Step inside one of midcentury design’s most unexpected comebacks. In this presentation at the
Fairfield County District Library, you’ll discover the remarkable story of
Gay Fad Studios, an iconic glassware brand founded by Fran Taylor in the 1939 and revived in 2022 after nearly six decades of dormancy. Now thriving in Lancaster, Ohio, Gay Fad is the only decorative midcentury glassware studio of its kind to return from that era, blending historic techniques with bold, modern interpretations. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how husbands David and Jason Annecy transformed the brand into a national design destination, complete with a retail store, museum, and immersive installations. Along the way, you’ll hear how the revival led to collaborations with cultural icons like Dita Von Teese, appearances on Apple TV’s Palm Royale, and the creation of
“Bottoms Up,” America’s first midcentury show focused on cocktail culture. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for Ohio’s glassmaking heritage and a deeper understanding of how a legacy brand can be reimagined for today, proving that great design never goes out of style.