Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2023 50 I CFF, North America's premier contemporary furnishing design fair, and WantedDesign Manhattan, a "show within the show" dedicated to high-end North American studios and international emerging designers, held during NYCxDESIGN on May 21-23, 2023, at New York's Javits Center, finished with an enthusiastic response from exhibitors, editors, manufacturers, academics, buyers, architects and designers, and other members of the design community. Combined, the two fairs hosted 476 established and emerging design brands from 35 countries, 116 of which were first-time exhibitors, presenting furniture, materials and textiles, lighting, flooring and rugs, kitchen and bath, wallcoverings, accessories, and assorted objects for commercial, residential, and hospitality environments. Together, the two design fairs gathered over 9,000 architects, interior designers, and contemporary retailers in the Javits Center, up 32% over 2022. The total number of visitors to both shows topped 13,000, up 37% over the previous year, a strong indication of the industry's desire to engage and the positive response to the new changes at ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan. "Our plan this year as first-time brand directors for both ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan was to bring more curated, creative, and immersive design spaces to the Javits, to deliver a more cohesive floorplan, and to improve the experience of the shows overall. We were simply blown away by the enthusiasm and positive response from exhibitors and attendees alike. This proves to us that we are on the right path, and we will continue improving on this as we plan for 2024," said Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, brand directors, ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan. "Highlights for us included: The focus on U.S.-based studios across Look Book, ICFF, and The Crossroads, located at the heart of the show, which was a huge hit. The international pavilions created a nice balance and brought a rich layer of culture to the show. The Talks, at the mainstage and at The Oasis x Material Bank, have never been so well-attended and well-received, with a succession of fascinating discussions with design rock stars, industry leaders, and cultural organizations. The work from the emerging designers in the Launch Pad and Schools areas was exceptional and the diversity of the projects and designers coming from all over the world created a fantastic energy. The resounding applause at the end of the show which started with Launch Pad designers and students and spread to fill the Javits Center was a powerful testament to the incredible creative energy present throughout, and created a truly magical moment," Hainaut and Pijoulat continued. HIGHLIGHTS: ICFF + WANTEDDESIGN MANHATTAN 2023 The ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan Talks covered topics such T R A D E S H O W [ N E W S ] ICFF + WANTEDDESIGN MANHATTAN 2023 ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE Enhanced floorplan and newly designed spaces proved to be successful, driving increased attendance

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