Sponsored By Inhabitat.Com And Design*Sponge
(Brooklyn, NY – May 21, 2009) BKLYN DESIGNS™, the annual three-day furnishings design event presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, received recognition from leading design web sites, Inhabitat.com and Design*Sponge, for the work produced by several exhibitors showcased at the 2009 show. Six winners were chosen from this year’s 45 exhibitors. Held over Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 to 10, BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 highlighted some of the freshest and most innovative contemporary furniture, lighting, carpet, flooring, and wall covering designs being produced in Brooklyn.
The 2009 BKLYN DESIGNS™ exhibitors receiving industry recognition for their cutting-edge designs were:
Inhabitat.com Editor’s Choice Awards:
Most Innovative Use of Materials: Funature by Hugh Hayden
Best Lighting Design: Paper Lamps by Levent & Romme
Best Student Design: Buoy Chair by Evan Dewhirst
Best Kid’s Design: Bamboo Kid’s Furniture by Argington
Best in Show: Transforming Table Bench by EcoSystems
DesignSponge’s Grace Bonney “Best in Show” Award:
Palo Samko Woodworker
“BKLYN DESIGNS has been responsible for launching many designers’ careers and as presenters of the show, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is proud of that fact. We’ve found a way to promote these growing businesses, and connect them with potential buyers and business partners in a fun and creative atmosphere,” notes Carl Hum, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Grace Bonney, founder and editor of Design*Sponge said, “This year’s BKLYN DESIGNS™ was the strongest showing I’ve seen yet. The exhibitors accurately represented the sort of cutting-edge, forward-thinking design that’s taking place in Brooklyn right now. I really enjoyed the sense of camaraderie among the designers and felt much more at home at BKLYN DESIGNS™ this year than I’ve felt at any other show over the past 6 years.”
Well-known professionals from the design industry converged on the main exhibition hall located at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO, Brooklyn, several of whom commented that the quality and variety of design featured this year by participating exhibitors was heightened. Jayne Michael, partner at 2Michaels, a New York based interior design firm specifically noted, “The show was smaller than last year but the caliber was higher and well edited.”
In addition, many of the designers who exhibited at this year’s show expressed satisfaction with their BKLYN DESIGNS™ experience. Palo Samko, in his third year exhibiting at the show said, “BKLYN DESIGNS™ is my favorite show. I participate in several others, but BKLYN DESIGNS™ is the best for our business”. First time exhibitor Matthew Fairbank also recognized the benefit of his participation in BKLYN DESIGNS™ stating, “BKLYN DESIGNS™ is an amazing way for a young designer to get legitimate footing in the professional design industry. My career has been on fast forward since I became involved with this wonderful program.”
BKLYN DESIGNS™ was launched in 2003 to support businesses in the borough’s growing creative industry providing them the platform to make contacts to expand their business and client base. Trade professionals such as David Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect, attends BKLYN DESIGNS™ annually because he considers it to be, “a valuable asset to my business, as the show consistently introduces me to new design talent that essentially makes up the heart of my business.”
As the show has done every year since its launch, the 7th annual BKLYN DESIGNS™ hosted enormous crowds from across the tri-state area and beyond, with attendees flying in from as far away as Japan, Italy and the Netherlands. Attendees packed the three venues, interacted with exhibitors, and attended multiple special weekend events, including a “sold out” panel discussion.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services. Sponsors of the 2009 event were 93 Nevins, Pratt Institute, Two Trees Management, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Con Edison, Benjamin Moore, Thermador, Interior Design, New York Magazine, Dwell, The American Institute of Architectures New York & Brooklyn, The American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.
Please direct all press inquires call auster*events 718-243-1414. For all public inquiries, please call the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718-875-1000. Visit www.bklyndesigns.com for more information about the 2009 BKLYN DESIGNS exhibitors and show.
Festivities Include A Behind The Scenes Brooklyn Home Tour, Family Friendly Activities, Curated Green Exhibition And A Celebrity Panel Discussion
(Brooklyn, NY – April 24, 2009) BKLYN DESIGNS™, an annual contemporary design exhibition for consumers and members of the trade presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, announced its line up of special events for 2009. Held May 8-10 in DUMBO, Brooklyn, this intimate design show provides attendees with the unique opportunity to engage in dialogue with designers and industry leaders about a variety of provocative subjects.
Addressing the current economic environment, this year’s BKLYN DESIGNS will present a panel discussion at the Architects and Designers Trade Luncheon, “Does Integrity of Design Change in a Down Economy: Does High End Meet Low Cost?” Moderated by Wendy Goodman, the editor of New York Magazine, the panel will feature Dave Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect; Jason Horvath, co-founder of Uhuru Design; Eric Manigian, founder of Eric Manigian Studios; and Mark Goetz and Tim Richartz who are both furniture designers and professors of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.
The show, which kicks off New York Design Week, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to see new, affordable, eco-friendly products at the show’s main venue, St. Ann’s Warehouse. In addition, BKLYN DESIGNS™ offers numerous unique and exciting events at various other DUMBO locations, including a green exhibition at Thermador, Bosch, Gaggeneau Showroom curated by Christopher Coleman, a children’s furniture show located at Jane’s Carousel, The DWELL Brooklyn Home Tour and an array of Mother’s Day activities such as a brunch and an afternoon kid’s story time reading. BKLYN DESIGNS™ continues each day into the evening with multiple design related festivities at hot spots all over DUMBO.
The three-day showcase bustles with over 6,500 visitors who enjoy top-notch design talent, including interior designers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, developers, and other design-conscious members of the public who follow New York City’s hottest trends.
“This year’s BKLN DESIGNS™ event offers one of our most diverse line up of events and designers. Brooklyn continues to be on the forefront of supporting new and existing design companies. The whole weekend is a fun and entertaining family friendly event and further demonstrates Brooklyn’s continuing tradition as a cultural destination,” said Carl Hum, president & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets are available in advance online for $12, and at the door for $15; $10 for students with valid student ID. Tickets for The DWELL Brooklyn Home Tour, which includes admission to BKLYN DESIGNS and Friday night’s Launch Party, are sold separately and are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. To see a full list of BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 exhibitors, please visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services. Sponsors of the 2009 event are 93 Nevins, Pratt Institute, Two Trees Management, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Con Edison, Benjamin Moore, Thermador, Interior Design, New York Magazine, dwell, Designer Pages, The American Institute of Architectures New York & Brooklyn, The American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.
Companies interested in marketing and sponsorship opportunities can contact auster*events at emma@austerevents.com. Please direct all press inquires to Emma Parnass at 718-243-1414. For all public inquiries, please call the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718-875-1000.
Exhibitors Announced
(Brooklyn, NY – March 4, 2009) BKLYN DESIGNS™ is proud to announce its 7th annual all-star lineup which features 45 of Brooklyn’s top designers. The BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 show will highlight the freshest and most innovative contemporary furniture, lighting, carpet, flooring, and wall coverings designed by both new and veteran exhibitors. The show, presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce from May 8 – 10 at DUMBO’s legendary St. Ann’s Warehouse, kicks off New York Design Week.
During this highly anticipated three-day showcase, BKLYN DESIGNS™ bustles with over 6,500 visitors, including interior designers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, developers, and other design-conscious members of the public who follow New York City’s hottest trends.
“Brooklyn is burgeoning with talent, and BKLYN DESIGNS™ is one way we have been able to support and celebrate our local designers over the years,” says Carl Hum, president & CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
The BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 jury includes design aficionados that hail from top publications like New York and Interior Design magazines, from popular blogs including Design*Sponge and Inhabitat, as well as acclaimed New York City educational and cultural institutions like the Brooklyn and Guggenheim museums and Pratt Institute.
Mr. Hum is especially excited to have the jury return for a second round of deliberations to select five designers from the BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 roster to attend the world-renowned International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) as “Brooklyn’s future international stars.” These five exhibitors will attend ICFF one week after BKLYN DESIGNS™ as deserving representatives of BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 and Brooklyn’s undeniably talented design scene.
Courtney Sloane, juror and founder of Alternative Designs, said this year’s selection process was difficult, “We chose the show’s final 45 exhibitors from over 100 applicants. The jury raised the bar for accepting exhibitors and selectively chose designers that kept an eye on sustainability, while escalating their material in response to the changing marketplace.”
Eric Manigian, founder of Eric Manigian Studio, is a return BKLYN DESIGNS™ exhibitor – his “exhibition venue of choice” – for the seventh year in a row and is eager to unveil his newest circular-shaped table, which is produced from the wood of a salvaged maple tree. Mr. Manigian enjoys showing his most current work at BKLYN DESIGNS™ because the intimately curated show “lends itself to a more serious viewing experience.”
Palo Samko, also a featured BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 exhibitor, is thrilled to launch his newest products at the show because, as he points out, this public event in particular attracts a range of new customers across the national and international design stage that translates into over 75% of his yearly sales.
Pratt Institute once again will return to show off the stunning and innovative designs to come out of its industrial design program by its most talented recent graduates.
Also new this year is the DWELL Magazine BROOKLYN Home Tour @ BKLYN DESIGNS™, to be held Saturday, May 9. This self-guided tour will feature five distinctive homes selected to inspire design professionals and enthusiasts alike.
To see a full list of BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 exhibitors, please visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com.
Companies interested in marketing opportunities and sponsorship can contact auster*events at emma@austerevents.com. Please direct all press inquires to Emma Parnass at 718-243-1414.
ABOUT BKLYN DESIGNS™
BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 is sponsored by 93 Nevins, Two Trees Management, Pratt Institute, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Con Edison, AIA, ASID and IIDA. This year’s official media partners are Interior Design magazine, New York Magazine, and Dwell magazine. BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYS Assembly, Speaker Christine Quinn and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYC Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
Applications Being Accepted
(Brooklyn, NY—November 24, 2008) Are you ready for unique handcrafted pieces, impeccable craftsmanship, and top-notch interior and furniture designs from some of the finest Brooklyn talent under one roof? Then get set for BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009! The show is already taking shape with a hot panel of celebrity jurors eager to select the crème-de-la crème of the borough’s emerging and established talent to showcase at this annual event presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The 2009 show will take place May 8 – 10, 2009.
Producers are concentrating the show in one select location to create a rich mélange of designers at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The group of 40 winners that will be chosen by the celebrity panel of jurors will make up this edition of the show, which is already rumored to be a can’t miss event for the spring.
In addition, the BKLYN DESIGNS celebrity jury will return to further study the work of the show’s artisans and choose up to five finalists to represent “The Best of BKLYN DESIGNS 2009” at the world-renowned International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), one week later. These finalists head to ICFF as representatives of the BKLYN DESIGNS scene and put their pieces on the world stage with exhibitors from around the globe, including Denmark, Italy, Thailand, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The 2009 celebrity jury panel includes: Wendy Goodman, New York Magazine is interior design editor, as well as the contributing style editor of Departures magazine, and a contributing editor at Elle Décor.
Arnold Lehman, Brooklyn Museum, is director of this, the second largest museum in New York City.
Stephen Treffinger, The New York Times, is currently a writer for the Times, a contributing editor for Domino Magazine and Lucky Magazine, and a freelance journalist forHome and Abroad.
Grace Bonney, Design Sponge, editor, and freelances for House and Garden, New York Home, Food and Wine, Better Homes and Gardens, CITY Magazine, Time Out New York Kids, Architect, The New York Post, Everyday with Rachel Ray and others.
Peter Barna, Pratt Institute, provost, is also the principal of Light and Space, a New York City lighting design firm with a client list that has included AT&T, Xerox Corp., Marriott Corp., Guggenheim Museum, NBC, GE, Samsung, IDSA, and PE.
David Aldahaff, The Future Perfect, owner, contemporary furnishing stores in Williamsburg and Los Angeles.
Christopher Coleman, Interior Design Specialist, based in DUMBO, Brooklyn, who combines substantial practical experience with imagination and energy.
Christina Yang, Guggenheim Museum, senior manager of public programs at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.
Jill Fehrenbacher, Inhabitat, founder of Inhabitat.com, as well as a freelance designer and green design consultant based in New York City.
Karen Singh, Interior Design, market editor for Interior Design Magazine.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Pratt Institute, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Benjamin Moore & Co., Con Edison, AIA, ASID and IIDA. The 2009 show’s official media partners are Interior Design Magazine and New York Magazine. BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYS Assembly, Speaker Christine Quinn and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYC Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
For more information about BKLYN DESIGNS, “The Best of BKLYN DESIGNS” or for an exhibitor application visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com. Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.
