 | | Photo: CLB Architects / Andres Orozko | | | Outstanding design conquers the Big Apple | | Towering skyscrapers, buzzing neighbourhoods, yellow cabs, flashy billboards, one-dollar pizza, top-notch museums… What is New York City not famous for? The Big Apple has long captivated people with its iconic streets, landmarks and cultural attractions, cementing its position as one of the most visited – and fascinating – cities on the planet.
This spring, all attention will shift to the city’s thriving design scene as the NYCxDesign Festival returns for its 11th edition between 18–25 May. From independent shows and public art to major design fairs like ICFF and WantedDesign, a rich programme of events will once again celebrate and empower New York’s diverse creative community. It’s going to be a busy, colourful and exciting week. Find out more
Valeria Montjoy – Senior Content Editor | |  | | Photo: NYCxDesign / Magentaverse | | | A city-wide showcase of creative talent | | The best of NYC design will be on display across the five boroughs, welcoming more than 300,000 international visitors to a city-wide celebration featuring immersive installations, artist talks, thought-provoking exhibitions and more.
Some highlights include the Magentaverse multi-sensory experience by Artechouse and Pantone, the Ron Arad solo display at Opera Gallery and the Galerie Philia sculptural design exhibit in the heart of the gallery district of Chelsea in Manhattan. To the events | |  | | Photo: Atelier Cho Thompson / Martin Seck and Flatiron | | | The NYCxDesign Awards return to honour the best | | | The city’s annual design festival would not be complete without its much-anticipated kick-off – the NYCxDesign Awards presented by Interior Design magazine. Now in its eighth year, the awards honour remarkable products and projects from all over the city, showcasing the industry's ability to create innovative, sustainable and joyful spaces. Learn more | |  | | Photo: ICFF | | | New year, new vision: ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan | | | Held in the Javits Center from 21–23 May, ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan – New York’s concurrent design fairs – come together under the same leadership for the very first time. This year’s event will take the fairs in a new interactive and cohesive direction, adopting one shared approach while retaining the essence and purpose of each. Visitors can expect to connect, be inspired and discover the latest trends. Read more | |  | | Photo: ICFF / Hachi Collections | | | What's new, fresh and upcoming in design? | | With an emphasis on original and sustainable design, ICFF and co-located WantedDesign Manhattan will gather over 300 established and emerging brands from more than 20 countries.
Launch Pad, one of the familiar features on the agenda, will be the place to be to witness the latest prototypes from 68 emerging designers, covering furniture, home accessories and lighting. Meanwhile, this year’s Look Book will display the works of renowned North American designers, makers and studios. Explore the exhibitor list | |  | | Photo: ICFF / Ladies & Gentlemen Studio | | | American design will shine at The Crossroads | | | Local talent and innovation will drive a brand-new feature, The Crossroads, located at the junction of the two fairs. The immersive space developed by Rockwell Group and co-curator Pei-Ru Keh is set to celebrate 17 established and upcoming design studios from across the United States, bringing the best of American design into the limelight. Read more | | | | | | | | |
