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The Architectural Digest Show, the premiere U.S. luxury design fair, is one of my favorite shows. While in the past it has been heavy on kitchen and bath products (more on that later), I was thrilled to see more floor space devoted to other great designers and manufacturers, especially those in the MADE division. It is a juried show within a show featuring objects and furnishings from around the world, much of which can be customized during the show. New are the cash and carry booths. Sometimes it's nice to walk away with a little something, something!
Bellocq Tea Atelier brought their artisanal blends to the show in a stunning display reminiscent of their shop in Brooklyn. The founders said, "Discovering and sharing the world of tea has been a delicious, and decidedly modern adventure."
LAFCO stands for Luxury Article and Fragrance Company. They aspire to bring authentic traditions together with exceptionally made products into a modern world. Their scents always make me happy and bring back memories of places I have visited.
I love a good backstory and Kerber's Farm has got it. Nick Voulgaris, after renovating a yacht and writing a book about it, then saved a local farm from impending developers. He was determined to save a local landmark and began making homemade provisions fresh from the farm.
I was thrilled to learn Japanese made Rikumo is based in Philly! Owners Kaz and Yuka Morihata share the authentic craftsmanship and beauty of the Japanese aesthetic that we find in their home goods.
Rikumo carries products that have binchotan charcoal or Sumi in them. This charcoal has a very beneficial detoxifying property. It helps pull out impurities or acts as an antibacterial agent. Interesting!
Speaking of backstories ~ I always stop for furniture made from gnarled wood, and this credenza was no exception! Daniel Oates of dbo Home explained the beauty of the ambrosia wood piece was created by the ambrosia beetle that only lives for a month in May. It creates unique patterns in the fallen wood. Each piece has a story to tell.
Jung Lee has quickly become one of my favorite stores in NY for that pièce de résistance object that puts your table over the top! She has a beautiful eye, and her reputation for creating fabulous fetes has her traveling the world.
Zachary A. , touted as the lightest cement like furniture on the market ~
Spin Ceramics' emotion bud vases caught my eye. They are just so friggin cute! This company, originally out of China with a new store in Soho, is often copied but never imitated. It's all about the porcelain from Jingdezhen (the birthplace of porcelain). Innovative design infused with traditions from the past make their pieces unique and extraordinary.
Curves ahead.
I am enamored with the graceful lines of Martha Sturdy's wall sculptures. They are nothing if not conversation pieces,
and these curled or ribbon wooden pieces by Kino Guérin are deceivingly difficult to create, but WOW!
Designing a home that is more like a journey than a destination~ The Citizenry curates things, gathers artists from far off places, and gives back to help tell a story.
Honestly, I wanted everything in Erin Sullivan's booth. Everything! The objects are earthy, spiritual, textural, and sculptural .
Carolyn Cartwright (no website) creates artisanal lighting. Contemporary forms infused with the ancient Murano techniques. They are really beautiful.
Ceramics meets graffiti in RS Ceramics street art garden stools.
The Lacquer Company has collaborated with top taste makers which makes it a stand out. Plus, we love anything lacquer right now!
I am a sucker for cool lighting, and these kinds of design shows are the best place to see innovative and unique designs. I came into this booth for Calico's marbleized wall paper and stayed for the explanation about Brendan Ravenhill studio's lighting. This particular aluminum shade ~ The Grain Pendant, is formed over a wooden mold (displayed on the pedestal) that has been sandblasted to raise the wooden grain. During the metal spinning process, the pattern is impressed into the finished product.
Ultralight metals and LED lights make David D'Imperio's suspension fixtures, suspended mid air, look like they are floating, but make their presence felt.
Voutsa, a fun wallpaper company with a bold voice produces custom patterns for paper, pillows, and accessories.
I am looking forward to seeing more from them and many others in Miami. Mason & Objet, a French design show is traveling to Miami in May. It was in Singapore this month. It is the first time the show has or will be traveling out of France. I can't wait to see what's in store!
* Cocobolo ceramics art & design
