New York Design Week—also known as NYCxDesign—is back, and at an impressive scale. Major fair ICFF/Wanted is anchoring a robust program of city-wide showcases grappling with everything from material experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the constant reinvention of what functionality and sustainability entail.
Early this month, Frieze Week saw the city jam-packed with major fairs like NADA, Independent, and the namesake event; alongside a slew of gallery shows, special activations, and parties that drew in a large local and international crowd. On its heels, NYCxDESIGN—running May 16–23—promises to be as abundant. A few events, including TEFAF, extend across these increasingly interconnected happenings, especially as the definitions of art and design continue to blur. Here, AD PRO has put together a comprehensive guide of what to see and where to grab a bite or drink along the way.
What, When, Where
As with most international trade and cultural events held in the post-pandemic era, this roughly week-long festival is placing particular focus on an ever-resilient and creative local scene; one forged as much out of entrepreneurship as collectivity, if not also openness and resourcefulness. That isn’t to say that New York’s global nature isn’t also being highlighted. As it unfolds, NYCxDesign will reveal the latest from this evolving discipline. From the widely expressive to the carefully pared back, there’s something for everyone.
Held at the Javits Center from May 19–21, ICFF (and its integrated sister showcase, Wanted) is design week’s anchor event, hosting over 450 exhibitors. The convention center is easily accessible using the 7 subway line and the 34 Street–Hudson Yards subway station. With entrances on 11th Avenue, the building is also only a few minutes’ walk from rail-linked Penn Station.
What’s New at ICFF/Wanted
Part of this year’s fair is the brand new “Bespoke: The Art of Making” section, a spotlight on craftsmanship and industry ateliers, presented in partnership with AD PRO. International exhibitors in this carefully curated showcase—including gilded wall covering expert Ulgador and British craft-led producer WonderGlass—exemplify the best in carefully preserved and adapted artisanal traditions. Other Bespoke exhibitors include Annabel Karim Kassar, Pascale Girardin, Trame Paris, Source Euro, Steven Leprizé and Arca Ebenisterie, and Neal Feay.
The dedicated section will also include the Bespoke x AD PRO Salon, a gathering place designed by AD PRO Directory firm MA | Morris Adjmi Architects for networking, programming, and inspiration—including access to AD’s digital archive, with issues dating back to 1922.
Alongside ICFF booth presentations by Robert Sukrachand and Stickbulb will be Wanted Lookbook, with solo showcases by fair newcomers Lauren Goodman and Laylo. The 69 emerging exhibitors that make up the Launchpad exhibition will include Kahen Design (debuting the Nonus Collection) and Samindaman studio (whose experiments with starch and fiber offer sustainable materials for furniture).