ICFF & NYCxDESIGN 2019
Each May, design events ICFF and NYCxDESIGN converge in New York to showcase new furniture and design from every corner of the globe. The variety of venues offers everything from small emerging brands to celebrity-backed major players.
Changes in design trends can be subtle. No designer sets out to create work that’s just a flash in the pan. Unlike fashion’s quick seasonal changes, successful design lasts. Coming to a trade show expecting to see a completely new palette, shape or point of view is not advised. This year was a case in point.
STANDOUTS
There are a few standouts worth mentioning. First on our list is Apparatus. They re-imagine their space and open anew every May. Be sure to read our article Showroom Tour: Apparatus for more. At Wanted Design Manhattan The Slash Objects display juxtaposed flecked recycled rubber, cast concrete, brass and velvet upholstery.
The star of their booth was their Coexist Daybed (shown above in header) made of Nero Marquina Marble, Brushed Brass, Blackened Steel, and a Wool Bouclé Upholstery.
Indo showed their Pilar table, which is a dip dyed marvel. The fluted surface explores the irregularity in the dyeing process. Each band of color adds a layer of depth to the piece while the flutes create a constant dialogue of light and shadow.
The Future Perfect has an interesting show going on, The Chair, which positions the chair as a medium. They invited 48 artists, industrial designers, ceramicists, sculptors and interior designers, including Bec Brittain, Kelly Wearstler, and Piet Hein Eek to create a chair of their own imagination. The work ranges from pure art to fully functional seating. Some of our favorites were Blowing Armchair 5 by Seungjin Yang, The Soft Chair by Shore Rugs, The Acapulcx Chair by Tanya Aguiniga, and The 2.4 Chair by Omer Arbel.
At ICFF Wentz, a Brazilian lighting and home accessories brand showcased their fusion of contemporary design with classic Brazilian materials- the Tela lounge chair. The natural weave is inspired by classic caning, redesigned in a larger scale with cotton thread.
James Dieter’s Cross lighting constructed from felt clad acrylic with glass diffusers was outstanding. Cross combines the soft texture of felt with hard geometry; the folded band effect lends a graphic dimension to the structure.
Wallcovering booths are always fun to explore with their bright colors and patterns, but this year Juju Papers shared decidedly pared down palettes and patterns. The simple monochrome block printed aesthetic of La Strada is spectacular.
TRENDING ON
This year many trends continue. Terrazzo and marble are still big, but confetti colors are out in favor of darker, chunkier materials.
Chubby furniture continues to be a favorite, but the pared down tubes this year are a bit more understated.
We can't pass on mentioning Eny Lee Parker. For those demanding 'something new', this vignette didn’t disappoint, with her otherworldly collection of furniture, lighting and accessories.
