I recently walked the aisles of the New York International Gift Fair where many of the largest names in home, accessories, and lifestyle set up shop to display their latest lines. The six-day event houses companies touting every kind of aesthetic, and swallows all 675,000 square feet of the New York City Javits Center. To see all that is featured would consume all six days, but luckily for us, the “Accent on Design” aisles did a fine job of highlighting both known and unknown names who were releasing interesting and modern designs in Spring 2011. Here are a few that caught my eye — take note.
Home Furnishings
Lamp by Studio Lobot
Design Stockholm House Quake cups by Gustaf Nordenskiöld
Tables and lamps by Cerno
Style and Fashion
Jewelry by Pico | Little Architecture
Jewelry by Silva/Bradshaw
Apparel and bags by Fog Linen Work
Technology
Menu Barky Tea Heater by Jakob Wagner
Lexon Safe Collection Bamboo Radio
Joseph Joseph Pie Kitchen Timer
I was also invited to present a Blogger’s Choice Award to one inspiring vendor. Although Jaime covered Brasa’s portable fireplaces last year when they launched at Dwell on Design, I had yet to see them in person. I really felt that Brasa’s design is approachable without compromising the modern aesthetic, and nostalgic without being dishonest about today’s needs. Their fireplaces are eco-friendly, compact, and priced competitively. It also feels great to support an emerging small business.
Check out my brief chat with Scott Beg, Founder of Brasa, filmed for NYIGF’s highlights of the Fair: