Renata Bokalo officially debuted as show director of Shoppe Object last month, but she’s been working behind the scenes in that capacity for several months, and, as show founder Jesse James‘ right-hand, she is ready to take the reins. Bokalo was on the founding team of Shoppe Object, which debuted in 2018, and has been part of the decision-making, brand selection and sales operations for the show since then. “It’s great to get to a place where that transition can take place, and we are both excited about all the things on the horizon,” said James, who remains with the Shoppe Object brand as president. Bokalo is tasked with executing James’ vision for Shoppe, which includes sustaining its level of quality and curation, increasing international attendance and creating new events in and outside New York. “My whole career has culminated in this [transition], because I’ve worked on all sides of the coin,” said Bokalo, who also worked with James at the wholesale rep firm Aesthetic Movement and previously owned a gift and décor store in Manhattan called Auto. “I’ve been a retailer, I’ve worked with buyers, I know makers and designers and brands, and all of that has come together in this position. I have a lot of love for this industry, so it is very exciting.”
