New York is all a buzz again with design and art this week for NYCxDESIGN, through May 25 anchored by ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and WantedDesign, jointly held at the Javits Center. NYCxDESIGN established in 2013, was created to support, empower, and grow the city’s vast design sector while showcasing the immense talent and diversity of the city’s creative community. The festival highlights the creative energy these artisans bring with their companies and brands, further solidifying the design DNA of New York. The ICFF trade show continues to emphasize original and sustainable design with a broad range of furnishing products for residential, contract and hospitality. The other part of the team WantedDesign, is a platform used to promote design internationally, creating an environment that nurtures talent throughout the year.
Mezzo Collection
The elegant designs at Mezzo Collection are indicative of their mid-century inspired furniture with a modern twist. With inspiration derived from music, art, entertainment and politics, they are able to find a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and vintage design.
Luke Lamp Co.
Lighting that is unique and functional coexists at Luke Lamp Co. Starting from rewired old industrial light fixtures, the company and the collection blossomed over the years into a designer favorite. These thick nylon cords embedded with light-emitting diodes, twist, bend and curve into shapes that are both modern and nostalgic.
STACKLAB
STACKLAB is a Toronto based design studio that uses sustainable raw materials to build their modern lighting that can be customized based on color and size. The studio consists of their OBJECT division that has a collection of furniture and art objects; PROJECT that prioritizes architecture, interior design and installations.
Obakki
Obakki is a lifestyle brand connecting people through modern design and handcrafted products. Made in partnership with a network of world-class artisans, their pieces evoke a sense of cultural sensibilities and pride.
WantedDesign
A few notables from the many of the offerings in the WantedDesign area of the show.
Founded in Brooklyn in 2022, Concrete Poetics feature a collection of hand cast cement sculptural pieces and furniture. The shapes and patterns from the collection are created intuitively, taking inspiration from the sea, land and nature. This was a must-see creative brand at WantedDesign during NYCxDESIGN.
Sawyer Made‘s The Wayward Bench is a fun and modern take on American Windsor and Shaker traditions of furniture making. Handmade and sustainable, all the pieces made in their workshop is a reminder of the level of craftsmanship that still exists today.
The Future Is With The Young
Part of the show was dedicated to showcasing young talent from design schools around the world. This was a fun and exciting feature to see the imagination that these young talents will bring to the market very soon. This entry was from the School of Architecture, Art and Design (EAAD), Technologico de Monterrey. They were tasked with creating sustainable furniture pieces that were lightweight and sturdy. They also used uncomplicated mechanical systems making them easy to assemble and break down when needed.
DIFFA
Into the mix at the Javitis for NYCxDESIGN week is DIFFA – Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. The exhibition was part of their biggest fundraising event to help combat AIDS, homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health issues across the country. This year contributors designed immersive vignettes all using sustainable materials. The Respite Pod pictured below, offers a peaceful and tranquil environment inviting guests to unwind and find solace.
ICFF x Wanted Design and DIFFA are all on view at the Jacob Javits Center through May 23. 655 W 34th Street, New York, NY.
