Retail Observer

JANUARY 2025 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 23 D ebuting in 2024, Dine & Design brought a fresh focus on front-of- house restaurant and bar design products to the BDNY show floor. At its heart was Café Hue, an innovative space crafted by Jessica Gidari of J.GIDARI. "As the show's first-ever active F&B concept, Café Hue was designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with a Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic featuring bold colors, inviting warmth, and adaptable seating," Gidari said. "It quickly became the go-to hub of the floor, buzzing with networking, reunions, and spontaneous connections. Guests engaged in meaningful conversations over expertly brewed coffee within a thoughtfully designed space, where every detail – from acoustic walls made of recycled materials to custom soundtracks, branded collateral, and uniforms – was crafted to reflect the seamless blend of design and functionality. Café Hue was more than a café; it was the beating heart of BDNY's Dine & Design debut." Dine & Design is set to become one of BDNY's four main Designed Spaces in 2025. BDNY's four additional 2024 Designed Spaces were created by top designers and sponsoring manufacturers, each showcasing visionary concepts intended to inspire and serve as destinations for topical discussions, networking, and DJ sessions. BLUR Workshop designed Serendipitous Encounters to capture the wonder of serendipity through design and exemplify the firm's motto: to design without boundaries. Salone by Baskervill drew inspiration from a 15th-century salon to create a reimagined and lively gathering space filled with bold, immersive, and intimate interactions. Sobremesa by Curioso was created for meaningful connections inspired by the Spanish tradition of lingering around the table in conversation with friends. Nodding to nature's artistry found in geodes and the beauty of their imperfection, Hidden Gem by Parker-Torres Design celebrated these multifaceted and vibrant colors through its own gem of a space. More information about the Designed Spaces can be found at www. bdny.com/design-spaces. The fair also hosted the annual BDNY Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality breakfast, which was presented in partnership with NEWH. During this event, executives from various industry sectors shared their personal journeys, discussed current challenges and opportunities, and offered valuable lessons they had learned along the way. The Best of BDNY 2024 Product Design Competition and Best Exhibit Competition winners were announced during the show. Chosen by industry experts, product winners and finalists were chosen across 13 categories for their aesthetics, functionality, and innovation. In comparison, best exhibit honorees in four categories were lauded for their creativity in design, visual impact, effective and efficient use of materials, and outstanding use of space, color, texture, lighting, and graphics. This year's Best Exhibit Competition winners were Design and Direct Source (Small), Ferreira de Sá Rugs (Medium), and Kettal Group (Large). Best in Show was awarded to Dedon Inc. The Best of BDNY Product Design Competition winners included Decork Mediterraneo by Diasen (Architectural Materials); Glossy RAL Color Helix Staircase by Marretti Stairs (Art & Accessories); Full Privacy Restroom Cubicle with Top Occupancy Indicator by Stern Engineering (Bath & Spa); Moments of Wander by HBF Textiles (Fabric); The Tactile Vernacular Hospitality by Royal Thai and Awaken by Shaw Contract Hospitality (Flooring); Horizon Collection by Tuuci (Furniture); Indoterra by Daltile (Health & Wellness); Kando by Bover (Lighting); Horizon by Safemark and Indel B (Other); Ocean Master Voilare by Tuuci (Outdoor); Sagrada by Mobello (Seating); Polygood ® by The Good Plastic Company (Sustainable); and Soft Surrounds by Phillip Jeffries (Wallcoverings). For a complete list of winners and finalists visit www.bdny.com/bdny-product-design-competition. Preceding BDNY, the prestigious and sold-out 35th Annual Platinum Circle Awards Gala, hosted by sister brand Hospitality Design magazine, took place on Friday, November 8th at The Lighthouse at Pier 61 in New York, where four hospitality leaders were honored for their lifetime achievements: Liz Lambert of Lambert McGuire Design, MML Hospitality, and Bunkhouse Group; Tom Ito of Gensler; Ave Bradley of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; and Alan Fuerstman of Montage International. Closing out the week of events, BDNY hosted the sold-out Gold Key Awards celebration on Monday, November 11th at Cipriani 42nd Street, where 500+ guests gathered to find out who took home awards in 24 project categories, including The Hotel Chalet at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee by Jenny Bukovec Studio, winner of the coveted Judges' So Cool award. The event also celebrated Neena Gupta, CEO, Miiro Hotels, winner of the 2024 Up-And-Coming Hotelier of the Year honor and New York firm GOODRICH, the Designer of the Year. Visit www.goldkeyawards.com for a complete list of winners and finalists. The next edition of BDNY will be held at the Javits Center on November 9-10, 2025. Please visit www.bdny.com/2025-inquiry to receive show and registration email updates. BD | NY 2024 SETS THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE OF BOUTIQUE HOSPITALITY A focus on design, creativity, and forward-thinking concepts attracts nearly 16,000 design professionals RO

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