The 2023 ICFF with WantedDesign Manhattan Embrace Diversity and Sustainability

“In our first year as Brand Directors of both ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan, we are thrilled to build on the excitement and robust attendance from last year’s show to bring fresh and inspiring programming and new design spaces to the Javits Center,” remarked Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, Brand Directors for ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan and co-founders of WantedDesign. “Having this new role allows us to create a more cohesive floorplan to enhance the visitor experience. We are bringing design from both established and emerging brands from around the world, including new country pavilions and a special American Design exhibit called The Crossroads, to continue to position ICFF as the premier contemporary design fair in North America.”

The much-anticipated show “The Crossroads” was a partnership with Creative Director David Rockwell of Rockwell Group to investigate the ever-evolving juxtapositions of American design: traditional craft fused with cutting-edge technology, function met with artistry and illusion. Diversity and entrepreneurship were newly recognized as the cornerstones of the industry. Rockwell and Editor/Co-curator Pei-Ru Keh rejoiced in the riveting theme of the American home set in the great outdoors, with sweeping spaces dedicated to objects with organic forms and functions by creatives such as Alexis Tingey, Fort Standard, Liam Lee, and Ladies & Gentleman. Bountiful communal areas of relaxation and refreshment elevated the fair this year as a welcoming destination for meeting and sharing with international design lovers. New York-inspired food stands, WDM Café x Caesarstone, and WantedDesign Manhattan Lounge, designed by Rodolfo Agrella of Rodolfo Agrella Design Studio (RADS), encouraged jubilant networking.

“Rodolfo Agrella translated the design of the different areas of ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan using the notion of conviviality, wellbeing, and optimism that are so important to us,” explained Pijoulat and Hainaut. “Thanks to excellent collaborative work between Rodolfo and our different partners, those spaces will not only provide an inspiring and unique experience to the visitors but also give the manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their products in the most beautiful way. Embracing and celebrating the uniqueness of our community with the creation of a bold and clean platform to foster friendship, connections, joy, and creativity through design nourished this collaboration with Rodolfo Agrella and is implemented across the show floor.”

Throughout the fair, the lively conversations of ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan Talks took place at both the Center’s mainstage and The Oasis x Material Bank, buzzing with notables such as 2022 Designer of the Year Kia Weatherspoon, Young Huh, Giulio Cappellini, Simone Vingerhoets, and Snøhetta. Energizing topics with star-studded panelists were open to all registered fairgoers. “Inspiring Innovation: Can Original Design be Taught?,” with Simone Vingerhoets, Senior Vice President of Ligne Roset USA, “Diversity in Design: A Discussion on Personal Identity, Inclusivity, and Creativity,” with Jeanine Hays, Co-Founder and CEO of AphroChic, provided insight into upcoming industry trends and key paths for a more sustainable and soulful future of design.