This past NYC weekend was a big deal for anyone interested in the world of interiors. The annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) was held once again at the Jacob K. Javits center on the West side of Manhattan in Hell's Kitchen. This fair features hundreds of booths with designers ranging from well known names such as Fritz Hansen to up and coming contenders like David Gaynor Design and Wren & Cooper - two first time exhibitors who I am proud to say I graduated with from Rhode Island School of Design's Furniture Department. It's exciting to see their tremendous work evolve into viable creative businesses. Simultaneous to the ICFF convention (which is only open for four days), NYCxDesign is a 12 day long celebration of design with events and shows held throughout the five boroughs. With so much going on, I focused on my own company, Herman Miller, and the exhibits they held in and around the Standard Hotel at the Southern base of the Highline showcasing this year's upcoming product launches.
The vast, wood paneled space of the Standard Room on the 3rd Floor featured swanky low couches and casual dining areas, all accented to perfection with smart, youthful props. I felt one cocktail/cigarette combo away from a Mad Men set, which is fitting considering the growing amount of post modern Herman Miller furniture featured on that show. Fast company wrote all about it here.
The showroom extended onto the terrace where the company's growing portfolio of outdoor furniture was featured. The Eames Aluminum is one of my favorite indoor pieces, so I was happy to see it's outdoor cousin debut.
Spun Chair by Thomas Heatherwick - yes, it's a chair, and yes, it spins!
As if I hadn't already been spoiled with great design, they also set up an Alexander Girard pop up shop located just around the corner (at 446 West 14th Street) to feature archival pieces as well as reissues which will be produced in the fall. This more intimate show will be open until May 28th and is a "must see," if not for it's inspiring artifacts, unique color palette and 70's mexican music, then for the espresso bar, La Columbe, in the back serving complimentary cortados! Dwell magazine features more information here.
A brief video for a taste of the music... it was wonderful!
I truly am a lucky gal to work at a company with such a tremendous design legacy. To be inspired everyday by unique stories, stunning visuals, and equally wonderful people is a humbling thing.