Fresh designs make waves at ICFF
By Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, May 26, 2008
New York — Sophisticated seating with configurable features, streamlined case pieces and an abundance of rich, elegant rugs highlighted the International Contemporary Furniture Fair here last week.
In addition, exhibitors — especially the small design studios, more than the larger manufacturers — were anxious to let show shoppers know about their eco-friendly activities. Plantation-grown wood, furniture made from recycled materials and natural-fiber fabrics were given front-and-center attention by exhibitors.
Now in its 20th year, the ICFF has evolved from its roots as a venue mostly for quirky, eye-catching designs into a showcase for a wide variety of stylish, salable contemporary furniture. Some designs still stretch the limits of the imagination, but the materials and production requirements are now within the realm of possibility rather than making a statement just for statement's sake.
Design groups from individual countries, ranging from Great Britain — a longtime player at ICFF — to Italy, Thailand, Spain and Denmark showed the breadth of each country's design and manufacturing capabilities.
Each year, individual product categories often take the spotlight, and this year was the year of area rugs. Wool and silk blends as well as all-silk constructions in hand-knotted styles were among the standouts, targeting a still-vibrant luxury market, said Emma Gardner, designer and owner of her namesake rug business.
The ICFF also presented its annual editors' awards. This year's winner for body of work was Herman Miller.
The new designer award went to Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Todd Bracher Studio. Yves Behar for HBF was cited for furniture; Amy Helfand for carpet and flooring; and Carnegie for textiles.
