I've attended the High Point Furniture Market for the past 15 years.  There is so much to see in terms of furniture, trends, color, etc. but there's a lot of  "people watching" going on for me as well.

image via Jeff Mermelstein

From the fashionistas to the flamboyant, to even the rare woman in mom jeans and tennis shoes, what I noticed this time were the dapper men of Highpoint!  Here are some favorites who graciously agreed to be featured and answer some questions:

BARRY DIXON- Interior Designer - not only is he one of the most talented designers I know, he is such a nice person!! (barrydixon.com)

How many years have you attended the High Point Market? - 20 years!!

What is your role when attending?- As an interior designer looking for new things for our clients, I'm always a buyer.  And as a designer for our collections with Arteriors and Tomlinson/Erwin Lambeth, we're exhibiting our wares each Spring and Fall.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market? - An extra dose of energy!

What is something most people don't know about you? - Strangely, I really don't sleep.....much!

Here is the Michael Bench designed by Barry for Tomlinson.  I love the movable bolsters on either end!

Next up.........

NEAL EDWARDS - Worlds Away - check out the socks!!

How many years have you attended the High Point Market?  18 years (damn, I am old).

What is your role when attending?  VP of Sales, Marketing and Product Development for Worlds Away.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market?  A great attitude, my lucky socks and favorite boots!

What is something most people don't know about you?  I am addicted to SEC football!!

Another "dapper" man.....

GARY INMAN - Gary Inman Designs - Exhibitor at Moore Councill

How many years have you attended the High Point Market? This was my 20th year.

What is your role when attending? I have been an interior designer for 23 years so my primary role has been as a buyer.  This market was my first time as both a buyer and exhibitor.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market? A good rolling bag an and Iphone.  I have a great version of the Birkin bag that is a rolling bag - it holds everything I need and it is handsome as well.

What is something most people don't know about you? I think most don't know I started my career in fashion and later transitioned to interiors.  I also minored in dance which has given me a great appreciation for elegant lines in all things.

Here is a gorgeous man's chest designed by Gary which includes partitions for glasses, change and even cufflinks.  The front panels are upholstered in a handsome fabric that looks like a pin striped suit!

Continuing with.....

LARE McCREARY- Stuart Lawrence Pillows

How many years have you attended the High Point Market?  4 years.

What is your role when attending?  Exhibitor and Designer.  While I'm promoting and selling my line of Stuart Lawrence pillows.  I'm also on the hunt for new lines for my design clients.  Plus, I'm looking at trends in design and color to inspire me in my pillow line.  I call it "being part of the conversation".

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market?  My laptop!

What is something most people don't know about you? My background is in Church Ministry.

Here is a small sampling of Lare's gorgeous pillows!

A very witty young man.....

TYLER LYNCH - JDouglas

How many years have you attended the High Point Market?  With only a few years under my belt, I am fairly new to the wholesale side of the industry. I have been attending High Point market for 2 years.

What is your role when attending? I work on the exhibitor side of the industry at a showroom that represents multiple manufacturers: J Douglas.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market?  My Jack Spade Tote is essential when traveling in High Point. I am able to travel from meeting to meeting filling it up with new catalogs, sales materials and of course an iphone charger!

What is something most people don't know about you?  I am very much an advocate of historic preservation and have volunteered at the Fox Theater as an usher for many years. The Fox Theater is one of the few landmarks in Atlanta saved by the wrecking ball.

Another long time High Point man is.....

EDDIE EDWARDS - E. Lawrence, Ltd.

How many years have you attended the High Point Market?  25.  And yes, 50 markets.

What is your role when attending? Product Designer/Exhibitor.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market?  A great attitude.  This is the only thing over which I have control.

What is something most people don't know about you?  I'm a singer/songwriter and front man for an electronic punk band.

Eddie is our "go to" source for books.

Here is a new friend I made......

DOUG SELF- JDouglas

How many years have you attended the High Point Market? 21 years, my 42nd market.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market? My compression socks that keep my feet from getting too sore and my pocket squares.

What is something most people don't know about you? I just opened a week before High Point my first retail store, a lifestyle boutique (provisionoxford.com) in Oxford, MS where I went to college.

And finally......

GRANT FORD - Lexington Home Brands

How many years have you attended the High Point Market? 23

What is your role when attending? Account Manager for Lexington Home Brands.

What is an ESSENTIAL you must bring to Market? A great attitude and lots of energy.

What is something most people don't know about you? I am a technology geek!

I really enjoyed speaking with these stylish and successful men, some whom I've known for years, and others I just met!

 High Point - It's not just about the furniture!!

Joann