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BKLYN DESIGNS™ 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
2007 Line-up Showcases Art, Design and Architecture Icons and Some of Brooklyn's Best Designers in the Heart of DUMBO
(Brooklyn, NY – April 11, 2007) Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to make plans for BKLYN DESIGNS™, New York’s only curated design show open to the trade and public. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, BKLYN DESIGNS 2007 is now an established design event that attracts buyers and attendees from all over the world. The three-day show being held May 11 to 13, is presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and has expanded to include three venues, free seminars hosted by some of the industry’s best talent and an impressive list of trend-setting exhibitors of contemporary furnishings, including furniture, lighting, linens, rugs and decorative accessories.
A record-breaking BKLYN DESIGNS line-up of 65 exhibitors, including 30 newcomers and 35 show veterans will launch their 2007 spring collections. Eleven of these new exhibitors will take part in BKLYN DESIGNS +, a brand new cash-and-carry market of fashion and home accessories added to this year’s event. Buyers looking for sustainable products will find enough to outfit every space, as Brooklyn designers will show a host of clever green solutions.
According to Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Interim President Mark Kessler, “BKLYN DESIGNS continues to prove that something unique is happening in this borough. Many companies, including a number of our exhibitors, are not only designing but also building here. The manufacturing and design industries are clearly flourishing. All proof that Brooklyn is the place for unmatched craftsmanship and talent. Furthermore, this year, more than ever before, BKLYN DESIGNS is acting as a conduit between the design industry, Brooklyn’s larger business community and its cultural institutions.”
Attendees will have a rich schedule of seminars and off-site events that pull together some of the industry’s elite to inspire and instruct. BKLYN DESIGNS 2007 Conference Program will include architects Bruce Fowle, Ismael Leyva and Beyer Blinder Belle; design gurus Ralph Pucci and Andrew Dent, Material ConneXion; artists Richard Haas and Danny Simmons; interior designers Chris Coleman, Ellen Hamilton and Chris Kraig – along with top editors from leading shelter and design magazines.
While Pratt Institute has been integrally involved with BKLYN DESIGNS since the show’s inception, this year the school is an official sponsor. And, for the first time, there will be a Pratt students’ design competition. A jury of leading design editors will select top student designs that will be put on display at Design Within Reach (DWR), Brooklyn Heights.
Activities Galore
On Friday, May 11, guests and designers head to DWR Montague Street for the BKLYN DESIGNS kick-off party and celebration. On Saturday, immediately following a seminar on the BAM Cultural Arts District, attendees will be invited to join New York Magazine for an after-hours party and tour of the new FX Fowle Forte Building in Fort Greene. Local art galleries will be showing art al là Art Basel in select Forte apartments.
Also not to be missed is a Brooklyn Arts Council exhibit of “Models and Prototypes Born in Brooklyn” that will be on display at the powerHouse Arena bookstore. The powerHouse Arena will feature a wide assortment of design books and host two design readings with Akiko Bush and Kira Gould.
Finally, for those who plan to be out and about on Mother’s Day, show sponsor BSH will host a demonstration by Kate Zuckerman, author of “The Sweet Life,” and pastry chef at Chanterelle; and the DUMBO Business Improvement District (BID) has organized a Mother’s Day Brunch Under the Bridge – featuring special offers at neighborhood restaurants.
Show hours are Friday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade will attend for free.
Free shuttle bus service will be provided between DUMBO, Boerum Hill and Fort Greene.
For more information and updates about the program, exhibitors, shuttle bus service and tickets visit the Web site at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/. Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Forte Condo, Pratt Institute, BKLYN DESIGNS™ Gallery at GMDC, Benjamin Moore & Co., Con Edison, AIA, ASID and IIDA. Official media partners are: Interior Design 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.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION: May 11-13, 2007
Design, Art and Commerce Join Forces for The Must-Attend Event of the Year
(Brooklyn, NY – February 7, 2007) Plans for BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2007 are well underway and one thing’s for sure – this year’s event will kick off NY Design Week with a bang. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, presenter of BKLYN DESIGNS, is pleased to announce the jury, which includes some of the industry’s most respected designers and stylists and editors from top shelter publications – including House & Garden and Interior Design – has once again selected an exceptional exhibitor line-up. A host of newcomers, drawn from the largest pool of applicants since the show’s inception five years ago, will show off their never-before-seen designs alongside the spring/summer introductions of several returning exhibitors. From cutting-edge materials, and the latest in sustainable design to custom woodwork, attendees will have access to the latest trends.
According to Mark Kessler, Interim President and COO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “The goal for the fifth anniversary of BKLYN DESIGNS will be to celebrate not only the show but also how its growth and success are a reflection of what is happening in the borough. The show is a testament to the fact that Brooklyn’s creative culture is a force to be reckoned with. This year we will have more exhibitors than ever and our new collaborations and exciting programs will make DUMBO the prime destination for locals and tourists alike.”
BKLYN DESIGNS will take advantage of the historic and hip DUMBO community by using multiple venues. In addition to exhibits at St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Smack Mellon Gallery, a soon-to-be announced third location with a brand new element will be added to the program. BKLYN DESIGNS + will be a curated design mart for small accessories made in Brooklyn – from tabletop, to pillows, to jewelry. BKLYN DESIGNS + will give attendees instant gratification as they shop vendors for chic gifts and home accents. Brooklyn Industries, one of the city’s hippest fashion retailers, is already on board. The Brooklyn Chamber has put out a call for BKLYN DESIGNS + exhibitors. Interested manufacturers and designers should click here for BKLYN DESIGNS + application and deadline information.
Show goers will also have the opportunity to enjoy a series of on- and off-site events, exhibits and panel discussions that will take place during BKLYN DESIGNS weekend. To start, the program for Friday, May 11, the show’s signature Trade Day, will feature seminars and a keynote presentation. The production team is also finalizing plans for a unique exhibit titled Models and Prototypes Born in Brooklyn that will be presented in cooperation with the Brooklyn Arts Council. The exhibit, which will feature three-dimensional models and prototypes of furnishings designed in Brooklyn, will be on display at the powerHouse Arena. Interested designers should click here to download application and deadline information for Models and Prototypes or contact the Brooklyn Arts Council at , or at 718-625-0080.
“Year after year of exciting new designs, fresh talent and optimistic points of view make BKLYN DESIGNS the premier show on my design calendar. As someone who has been involved since the start, I look forward to the diverse and increasingly inspiring designs and to meeting the designers themselves,” said New York designer and BKLYN DESIGNS juror Chris Kraig.
For updated information about the event program, exhibitors and tickets visit the “attend” section at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Benjamin Moore & Co., Con Edison, BKLYN DESIGNS™ Gallery at the Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Interior Design, New York Magazine, Pratt Institute, AIA, ASID and IIDA. BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives additional 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 visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com/. Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.
BROOKLYN CHAMBER CALLS FOR EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
Five Years of Innovative Design
(Brooklyn, NY – November, 2006) The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the fifth edition of BKLYN DESIGNS™ that will once again kick off the much-anticipated NY Design Week. Next year’s show, May 11 – 13, 2007, will take place at several DUMBO locations including St. Ann’s Warehouse. The annual three-day show will feature a growing roster of Brooklyn-based designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings, including indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories, all selected by a jury of industry professionals. Based on the success of last year’s focus on “green” design, sustainable materials and products will again be an integral part of the show’s program.
BKLYN DESIGNS has grown dramatically since its inception – doubling its attendance in just four years. Last year, the show broke records as more than 6,000 visitors flooded the streets of DUMBO, Brooklyn, a bourgeoning mecca for cutting-edge design. Each year BKLYN DESIGNS showcases a jury-selected group of leading Brooklyn-made products, and serves as the stage for the industry’s hottest newcomers as well as many veterans.
In its September 2006 issue, Dwell said, “BKLYN DESIGNS weekend...confirmed that good design is the subject of much thought in New York City’s biggest borough.” The Architect’s Newspaper added, “Until BKLYN DESIGNS started four years ago, no one could be sure of the scope or character of the borough’s creative output.”
“This is a landmark year. To celebrate our fifth anniversary we are planning a number of new initiatives that will showcase the event’s evolution and growth. The focus of the show, however, will remain the same – to highlight the best contemporary home furnishing designers and manufacturers in Brooklyn,” said Mark Kessler, Interim President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “We will continue to curate the show, carefully working with our outstanding advisory board to surpass the level of design excellence that’s become synonymous with the event. This consistent and deliberate focus sets the show apart, making it popular with both New York metro area consumers as well as discerning design industry professionals from around the world.”
According to veteran exhibitor and owner of Standard 41, Andrew Raible, “Of all the shows I participate in, BKLYN DESIGNS is the only one that results in year-long response. I have a steady stream of work throughout the year from people who saw me there last spring. As someone who has participated in the show since the very beginning, I can honestly say the quality has always been high, but there is a marked increase in sophistication with each year.”
The Chamber has put out a call for exhibitors. Interested Brooklyn-based manufacturers and designers should visit the Web site at http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/exhibit.htm to download the 2007 application form. The jury, made up of leading design professionals including editors from top shelter and design publications, will review exhibitor applications in late December 2006. Show organizers are working to put together an expanded series of panels and seminars, and are making connections with local business to create what is sure to be an action-packed schedule of events.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Con Edison, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Benjamin Moore & Co., MINI of Manhattan, Interior Design, Pratt Institute, AIA, ASID and IIDA. BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives additional 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 visit http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/. Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 DRAWS CROWD
Green Design, New Firms Add to Buzz
(Brooklyn, NY – May 17, 2006) From May 12-14, the Brooklyn sunshine warmed 6,000 buyers, architects, designers and consumers who descended on DUMBO to get in on the BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 action. With 55 exhibitors, two venues and satellite events all over the neighborhood, the show was the talk of the town. Presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the 4th annual event featured the borough’s finest designers and manufacturers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories, including some of the most cutting-edge sustainable products.
According to Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “With each year the show grows to surpass our expectations. The response has been overwhelming with so many visitors commenting on the excellence of the exhibits and products on display. BKLYN DESIGNS’ growth as a trade show reflects the development of our borough’s creative economy. Many returning exhibitors now credit the show for successfully launching their businesses. Newcomers tell us they are thrilled with the leads and contacts made. At the Chamber, we are so proud to have a role in assisting these talented designers to make their mark.”
After his Sunday visit, renowned designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz said, “This was my first year and I loved it. Meeting the designers and furniture makers in person makes a huge difference when specifying the product. The difference between this fair and the others is that at BKLYN DESIGNS we have the great potential for custom work. I found innovative items that I can’t wait to specify in my new projects.”
Move over Philippe Stark…BKLYN DESIGNS 2006 was the coming out party for several of the city’s hottest new furnishings designers. Brand new work on display included Small Factory Design’s whimsical children’s furniture, unique ceramic pieces from Perch!, Lighten Up!’s gorgeous porcelain table lamps, elegant custom mosaics from Brad Teasdale and one-of-a-kind furnishings from Palo Samko.
According to another newcomer Rob Day, “This has been a phenomenal experience. I showed my very first collection here. The contacts I have made and the interest I have received is really kicking off my business. I met with everyone from homeowners, to architects and designers, even a hotel developer. I’m thrilled.”
“This has been my life’s dream. No one, other than my friends and family, has seen my work before. The organization and production of this show was top notch. The caliber of visitors was great, and the access I had to potential clients was excellent,” said Boa of Object Interiors.
While this year’s exhibitor line-up included 23 new companies, many others returned from previous years. As Jill Ayers of everyspace put it, “We had such a great response. There seems to be a genuine interest in our work, particularly the green story. It’s clear the audience was very knowledgeable and savvy. The overall quality of the show, both products and displays, increases with every year.”
“I’ve been coming to BKLYN DESIGNS for the past three years,” said DWR visual merchandiser Cammi Climaco. “This is the best show to date. It looks and feels like it was carefully curated, and it’s a manageable show making it easy to find new talent. Best of all it’s cozy and feels like a tight-knit community.”
The show also included an informative series of design lectures and seminars, from Rima Suqi’s lively panel on design and commerce to Jen Renzi’s discussion on kitchen design.
“Our seminar series was the most successful one to date. All the panels and lectures were extremely well attended, and keynote speaker, Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, packed the house,” added Mr. Adams.
BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 GROWING AND GIVING BACK
Show Doubles in Size in 4 Years, Cameron Sinclair Keynote Speaker
(Brooklyn, NY - April, 2006) Now entering its fourth year, BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 will be premiering a record number of new, never before seen designers and products. The unique, juried exhibit, presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, will feature the work of Brooklyn’s brightest stars of contemporary furnishings, including: furniture, lighting, linens, rugs, and decorative accessories.
The 2006 BKLYN DESIGNS™ exhibitor line-up has grown to include 56 firms (up from 47 last year), which is nearly double in size since its inception in 2003. With 24 brand new exhibitors, new product launches planned by show veterans, and an expanding schedule of seminars and off-site events, the show is sure to be an action-packed kick-off for NY Design Week.
An exciting feature of this year’s program is a keynote presentation entitled “Design Like You Give a Damn,” by Cameron Sinclair, founder of Architecture for Humanity (AFH). Visitors to brooklyndesigns.net will have the chance to contribute to AFH by ordering a subscription to Time Out NY or Time Out NY Kids.
Other show highlights include a TONY Kids promotion, “Supe-up Your Stroller” featuring decorating pit stops and celebrity judges; and “Selling Out/ Selling In,” a lively debate about design as commodity versus design as art with Rima Suqi, New York Magazine’s Best Bets Editor, The Conran Shop, Target and Jonathan Adler.
Helping to make the 2006 show bigger and better than ever is a line-up of sponsors that has grown to include such premium brands as Benjamin Moore, MINI of Manhattan, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau and Brooklyn Brewery. Brooklyn Industries, a new sponsor, will be selling show tickets at its retail locations throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan.
According to Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “The growth of BKLYN DESIGNS™ highlights our borough’s burgeoning creative economy. Year after year, Brooklyn’s reputation for design excellence and craftsmanship attracts new talent, business and investment. In addition to blockparty, an art installation that will open to the public in conjunction with the show, we have reached out to DUMBO businesses from gallery spaces to restaurants and bars to create a neighborhood experience for visitors.”
Show hours are Friday, May 12, 10am to 8pm; Saturday, May 13, 10am to 7pm; and Sunday, May 14, 11am to 6pm. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free all day Friday.
Free shuttle bus service will be provided from DUMBO to State Street to Union Square. Click here for more information on this as well as all off-site events.