written by Richard Benoit / June 2024

Rediscovering ICFF + WANTED DESIGN + NYCxDESIGN WEEK

I had the immense pleasure of attending the 35th edition of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), held from May 19 to 21 at New York's Javits Center. This year, the event was a vibrant melting pot of creativity, featuring over 600 exhibitors from more than 35 countries, solidifying its reputation as the go-to platform for contemporary furniture design in North America.

Quebec Designers Shining Bright

The Quebec presence at ICFF was truly something special. Without their contributions, the event wouldn't have had the same flair. About thirty Quebec designers and design firms showcased their originality and exceptional craftsmanship, enhancing the fair's overall quality.

One of the standout moments was the introduction of the "Tom" chair by the young and promising designer Reggy. His piece won a well-deserved award and is on its way to becoming a design classic. Combining innovation with uniqueness, Reggy is definitely a designer to watch. Discover Reggy

Studio Sangare also impressed with their fresh take on the iconic Barcelona Chair. Their innovative approach breathed new life into this classic, demonstrating Quebec’s knack for reinvention and innovation. Explore Sangare

Meeting the dynamic duo from the emerging studio Smallmediumlarge was another highlight. Their energy and creativity were infectious, showcasing the potential and vigor of new talents in the design world. Check out Smallmediumlarge

D'armes brought their sophisticated lighting designs to life in a bold, monochrome blue booth, emphasizing their expertise in creating stunning lighting solutions. See D'armes Lighting

Collective Creativity

A group of five artists came together as the "Collectif Ensemble" to present their unique creations. I was particularly captivated by Found studio's exquisite utensils, perfect for elevating table settings. Additionally, Pascale Girardin's booth offered an artistic experience reminiscent of Paola Lenti’s installations. Visit Found Studio and Pascale Girardin

Luminaire Authentik continued to shine internationally with their innovative items, fresh off their success at Fuori Salone. Their new pieces are sure to stand out. Luminaire Authentik

A special highlight was meeting the fabulous Marie St-Pierre, who unveiled her luxurious plumbing collection in collaboration with Baril. This collection perfectly blends high-level aesthetics with functionality, showcasing the sophistication of Quebec design. Marie St-Pierre Collection

ICFF 2024 won,t be the same without the dynamism of Mathieu Major, whose approach fostered a sense of community among the designers. His efforts culminated in a delightful dinner that united everyone. Thank you, Mathieu! Mathieu Major

The contributions of these talented Quebec designers undoubtedly elevated ICFF 2024, proving once again that Quebec design is not only relevant but also excels on the global stage.

GUILIO CAPPELLINI conference at Poltrona Frau NYC location

Location, Location, Location…

The Changing Design Landscape in New York: From Soho to Madison Avenue

Since a decade and foreost since the pandemic, New York's design landscape has undergone notable transformations, particularly with the shift of major showrooms from Soho to Madison Avenue. While this change has made visiting more efficient, some might argue it has taken away a bit of the charm and inspiration. This migration to more central, perhaps less avant-garde areas, reflects a move towards convenience at the expense of the unique experience Soho traditionally offered.

Despite several key design players seemingly leaving New York for other horizons, the city's creative density remains unmatched. Cime Decor and Haworth gave me the exclusive opportunity to visit the newly renovated Poltrona Frau showroom, an exquisite space where elegance and comfort meet spectacularly, showcasing the sumptuous quality of their leathers.

Explore Cime Decor

During this exploration, I attended a captivating lecture by Giulio Cappellini, a master in blending tradition and innovation. Moroso's space, with design by Patricia Urquiola, was a highlight, perfectly illustrating the potential of design to transform spaces.

Behind the Scenes at Cassina

Enriching conversations at Cassina allowed me to delve into the intricacies of furniture making and design decisions, providing a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship involved.

Reflecting on New York's Evolution

To top it off, an impressive view of New York from Brooklyn during a casual evening gathering offered a moment of reflection on the beauty of this ever-evolving metropolis. I strongly suggest to put that to your agenda on your next NYC visit.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team who made this experience possible.

ICFF 2024: L’invasion des Gaulois