Retail Observer

JULY 2025 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 19 connections made through the ICFF app alone – just a portion of the total interactions, as many more took place organically throughout the fair. Over three days, more than 400 established and emerging design brands representing 35 countries, presented furniture, materials and textiles, lighting, flooring and rugs, kitchen and bath, wallcoverings, and assorted objects for commercial, residential, and hospitality environments. More than 80 design icons, editors, and emerging talents took the stage for panels, keynotes, and special showcases at The Main Stage and The Oasis, drawing a captivated audience of 1,500. Additionally, nearly 30 speakers led more intimate, thought-provoking conversations in the Bespoke Salon, the Aqua Atelier by Grohe space, and the Juniper Recharge Lounge. Together, these sessions offered a dynamic and inclusive talks program that not only showcased a diversity of topics and formats but also sparked meaningful dialogue, inspired innovation, and deepened connections within the design community. "This year, the quality and diversity of the programming was stronger than ever before, becoming an integral part of the ICFF experience," Hainaut and Pijoulat added. "The wide range of talks, panels, and special events added depth and richness to the show, reinforcing its role as a key platform for design innovation and thought leadership. Despite the current economic climate, we saw increases across the board – attendance numbers were up, engagement was high, and we've already seen strong renewal momentum for 2026. Exhibitors consistently shared how impressed they were by the quality of the visitors, and attendees echoed that sentiment, noting the richness and relevance of the brands on display. It was an energizing, elevated edition for the entire design community. This year confirmed that ICFF is the unique meeting point of culture and commerce. Specifiers and buyers showed up in force, and the attendance numbers underscore the show's continued relevance." HIGHLIGHTS 2025 AWARDS This year, ICFF hosted the ICFF Editors Awards, WANTED's Best of Launch Pad Awards for furniture/home accessories and lighting, Best of Schools award, and Best of Students award. Thank you to our partners: Launch Pad is sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partner Dwell. The Best of Schools and Students Prize awards are sponsored by Haworth. ICFF EDITORS AWARDS WINNERS Furniture ...........................Cuff Studio* Outdoor ............................Morpho by Tomorrowland Lighting .............................Streicher Goods* Flooring & Rugs ................JD Staron Kitchen & Bath .................Hale Betül Güleç for Heartmade Furniture Materials & Surfaces ........Habitat Matter Craftsmanship ..................Cicil* Exhibit Design ..................Larose Guyon Body of Work ...................Winkle* Emerging Designer ...........Lauren Goodman* American Brand ...............Opiary International Brand ...........molo Sustainable Design ..........Rarify Best in Show ....................Larose Guyon *From WANTED's Look Book BEST OF LAUNCH PAD Furniture/Home Accessories Winner: ........................ estudio PM Lighting Winner: ......................................................... Riccardo Toldo BEST OF STUDENTS WINNER: Pivota Swivel Chair by Zhiwei Xie, Pratt Institute BEST OF SCHOOLS WINNER: Icon Design + RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology ICFF thanks its partners who also hosted their awards on the show floor this year: Adorno, ASID NY Metro, Be Original Americas, Female Design Council, and IFDA. Visit www.icff.com/awards-at-icff for more award information. THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS • Bespoke: The Art of Making A special thanks to AD PRO and Architectural Digest for partnering on the entire feature and hosting daily activations within the Salon; MAWD | March & White Design for designing the Bespoke Salon; and sponsors Edelweiss Pianos, Ferreira de Sá, Promemoria, with the support of Atelier Viollet, Bio Alchemy Olfactive, Cassina, LASVIT and Sten Studio. • ICFF Talks The Main Stage is sponsored by Moroso and Danver; The Oasis is sponsored by Leon Speakers, Turf Design and Vestre, in partnership with Architonic; The Aqua Atelier by Grohe is sponsored by Grohe. • The Be Original Americas X Rarify Dining Lounge Designed by RADS – Rodolfo Agrella Design Studio, curated by Rarify, and furnished in collaboration with Be Original Americas. • Wanted – Launch Pad: Sponsored by American Standard and presented with media partner Dwell. – Look Book: Presented with media partner Dezeen. – Design Schools Workshop: Presented with media partner Core77, conducted with school partner RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), and supported by Haworth and Molo.

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