From May 21 to 23, ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 take place at the Jacob Javits Center, in New York
ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan return May 21-23, 2023, with a completely revamped layout and a packed schedule of events, exhibitions, panel discussions and installations.
ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 have a new look and a new leadership
The new leadership announces an an international and exciting 2023 edition: Emerald, the owner and producer of the shows, recently promoted Kevin Gaffney to Group Vice President of Emerald’s Design Group, and co-founders of WantedDesign, Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, to Brand Directors for ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan.
Another new feature of this edition is definitely the layout of the fair, completely renovated by Venezuelan architect and designer Rodolfo Agrella. ICFF pavilions will be reorganized according to an exhibition itinerary by themes and categories. Moreover, they will host relaxation areas, a media lounge, a new restaurant and an exclusive pavilion dedicated to the best of American design.
ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 are getting ready to host more than 300 exhibitors from more than 20 countries. The events will showcase the best of American and international design. The products on display will include living, bath, and kitchen furniture as well as seating, textiles, lighting systems, wall coverings, carpet and flooring.
Moreover, the fair will launch a new country pavilion from Morocco, joining pavilions for Brazil, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Portugal, and more. In addition to offering an opportunity for cultural meeting and exchange to designers from all over the world, ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 have always been excellent springboards for launching North American design on the international market.
DIFFA fundraiser and scheduled Talks
The DIFFA by Design fundraiser will be held during the three-day event. Through a busy events program, DIFFA will raise funds for organizations providing treatment, education, and assistance for people impacted by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health issues.
ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan Talks will take place on a stage sponsored and decorated by Turf Design. Highlights include a deep dive into the metaverse and interior design, a panel on educating the next generation of designers, a highly anticipated presentation by WGSN, the world’s leading company in forecasting future consumer trends. There will be many panel discussions: Be Original Americas; Look Book Live, moderated by Ben Dreith of Dezeen; the Emerging Designers Showcase, led by Amy Devers from Clever; a talk with Pam McNally of NKBA. OASIS is where panel discussions will take place, a new space designed by Rodolfo Agrella and furnished by Norman Copenhagen.
ICFF Editors Awards
ICFF Editors Awards will be back to celebrate the best products across both ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan in the following 12 categories: Body of Work, New Designer, Furniture, Seating, Carpet and Flooring, Lighting, Outdoor Furniture, Materials, Wallcovering, Accessories, Kitchen and Bath, and Best Overall Booth. All category winners will be considered finalists for Best in Show and recognized during the awards ceremony held on May 22 at 5 pm. Moreover, ICFF will host the 43rd ICFF Interiors Awards and present the distinguished Designer of the Year Award on May 21 at 6:30 pm at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Scheduled exhibitions and events
WantedDesign Manhattan 2023 dedicates an area to present young students from design schools worldwide. Participants in the Schools Exhibit program students will have the opportunity to present their projects to visitors and established design professionals. Design Milk and Alessi will review the projects and announce the winners at the awards ceremony on May 22 at 5 pm.
With the Launch Pad program, 70 designers, from more than 24 different countries, will also present their projects in the Metaverse. The winners will be selected by a jury of renowned industry professionals led by Amy Devers from Clever, including Giulio Cappellini; Andrea Cesarman, Co-founder, Design Week Mexico; Jerry Helling, Bernhardt Design; Jean-Jacques L’hénaff, LIXIL Global Design AMERICAS; Jennifer Olshin, Friedman Benda; Kia Weatherspoon, Determined by Design.
On the other hand, Look Book will be dedicated to high-end North American designers, makers, and studios. The exhibition will collect projects by more than 50 participants including Ayako Aratani, Bestcase, Costantini Design, Elizabeth Lyons Glass, Forces at Play, and Natan Moss Design.
Wanted Interiors will give visitors the opportunity to appreciate interactive and immersive installations created by internationally renowned firms. Rodolfo Agrella, in collaboration with David Weeks Studio and Ligne Roset, will present The Lounge. The work celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic Togo sofa, designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in 1973. Lastly, ECO Solidarity will focus on projects inspired by environmental sustainability and circular economy.
The return of NYCxDESIGN
The NYCxDESIGN Festival returns to coincide with ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan. Registration is open to trade professionals all three days and to the public on Tuesday, May 23. The badge will allow visitors to access to both ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan. For more information and to register, please visit icff.com
