BROOKLYN DESIGNS™ Draws Huge Crowds

(Brooklyn, NY – July 2003) Brooklyn Designs™, the new design show, produced by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce featuring 30 of Brooklyn’s most talented designers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories, drew close to 3,000 consumer and trade visitors during its inaugural three-day run at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO, Brooklyn (June 13-15).

According to Kenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “This was one of our most successful Chamber events ever. Brooklyn Designs created a buzz about something new and exciting here in Brooklyn. Attendance for Brooklyn Designs exceeded our expectations. The mood at the show was contagiously positive. Both trade and consumer guests were hungry to see the exhibits and meet the designers face-to-face. There were people all weekend long waiting for their chance to get in and see the show.”

According to Robert Russell of Robert Russell Furniture, “The show was well attended with people that were serious-minded about design. So many people were surprised by what they found. Brooklyn Designs really made people aware of what is going on in the Brooklyn design world.”

Ladislav Czernek, Ladislav Czernek Furniture added, “Visitors seemed surprised and happy. Some said they felt it was less of a traditional furniture show and more of an art experience. Many of the attendees were looking for specific things for their homes and had the budgets to purchase them. This is the perfect kind of audience for limited edition work like ours.”

Exhibitors were unanimous in their praise for the show. As Azy Schecter of KEA Carpets put it, “Many people made the trip to DUMBO for the first time–coming from places like Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and even the island of Manhattan. We were thrilled that our show could attract such a diverse group of visitors.”

Scott Braun of Scott Braun Furniture added, “This was a perfect opportunity to educate our clients–many of whom are right in our own backyard–as to who we are, what we do and how accessible we are.”

Jonah Zuckerman, president of Furniture New York and exhibiting as City Joinery was impressed by the quality of all of the juried exhibitors, “Brooklyn Designs was a gathering together of amazing talent and skill. Several members of the trade said it was an unexpected pleasure to be at a show where everything was worth looking at. We are excited for the community of New York furniture makers to grow and prosper with the future of Brooklyn Designs and other events and programs that it might spawn.”

The professional and consumer seminars were all well-attended. Cindy Allen, editor-in-chief of Interior Design Magazine, moderated a lively panel entitled “Making it. Who Gets Ahead in Challenging Times” with design stars Ali Tayar, David Ling and James Slade. Other program highlights included Vito Acconci, and speakers from West Elm, Pratt Institute, ABC Carpet & Home and Furniture NY.