Yesterday... May18,2010

Went to the ICFF as a public observer for many reasons.

1. to see where my lamp stacked up........nothing like it which was good, saw one other piece that was an editors choices award winner, that had the same thought process, but much different form, different material, and a much different intent. Real good conversation very open with the young designer, but found in this discussion, he hasn't thought the entire piece to packaging. I thought that interesting in that you attend the ICFF in the hopes of finding distribution which will need packaging. I should mention that one of my focuses in discussion with any exhibiting designer went towards packaging. But if you get a quantity order in the next few weeks, I guess, you'll figure out your packaging real fast. I'm concerned about my packaging and with the understanding that my object is a working prototype, re-worked my design on the train ride home, adding more bent lamination and less flat face surface. Purely based on making a smaller package to ship.

2. comparing the Architectural Digest NYC Home Show and the ICFF to Tommy's WoodExpo. I'll put my thoughts together for Tommy and Eli and report back. For now lets just say Tommy and Eli are on to something that down the road could be huge to the organizers of the NE Home Show. The Boston Home Show organizers don't know it yet, but I observed a much different ICFF. A definite move towards showing to the Architect with fixtures and flooring more than you'd like to see for a "Furntiure" show. One last thing on this here, when I first walked in, it was obvious to me at least, that "furniture design" was now part of the encompassing "Product Design" category. Just as an example, a Mercedes Benz sportster was front and center for the interior design of the "cockpit", the upholstery (textiles) and car seat (chair) where highlighted. Very interesting for me to observe.

3. Furniture design is at an unbelieveable crossroads right now. Some guys get it, mostly the young international thinker (US guys included), other guys fight it, the old american curmudgeons. I found it to be quite a confluence. Pretty interesting for me to be able to converse with both sides. I found eventually though, that my generation who showed eventually got uptight when they moved beyond there long used comfort zone. Its a very exciting time in furniture design right now and we are just on the cusp of it.

That's about it, I'll organize my thoughts on the show and when I get a chance piece more together about the show. My main reason for attending were the 3 above.

OH.........one last thing..........I saw a glass top coffee table that had elements of Sten's. Very interesting.

Neil