Design New York

It's been a very busy couple of weeks for me. The Kips Bay Show House is over, and so is I.C.F.F. for that matter. But talk about these events, I will. British Reflections was not written for design events. My specialty is networking. But the I.C.F.F. in New York was a great opportunity to meet new folks and continue with my reflection on them, and not forgetting New York (I also wanted to support Vyna, but don’t tell her). The International Contemporary Furniture Fair took place in NYC at the Javits Center. In addition, you can also find it in Paris, Milan, Moscow and Valence.

Designers from all over the world love to show their designs in New York, and New York make them all very welcome.

Anyhow, the Spring Design events kicked off by my volunteering at the 37th Annual Kips Bay Boys & Girls Decorator Show House. This year it was held in an elegant neo-Italian Renaissance mansion built between 1922-3. A rare treasure of old New York.

Speaking of Kips Bay, let me mention the 5th Annual Summer Cruise scheduled for June 11 2009. The evening cruise is around Manhattan on a luxury yacht. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The event is chaired by interior designer, Charles Pavarini (who designed one of the room’s at this year’s show house), and sponsored by the Kips Bay Designers Committee. For more information, call 718-893-8600 ext. 245

SACCO


My wife Vyna had an invitation to attend an event where three designers were showing their new carpet collections for SACCO. Nathan Thomas, of Nathan Thomas Studios, Sarah Magness and Irma Bravo. For more information about each designer, check them out on Google. At the last minute, Vyna couldn't’t make it due to her workload, so she asked me to attend! Game on!

How would I get along with all those designers? To tell you the truth, I enjoyed myself. Vyna already knew Nathan so I had a quick chat with him. He has a larger then life personality. I knew Vyna would like both Iram and Sarah and their carpet designs (more about Irma, Sarah later) so after speaking with them, we made dates to meet with Vyna. On the following day we visited SACCO and checked over their carpet samples.

Philippe Starck


World-renowned French designer, Philippe Stark made a personal appearance at the Conran Shop in Manhattan on June 15th. “He is One of THE best” Vyna said; did I detect some French pride!

He was at Conran introducing his latest design - the Parrot Zikmu Wireless Stereo Speakers that nets at $1,600.

The Parrot Zikmu speakers are stunning; ultra modern with a sculpted shape that incorporates advanced technology. The sound was spectacular.

I introduced Vyna to Philippe, and they went straight into French dialogue, would you believe it. “Hey! I’m English” I said, “never mind, we can’t all be perfect!’ he said. I did not like his trousers :-)


Vyna attended the I.C.F.F. with three friends of hers. Arlene, Clara and Carise. I joined the girls, and look how pleased they were to see me!

The fair was great and the furniture designs just brilliant. It’s easy to see why visitors from all over the world would come to New York for this event.

Earlier I mentioned Irma the designer . Well while we were the fair, she recognized me, ‘made my day’, and introduced herself to Vyna. We all did catch up and promise to meet soon.

Irma Bravo & VSP

After the fair, Arlene went home. The rest of us went to a smaller designer event; this life is killing me! Where was I? Here at this event, Nathan Thomas was the star attraction. He had his lovely and resourceful assistant Sarah Lebo with him.

VSP, Nathan Thomas, Clara R., and Carise C.

Sarah Lebo