Sweets store in OKC puts new twist on old favorites

The new cupcake and candy store Pinkitzel hopes to lure customers with its over-the-top decor and sugary confections.

A chandelier dripping with vintage silver flatware. An iPhone pouch that looks like a chocolate bar.Check out the Facebook fan pageThe business partners hope their attention to detail, and capacity to host parties and make deliveries will give them an advantage in the cupcake market.1. Vintage, with a twist.The range of products at the fair can be staggering. Pylones' clever chicken-shaped rubber purses and chocolate-bar iPhone pouches attracted show-goers, as did children's versions of iconic designer's chairs from Australia's Little Nest. One aisle held a heavenly array of charming baby goods, while another was an olfactory wonderland of room and body fragrances.Husband and wife team Christa and Jonathan Janzt partnered with their friend Cher Casso to open the cupcake and candy store.From the 19th century through the 1960s, giftware at the show this year evoked the past. "Found" objects were a big theme -- gathered in curio cabinets or repurposed. Many booths looked like stylish scavenger hunts. At Knobstoppers, there were antique clay billiard balls made into bottle stoppers. Cake's booth had chandeliers formed with old silverware, and trays and lamps made with antique French seed packets sandwiched between glass.The industry calls these "aspirational" goods -- items that provide a touch of the lives we'd rather be living. Love the notion of an estate in the country? Then watch for the Steeplechase and Butler's Pantry collections from Two's Company, featuring buckled photo frames, equestrian prints, luxe silver and linen bar ware. A chic skyscraper aerie more your style? California's Oly Studio hit a high note with furnishings decked out in zebra print, mohair and mirrored mosaics. There were many silvery, gilded and iridescent accessories throughout the show.From the luxe to the loopy, the New York International Gift Fair, held twice a year, features thousands of booths stocked with the newest furnishings, books, children's goods, jewelry and textiles. Top design studios from around the world share floor space with tiny, up-and-coming gift purveyors looking for their big break.With its elaborate decor, several first-time customers have asked Jonathan Jantz if Pinkitzel is some sort of new national chain operation. People are usually shocked when he tells them it's a startup business, he said.French designer Nathalie Lete brought a modern Japonesque flair to paperware and accessories."It's a play on words - we want everyone who comes in to be tickled pink," Jonathan Jantz said.The newly remodeled store also has a 40-seat cafe that serves coffee, tea, hot coco and cream sodas alongside the cupcakes.Laura Zindel's pottery featured inky, illustrated naturalistic imagery. Simrin had linen napery printed with old-style paper restaurant placemats; Anne Taintor's snarky female stereotypes now adorn flasks and shot glasses.."I want Sofiabella to help empower young girls through fashion."

"We're all Oklahoma City residents who really love Oklahoma City and wanted to bring something unique and special to the area," he said.

Author: Brianna Bailey