New York City, May 17th to 19th, 2026
This year over 400 established and emerging design brands from more than 35 countries were present for ICFF during NYCxDesign week. Interesting educational programming was offered and during the Fair, several design awards were accorded to both exhibitors and student works. Truly, the value of ICFF lays in the quality of the exhibitors, the mix of events and conversations, and the fresh ideas brought by emerging talents and design schools.
My favorite areas were "Bespoke: The Art of Making", where the value of craftmanship was celebrated, and where I discovered a collective of 14 high-end craft studios, manufacturers, and home décor brands called the French Art of Making group, spotlighting the depth of French finesse. Also notable was Rarify's exhibit in collaboration with Berlin's Bauhaus Archives and Tecta, titled BAUHAUS 1926-2026, Continuity and Construction.
Once again, I was honored to participate as a jury for two great programs: Launchpad and the Student Workshop.
1.) Launchpad:
A platform for international emerging designers to showcase lighting, furniture, and home accessories, every year, Launchpad is the place for manufacturers to meet new talents and discover fresh ideas for them to take to market.
The 2026 Jury:
Giulio Cappellini, Creative Director, Cappellini
Andrea Cesarman, Curator, Co-founder, Design Week Mexico and Partner at C Cúbica Arquitectos
William Hanley, Editor in Chief, Dwell
Jean-Jacques L’henaff, Creative Director & Strategist, Apostrophe
Jennifer Olshin, Partner at Friedman Benda Gallery
After a long deliberation, the jury selected a series of beautiful sculptural lighting, 3D-printed in clay by the MIOS studio and Amin Tadj Studio for their chair and shelving system built with sheet metal. Also notable were the stories behind the R6 outdoor chair by Nicki Huggins, and the creativity behind the Luna Chair by Deapdesign.
As always, it was wonderful to see last year's winners: EStudio PM and their reclaimed and repurposed textile furniture, as well as Riccardo Toldo's beautiful light installation.
2.) International School Workshop:
This year’s school workshop was orchestrated by Centro College for Design of Mexico City, around the theme "Unseen Naratives". Sponsored by KI, with the support of molo and presented with media partner Core77.
The 2026 Jury:
Allan Chochinov, Educator, School of Visual Arts & Columbia University
Jason Lazarz, National A&D Manager, KI
Jean Jacques L’Henaff, Creative Director & Strategist, Apostrophe
Kristin Mudd, Design + Strategy, Muddpuppy
Stephanie Forsythe, Co-Founder and Designer, molo
The depth of the design investigations and the quality of all the presentations were impressive, and the winning team will be featured on Core77 - stay tuned!