Last week I went to the 30th annual ICCF NYC show, a North American platform for international design, showcasing the newest and the upcoming at the Jacobs K. Javits Convention Center. This four day fair brought together 36,000 interior designers, architects, retailers, representatives, distributors, facility managers, developers, manufacturers, store designers, and visual merchandisers. On Wednesday, May 23th, the ICFF opened its doors to the general public as well.
Much like WantedDesign, ICFF is a favorite annual New York City event. More than a networking opportunity and space for learning, ICFF promises cutting-edge information on trends, including data-based predictions of what’s next. This annual industry conference gives those in the design space an undeniable edge, unlocking the key to innovative luxury design. Here are some of my favorite finds.
Cipriani Homood
Opulent, futuristic, and just a little playful, Cipriani Homood’s furniture designs are artful and simply delightful. This Italian designer plays with bold jewel tones and neutrals alike, making mundane pieces like sofas, chairs, side tables and more into works of art. Braided leather piping on sofas and textured fabrics playing off one another made a lasting impression on me.
Teixidors
Gauzy and airy, yet sturdy and bright, Spanish fabrics offer an unassuming way to work luxury into a design scheme. Texidors has an altruistic element to their sustainable designs, integrating people at risk of social exclusion and committing to responsible consumption. From supple pillowcases to drapey, buttery blankets, these textiles give any living room, bedroom, or sanctuary a luxurious yet comfy element.
Warp & Weft
In addition to these textiles, Warp & Weft, one of my favorite rug companies was on display at ICFF. Their collaboration with Yabu/Pushelberg has added a new layer of interest to the already unusual woven textures.
Camila Lanzas Goded
Another best-loved textile designer is Camila Lanzas Goded, whose creations are hand woven in Abbatés workshop in a Monastery in Spain. Her tactile and well-constructed pieces are creative, yet timeless, and point at a mastery of her medium.
Indio da Costa
Once again, aligning with my favorite finds at WantedDesign Manhattan, Brazilian Furniture took ICFF by storm. Brazillian company Indiocosta’s designs took my breath away, specifically with its chairs, including the Serelepe Chair and the ICZERO Chair. These sleek chairs push the envelope on ergonomic design, giving consumers simple ways to elevate any minimalist design scheme. My favorite part of Indiocosta’s designs are the sharp angles, creating opportunities to infuse even the most understated schemes with unexpected lines.
Fogia
In a similar vein, designer Fogia adds exciting twists to classic designs. Armchairs are given an upgrade with sensual curves and high, structured armrests, rounded to evoke a river-rock feel. Cabinets, shelves and storage are bold takes on the typically mundane, featuring simply stunning curves and sharp angles.
Les Jardins
Often overlooked, outdoor furniture and accents can be the difference between a home that feels complete and one that does not. French company, Les Jardins, has answered this call, creating polished, yet unique pieces to upgrade outdoor spaces. Tinka solar lights, are an upscale take on the typically cheap and utilitarian versions. The furniture, like the Skaal chair makes outdoor minimalism simple, allowing plant life to sit center stage.
Gandia Blasco
For a modern, yet ancient twist on backyard furnishings, the Tipi collection by Norwegian designer Gandia Blasco presents a contemporary take on indigenous tents. Using modern materials and finishes, but with the same spirit and concept as original dwellers, Blasco creates airy tents to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Additionally, his hanging creations are playful, yet irresistibly chic.
Lighting Design
Playing with light and materials including porcelain, glass and metals, Art et Flortitude creates lighting fixtures and wall art that seamlessly blend lighting and luxury.
Other lighting vendors of note include C.V.L. Luminaires. This incredible design house offers light fixtures, like the Constellation, that double as works of art. Additionally, Santa & Cole, Barcelona-based lighting company, offers modern light fixtures that instill serenity and well-being.
Atelier Alain Ellouz’ Alabaster and Rock Crystal lighting brings about the same sense of wellness conjured by a powerful crystal aligned with your energy. Their elegant, yet artful fixtures are sure conversation pieces. Finally, New Zealand’s own David Trubridge harnesses natural materials in a unique way. Using timber from sustainably managed plantations in New Zealand or the United States, his pieces embody the seamless relationship between art and interior design.
Atelier Vierkant
Belgian design house Atelier Vierkant offers surprising, yet irresistible texture in the form of clay furniture and accessories. From supple, smooth seating options, like rounded smaller seats to more structured pieces like the Alph Bench, Atelier’s offerings look as natural in a home environment as they do in commercial spaces. Their collection of textured clay vases is unparalleled. Some small enough to lift, others towering over the observer, the collection is sprawling. Adding an interesting twist, clay perfumes are incorporated into many of their designs, adding a new layer to the experience of interacting with their pieces. This is a company truly embodying their 2018 collection’s title, “My earth to connect with.”
Polarmoss
Taking natural beauty to the extreme, Finnish company Polarmoss harnesses an earthly resource, adding bright bold colors to create an other-worldly look. This dyed natural moss is then fashioned into everything from wall installations to hanging spheres. A perfect no-maintenance addition to any home, this innovative company gives even the least plant-savvy homeowner a way to bring natural, life-giving elements inside.
No Taste For Bad Taste Exhibition
“After its official inauguration at the Institut français in Milan on 5 April 2017 as part of the Furniture Show, the No Taste For Bad Taste exhibition will embark on its journey in collaboration with the Institut français and the French cultural network abroad. It will be presented around the world within the framework of major international design events over a four-year period, from 2017 to 2020.”
The French Collaboration, No Taste for Bad Taste, seemed to speak to me directly. Its goal is to develop France as an international home for the design and lifestyle sector, with creativity that is not inhibited by boundaries. Combining furniture, art, textiles, accessories and tableware, this exhibit made clear the extent of the caliber of design coming from France and introduced the industry to brand new talent.
Among was designer Virginie Lobrot of Temps De Libre. Her imaginative designs take often ignored details, turning them into artful details. The arms of her chairs often feature surprising curves, and the stools, longer than usual legs. The innovative material she uses for seats and cushions are a textural delight, offering both soft neutrals and surprising patterns.
