1 Designer collections at Matter, Avenue Road and Future Perfect
One of the hottest interior design firms of the moment, Roman and Williams is debuting a collection of lighting and furniture in the “American vernacular” (think: solid wood pieces in classic styles) for MatterMade.
And, at Avenue Road, Christophe Delcourt will present a more delicate collection, though it too is made of timeless materials: stone, wood, brass, and leather figure prominently. Also, Future Perfect will present a collaboration between Shanghai architecture and design firm Neri & Hu and London-based brand De La Espada.
2 Great lighting at ICFF
The fair proper is the best place to see some of the most inventive lighting coming out of the U.S., from such brands as New York’s Roll & Hill and San Francisco’s Pablo – which presents a family of flat-panel LED fixtures. Small multidisciplinary furniture designers are also showing off small-run lighting products; Rhode Island’s Studio Dunn will present its Radiata pendant fixture.
3 International talent at Wanted
In its third year, the Wanted extravaganza continues to debut design both experimental and in production, with such brands as Bernhardt Design and Trove showing. This year, it will also feature a contingent of Quebec designers including Jean-Maxime Labrecque, who will show off his Variable Hidden-Function Monolith, a dining table set with seats that tuck in to create a seamless volume.
4 Paola Navone’s Out of India collection for Anthropologie
Lately, a few mainstream fashion retailers have been rolling out designer collections. These include Zara and J.C. Penney, which recently debuted a brightly hued line of home accessories by Terence Conran, Michael Graves and Jonathan Adler. But the one collaboration we’re truly psyched about is Paola Navone’s new pieces for shabby-chic clothier Anthropologie. The Italian designer, who has created Shaker-esque furnishings for Gervasoni and gorgeous tableware for Richard Ginori, will introduce her punchy suitcases, textiles, beds and more at Anthropologie’s event on Sunday, May 19.
For 25 other great design must-sees in New York, pick up our June issue on newsstands.