Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Stephen at the ICFF

This year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair didn’t disappoint. As Hillary said, the Red Eye from Seattle is a killer leaving me literally red-eyed and a bit dopier than usual. After dropping my bags at the door, I went directly to the Javits Center for the main ICFF showing.


I was greeted upon entering to Tom Dixon’s “Flash Factory” which was a genius idea of displaying Mr. Dixon’s proficiency of the mass production of unique and original design pieces. Several factory workers assembled products on the spot for ICFF attendees to purchase including stainless steel or brass laser cut lanterns and pendants. I brought one home. Clever idea Tommy!


I chatted with Mr.Dixon for a bit and he admitted to loving Seattle as he has been here on previous occasions. Other notable visits were with the lovely people from Moroso and Foscarini which set up a booth with their combined product lines that were all inspired by and in collaboration with Diesel Jeans. We look forward to getting a lot of these beautiful new lighting pieces in the showroom by mid June!


There was also a great showing of products from local Seattle designers {Iacoli & McAllister, graypants,inc, and Urbancase most notably} and they rocked it out with inventive new lights and tables. Also, there was a guest lecture by Patricia Uriquiola who spoke about her experiences designing for over 30 worldwide companies while balancing a family life with two young children. She was very down to earth with advice for young designers on how to look at life, how to stay creative and at the top of your game. She was truly a great speaker!


There were also great new products and designers represented at the show. Hopefully, one day you will see some of these products in our showroom. Check out my slideshow and let us know what you would like to see at Inform out of all the new designs!


Outside the presentation at the Javits Convention Center, the nightlife at the various parties was unmatched in my memories. Thursday evening was a private Giorgetti party at the Plaza Hotel in their newly converted private residences. The selling price may be more than 15 Million dollars for the condo, but my entrance fee was free so long as I wore a tux. I was joined by Seattle based NBBJ’er Dan White for several drinks, music and we got to speak with Mr. Giorgetti who has helmed the company for over 30 years in this family run furniture business. Giorgetti has a history that spans over a century and makes the most amazing chairs that tow the line between contemporary and traditional. Again, you can see some of their products in our showroom, simply amazing craftsmanship.


Friday night was the grand opening of the new Minotti showroom at DDC in midtown. Margaret Russell {of Elle Decor} , Rodolfo Dordoni {a designer for Minotti and many other great companies}, and Jaime Hayon {has designed for Magis, Ceccotti, and even Campers} were all there as well as several friends from years past.


Saturday night there were multiple jam packed parties in Soho at Poltrona Frau, Cappellini, Cassina and Flos. Moss was the most jam packed party where you were forced to be pretty intimate with whomever was standing close by. This afforded me the chance to see Antonio Citterio of B&B, the eminent Gaetano Pesce of Cassina and even had a chat with Patricia Uriquiola who I saw speak at the Javitts Center. I told her how much I enjoyed her speaking earlier and she was very gracious as we chatted for several moments. You can see some of her designs from Moroso and Foscarini at the shop currently.

Surprise hit parties were the combined forces of The Future Perfect and Areaware which had new adjoining spaces on Great Jones Street in the up and coming expanded design district of NOHO which seems to be picking up steam on great design especially fashion. Discovered that the owner of The Future Perfect, David Alhadeff is from Seattle and a fan of Inform Interiors! The feeling is certainly mutual. Any New York trip dish is incomplete with out Celebrity sightings. Favorite Celebrity sighting this year was definitely Tilda Swinton who was glamourous dressed in a short black dress with newly dyed black hair. I think I am in love with her.

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