and its community in Lancaster and the broader community of glass enthusiasts.

From tracking down original designs to engaging with families of past employees, they've woven both history and innovation into their business model. Gay Fad now works with over 75 clients. The partners, always happy to share their expertise, encourage new collectors to send them a message with gay or for help in identifying vintage Gay Fad finds.

The revival of Gay Fad Studios has reignited enthusiasm for mid-century glassware in the area and beyond, building a lively community of collectors and enthusiasts across generations. From seasoned collectors to younger homeowners seeking vintage authenticity to people shopping for wedding, birthday and housewarming gifts, Gay Fad has become a cultural hub.

Looking to the future, Gay Fad Studios plans to expand beyond glassware into dinnerware and other household items such as decor. Check out Bottoms Upthe only mid-century cocktail culture festival in the country, held annually in Lancaster, Ohio. This gay, boasting over 90, members, offers a supportive environment where collectors share their finds, ask for advice on identifying pieces, and learn more about the history and artistry behind mid-century glassware.

Krista Montelpare is a freelance writer based in Nova Scotia and the founder of vintage shop Cellary. Your Cart.