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Vignette Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford

Vignette a Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford

Excited to sit down with James Huniford 

One of the design industry’s most beloved events, Design on a Dime (DOAD, sponsored by Housing Works and founded by interior designer James Huniford in 2004, took place last month to a raging success and much fanfare.

Now in its 16th year of raising funds and awareness to end AIDS and homelessness, we were especially excited to sit down with Huniford and learn a little bit about his vignette and why DOAD remains such a meaningful, powerhouse event.

Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford
Designer James Huniford Photo by Ryan Moore

DOWNTOWN: As the founder of Design on a Dime (DOAD), how did it feel to return after a year of no in-person events to return to a bit of normalcy for such a great cause?

JAMES HUNIFORD:  It was an exciting time for Design on a Dime to be New York City’s first in-person event since COVID.

DOWNTOWN: Now in its 16th year, how much have you raised for Housing Works so far? What was the turnout like this year?

DOAD has raised over $20 million to date

JH:  DOAD has raised over $20 million to date with involvement and support from so many New Yorkers, business leaders, media moguls, celebrities, writers, the Broadway community, and most of all, the design industry.

DOWNTOWN: What made you choose Housing Works as the beneficiary every year. Why is it the organization close to your heart?

JH:  Having a home is such an important part of our lives and being able to provide security and comfort of shelter will allow any challenge and opportunity to blossom.

Vignette a Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford
Photo by Noe DeWitt

DOWNTOWN: Do you participate in designing a booth every year? If so, why, and how do you choose the designers who participate?

We always try to choose a wide range of designers

JH: Yes, I’ve been involved in designing a vignette for all DOAD events. We always try to choose a wide range of designers, from the established ones to the upcoming new talents. It is a great opportunity and it almost feels like a homecoming for the design community.

DOWNTOWN: Can you tell us about your vignette this year? What was the theme?

JH: Summertime, beach, and relaxing.

DOWNTOWN: We loved that it was so cheerful, what inspired the color palette?

JH: The color palette was inspired by the 60’s Saint-Tropez atmosphere.

DOWNTOWN: What do you most love about striped umbrellas? Where is that particular piece from?

I’ve always loved all sorts of stripes

Artwork by Peter Valcarcel; Photo by Noe DeWitt

JH: I’ve always loved all sorts of stripes and I feel that the striped umbrella brought a bit of fun to space. This particular umbrella is DestinationGear 6.5 ft. Aluminum Deluxe Italian Patio Umbrella.

DOWNTOWN: Can you tell us a bit about the lamps—did you create the shades yourself? We love the matching planter and the complementing one’s on the window floor. Where are they from?

JH: I wanted to add a personal touch to the vignette, the hand-painted lampshades are a simple way to personalize the room. The planters are from my collection of objects I’ve collected over the years.

DOWNTOWN: The artwork offers a great pop of color. What inspired that piece and who is the artist?

JH: I love the movement in the art by Peter Valcarcel. The soft palette of colors and the idea of the cutouts remind me of Henri Matisse.

DOWNTOWN: Can you tell us a bit about the mix of textures, materials, and patterns?

JH: Implementing a mixture of different textures, materials, and color palette create depth and an interesting composition that feels more appealing and inviting.

Vignette a Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford
Photo by Noe DeWitt

DOWNTOWN: What was the response like to the booths this year? Who were some new and established designers who really blew it out of the ballpark?

JH: The response from designers as well everyone that visited both in-person and shopped online was impressive. DOAD has been the annual tradition for Housing Works, and the New York design community and it always brings us together for a good cause and fun with design.

This year a wonderful group of designers presented their vignettes from Jamie Drake, Miles Redd, Joy Moyler, Alessandra Branca, Young Huh, Charlie Ferrer, and many more.

DOWNTOWN: Do you foresee expanding DOAD to more cities?

JH: We are planning to bring the event to Miami and we are in early talks to have one in Los Angeles.

DOWNTOWN: What was extra special about this year’s event?

JH: It felt like a homecoming. We brought DOAD back where we started – Housing Works Thrift Shop on 23rd Street where we hosted the first event with 5 designers.

Vignette a Summer Fun-Inspired by James Huniford

Photo by Noe DeWitt.
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Architecture Art Culture Design Featured Lifestyle Living Music NYC Technology

ART AND CRAFT

Eschew the production line and choose a one-of-a-kind piece to tie your room together.

KYOTO TABLE

Poltrona Frau revisits the iconic Kyoto table designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1974. The elegance of Japanese design blends with the rich and tactile qualities of solid wood. The table is crafted with precision dovetail joints, making the craft part of the decorative appeal. 

poltronafrau.com

RONDEL PENDANT LIGHT

A simple, yet elegant glass rondel hovers beneath an LED light and copper hardware. This pendant light is also available as a flush mount light or sconce. 

tracygloverstudio.com

HYALINE I RUG

Bec Brittain’s Taxonomy collaboration with Edward Fields continues with designs based on the structures and functions of the natural world. Hyaline I mimics the patterns of insect wings writ large. Brittain continues to re-contextualize the science of taxonomy, not as limiting or separating force, but as a means of revelation. 

edwardfields.com

CLUB CHAIR

Taylor Forrest designs and produces his furniture in New York. The Club Chair is crafted with vegetable-tanned saddle leather. The sling is fixed to a solid metal frame with an oversized saddle stitch. Hammered brass rivets on the armrests add contrast while keeping the leather in place. 

taylorforrest.com

JEFFERSON LAMP

Lodes introduces a crystal suspension lamp designed by Venetian designer Luca Nichetto in honor of the brand’s 70th anniversary. Jefferson uses a reinterpretation of the vortex pattern of Bohemian glass, which casts a swirling play of light. 

blightingcollection.com

EASY PEASY

Adds quirky portable style to any room. The rechargeable table lamps from Lodes have a metal base that houses an LED light, and a methacrylate diffuser wrapped by a glass bell. A solid knob functions as a dimmer, and also allows users to control the intensity and warmth of the light.

jblightingcollection.com

TOSS CUSHIONS

From Marimor Objects are ultra-soft and feature contrasting colors and textures, adding a punch of personality and playfulness. Toss is available in five color combinations and two shapes, lending itself to a range of aesthetics and color schemes.

marrimor.com

FACTORY FLOOR photography by Antoine Bootz

RALPH PUCCI INTERNATIONAL introduced a new concept in their Chelsea flagship location, last year. The (factory) collection includes work by Patrick Naggar, Paul Mathieu, Vladimir Kagan, John Koga, and Olivier Gagnere, as well as new exhibits. Many of the works are produced entirely in Pucci’s 18th Street workshop, using techniques and materials born out of the company’s history and experience producing mannequins.

Currently, the floor also houses the large-scale, sculptural wood designs of Stefan Bishop (Orka side table, above) and light sculptures created by Ana Meier and Hervé Descottes for Richard Meier Light (below).

Bishop creates organic forms inspired by the iconic redwoods of his home in Oregon. He works in wood, bronze, and steel, and his pieces beg you to touch them and appreciate the tactile textures that evoke tree bark smoothed and shaped by the elements.

Currently, the floor also houses the large-scale, sculptural wood designs of Stefan Bishop (Orka side table, above) and light sculptures created by Ana Meier and Hervé Descottes for Richard Meier Light (below).

Bishop creates organic forms inspired by the iconic redwoods of his home in Oregon. He works in wood, bronze, and steel, and his pieces beg you to touch them and appreciate the tactile textures that evoke tree bark smoothed and shaped by the elements.

In a limited-edition collection that explores light, color, shape, and shadow, the light sculptures of Meier and Descottes are inspired by the architectural shape of a construction I-beam. ralphpucci.com

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Culture Design Entertainment Featured Health NYC Wellness

ECO Solidarity Returns at CLOSEUP on May 18

At a moment when the world grapples with climate change, bold new ideas are needed more than ever. It is with this urgency in mind that eight countries have come together to announce the second edition of ECO Solidarity, an international project, movement, and initiative focused on design solutions for some of the most pressing issues of our time. Eight visionary designers were selected to share products and projects that thoughtfully consider positive social impact, design empathy, and sustainable materials. ECO Solidarity will launch as part of the CLOSEUP 2021 presented by ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan event on May 18th, 2021 during two thought-provoking sessions, followed by an expanded online exhibition in June.

This inspiring movement, initiated in 2020 by the Polish Cultural Institute New York and Tomek Rygalik of Studio Rygalik in partnership with WantedDesign, continues its mission with eight European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) organizations to address the imperative need for human-centered design in response to humanitarian and public health crises by focusing on ecology, the climate emergency, public health, wellbeing in public spaces, and how shifts in the economy affects people’s lives. In alliance with WantedDesign’s co-founders Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, the ECO Solidarity 2021 program will also strive to address the key objectives of the Green New Deal, through interior and product design as well as spatial planning. “At WantedDesign, we have focused on sustainability as a topic in our programming for several years as we understand the importance of always keeping it top of mind,” explains Hainaut. “ECO Solidarity is not only a design exercise—it shines the light on designers who think about our future and propose ideas that push the conversation forward and help create a more sustainable, conscious, and harmonious way of living. Pijoulat adds, “The international exchange of ideas is key to what WantedDesign does, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring eight European countries and regions together for the ECO Solidarity project at CLOSEUP in May and the WantedDesign Online Exhibit in June.”

To create a timely, forward-thinking project of the scale of ECO Solidarity, the eight EUNIC institutions tapped some of the most innovative emerging and established designers and leading field experts from their countries. The partnering organizations and their nominees include: Austrian Cultural Forum New York in cooperation with Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and Vienna Business Agency (Lotte Kristoferitsch, EOOS NEXT); Delegation of the Government of Flanders to the USA  (Sep Verboom, Livable); Wallonie-Bruxelles International New York (Theresa Bastek and Archibald Godts, Studio Plastique); The Czech Center (Eduard Herrmann and Matěj Coufal, Herrmann & Coufal); Goethe-Institut New York, (Renana Krebs, Algaeing); Arts Council Malta in New York, (Anna Horvath, AHA Objects); Polish Cultural Institute New York, (Paulina Grabowska, NAS-DRA Conscious Design; and Romanian Cultural Institute (George Marinescu and Maria Daria Oancea, Atelier Ad Hoc).

ECO Solidarity is a platform for designers to convene on issues relating to sustainability and the circular economy. The underlying objective is to unite design disciplines and industries around the globe in a resolve to create more ecologically-sound, human-centered designs that protect the environment, our health, and ecosystems—thereby restoring integrity in fractured communities and addressing the current humanitarian and climate hazards affecting our world.

Flemish Field Expert, Axel Clissen says “ECO Solidarity comes at a time where the world is realizing more than ever that joint efforts are essential to creating a unified and sustainable path forward. As such, the ambition of ECO Solidarity should lie beyond the design community as it deserves to aim for a global, broad, and diversified reach. The selection of narratives displayed show the true ingenuity humankind is capable of and aspire to in a world where nature and civilization go hand in hand.”

The program will commence at CLOSEUP 2021 presented by ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan, a platform to showcase design, and feature two 45-minute sessions on May 18, 2021 in which the participating designers will showcase their product launches, brands, and project presentations followed by panel discussions. The designers will be split into one of two categories based on their product/projects. The first session entitled, Design with Empathy: Public Spaces and Social Impact (10:05 AM EST) will feature AHA Objects, Atelier Ad Hoc, EOOS NEXT, and Herrmann & Coufal. The second session’s theme, Sustainable Material and Process: Research and Innovation (11:00 AM EST), will spotlight Algaeing, Livable, NAS-DRA Conscious Design, and Studio Plastique. Registration to attend either or both sessions is available on CLOSEUP’s website or through the following link.

A two-month-long online exhibition curated by Odile Hainaut and Claire PIjoulat in consultation with the show’s Advisory Committee—itself composed of academic field experts nominated by each participating institution—which will be presented by WantedDesign and hosted on WantedDesignnyc.com from June 15–August 15, 2021. The entire program is formulated to bring attention to sustainable, contemporary design solutions with a special emphasis on helping fractured societal bonds. The ECO Solidarity Advisory Committee includes: Martina Fineder (Austria); Axel Clissen (Belgium/Flanders); Giovanna Massoni (Belgium/Wallonie-Bruxelles); Danica Kovářová (Czech Republic); Dunja Karabaic (Germany); Jevon Vella (Malta); Ewa Bińczyk (Poland); and Adriana Blidaru (Romania); along with special advisor Tomek Rygalik of Studio Rygalik.  For more information, visit wanteddesignnyc.com/eco-solidarity-2021.

The name of this initiative was inspired by the Solidarity social and political movement. Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Solidarity formation (Polish: Solidarność), in 1980. It united displaced communities and various disciplines in a common cause and led to the collapse of the Soviet Union, setting the nations on course toward democracy.​

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Art Culture Design Fashion Museums News NYC

Dreaming of Dior at Brooklyn Museum

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

The Brooklyn Museum exhibit Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams features more than 200 of Dior’s haute couture garments.

This exhibit at Brooklyn Museum opens with a timeline of Dior’s legacy, beginning with his early life and later walking through the different designers to take the helm of Dior in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Different collections, from the post-World War II era “New Look” to all-black cosmopolitan wear, are highlighted alongside historic texts and images of Christian Dior and his work between both France and New York. Other highlights later in the exhibit include some of Dior’s most elegant ball gowns and evening wear, an all-white display of the studio’s many toiles, or working garments, and a final atrium of floral and nature-inspired designs reminiscent of the elegance of the outdoors.

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams runs at Brooklyn Museum through February 20, 2022. brooklynmuseum.org

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Design Featured Lifestyle Living News

The Citizenry Opens Hygge-Inspired Flagship Store in SoHo

One of our all-time favorite stores, The Citizenry, opened up a flagship store in the heart of SoHo. Located at 22 Crosby street, on a charming cobbled-stone street, the store’s interiors are the personification of the hygge design movement. Every corner and vignette is chock-full of beautiful, and/or cozy designs that beg to be taken home. From bedding to towels, throws, accessories, and rugs—everything you need to outfit your dwelling is at the tip of your fingertips. Featuring The Citizenry’s newest collections—including Turkey, Guatemala, and Japan—the store is also home to some of the globally-inspired brand’s most popular items. From the Baya Lumbar Pillow—handwoven in Mexico the women of Oaxaca—to the Tesoro Alpaca Throw, handwoven in Peru, fan favorites are plentiful. 

The Citizenry’s flagship store showcases beautiful vignettes to inspire your home decor.

Given the times, The Citizenry is also making every effort to prioritize the safety of both its team and its customers. The large and airy space features contactless payment, hand-sanitizing stations, regular store cleanings, and complies with the CDC’s recommended mask-wearing. All of which is especially heartening given the store’s serenity-inducing feel and the fact that not only are people holiday shopping right now but with so many people spending so much more time at home, home renovations and redecorating are at all-time highs. It’s the perfect place to visit, shop, and redecorate in comfort. Did we mention style advice from the store is also on hand?

Left to right: Tesoro Alpaca Throw; Catalina Boucle Throw; Esperanza Alpaca Throw.

But back to shopping! New right now? We are particularly loving the Catalina Boucle Throw. It’s not only available as a throw or a bed blanket, but its unique wool blend (handwoven by master weavers in the Peruvian Andes) offers the perfect amount of texture and softness. For those that like a bit more pattern, the Esperanza Alpaca Throw is an attractive, modern take on an earthy plaid. Love to pamper yourself? Invest in the Japan Collection’s Imabari Waffle Towel Set—you will not regret it. As for some oldies that never go out of style? The Neena Area Rug is a soft-hued wool rug handwoven in India, available in two eye-catching, soothing hues. The equally attractive Diya Area Rug, handwoven in Jaipur, India, comes in two hard-to-choose-from hues, Olive and Rust. A large range of functional yet gorgeous basket designs will keep you organized in a stylish manner while the San Cristobal Wall Hanging will add the perfect touch to any wall for both minimalists and maximalists. The conclusion? Visit The Citizenry’s flagship store—inspiration abounds.

The Citizenry Flagship Store.

A gorgeous showing of The Citizenry’s offerings.

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Art Culture Design News NYC

NYCxDESIGN Announces Not-For-Profit Status

New York’s Annual Design Festival Expands its Scope for Opportunities and Partnerships to Reenergize City as Creative Hub

NYCxDESIGN is proud to announce its new status as a NY not-for-profit corporation. The transition positions the organization for long-term success supporting NYC’s design community and comes at a time when the city is facing unprecedented challenges. NYCxDESIGN believes that design is part of the solution and that the organization can help lead the response to rebuilding and reenergizing the city as a design destination and creative hub. As a not-for-profit corporation, NYCxDESIGN will build off of its long-standing objectives to bring together diverse stakeholders across many creative verticals, showcase the City’s leadership in design thinking and manufacturing, and engage and educate the public in promoting the impact of design. Its work will be focused on the annual festival, as well as year-round activations, awards, podcasts and publications and the first ever NYCxDESIGN grant focusing on entrepreneurship in independent design.

Led by Program Director, Valerie Hoffman, the organization will work closely with the NYCEDC as well as its Steering Committee of leading event, educational, museum and association leadership. It is in the process of forming a Board of Directors and exploring Executive Director candidates for the newly formed entity.

 According to Hoffman, “In 2019, the City of New York transitioned management of NYCxDESIGN to SANDOW, a company deeply rooted in design, to strengthen and grow the program. After assessment by SANDOW and several members of the NYCxDESIGN Steering Committee, it was determined that NYCxDESIGN should transition to a not-for-profit entity to best serve our community. Core to the not-for-profit’s values are diversity, purpose, cultural placemaking, economic opportunity, and creativity and inspiration. These pillars will serve as the foundation for all NYCxDESIGN programming and content. We are looking forward to new avenues of support and to engaging more media and organizational partners in our work.” 

In 2021, NYCxDESIGN will present a series of Design Days taking place May 13–18, showcasing NYC’s talented design community. The program will feature primarily virtual events, in addition to outdoor experiences, select tours, and other small gatherings, depending on COVID-19 protocols at that time. The annual NYCxDESIGN Awards program, hosted by Interior Design, will take place virtually to celebrate and recognize exceptional design in NYC. The May timeline also includes Design Pavilion’s Open to the Sky, a special, city-wide installation activating all five boroughs with small, built structures that embody messages of hope and spirit, and an expanded edition of ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan’s virtual CLOSEUP event. In addition to partner organized events, the NYCxDESIGN team will curate special offerings including self-guided journeys and broadcasted interviews and tours that will be broadcasted on DesignTV by SANDOW, reaching millions of viewers globally to further promote NYCxDESIGN programming. Those interested should stay tuned for more information on event registration, opportunities to participate, and how to attend.

Beginning in 2021, NYCxDESIGN will launch a grant focusing on entrepreneurship in independent design. The grant will seek to fund a designer/design business that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of NYC and is pushing ahead in terms of diversity, sustainability, and innovation. Additional details will be announced in January 2021. The organization will also continue to produce The Magazine, the first edition of which features dozens of contributions from NYC designers, as well as NYCxDESIGN’s new podcast hosted by Debbie Millman entitled The Mic. These platforms highlight NYC’s most creative minds and provide ongoing opportunities for the creative community through Open Calls.

In recent months, NYCxDESIGN has led several campaigns and partnered on initiatives to offer visibility, foster connection, and unite and inspire New York City’s design community to ensure the revitalization and continued strength of not only the design industry, but all creative sectors in NYC. In partnership with NYCEDC, AIANY, and Design Advocates, NYCxDESIGN introduced Design Corps in July, a network aimed at supporting local businesses through pro bono design services. The program assists restaurants across the five boroughs in improving their space and ensuring compliance with the requirements of outdoor and indoor dining. In October, NYCxDESIGN launched the An Ode to NYC poster campaign featuring a bold collection of graphic expressions dedicated to New York City’s enduring creative energy by twenty-one local designers. The posters were on view throughout the city’s five boroughs to inspire and delight. The posters are still available for sale exclusively at the Poster House SHOP with proceeds going to the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG).

An Ode to NYC Posters.

NYCxDESIGN was first established in 2012 as a City Council initiative to convene and promote the design industry in New York. City organizations including NYC & Company and NYCEDC managed the “design week” for six years, growing it into one of the leading design festivals in the world alongside Milan, Paris, and London. The annual festival originated in the month of May to leverage the success of long-standing design events in NYC including ICFF and WantedDesign. Over the past eight years, new anchor events have been established to celebrate design week including Design Pavilion, the NYCxDESIGN Student Showcase, and NYCxDESIGN Awards.

About NYCxDESIGN 

NYCxDESIGN is a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering our city’s creative community through design and leveraging design in all its forms to foster transformation and progress forward. The organization makes a difference through live and virtual programs, content, education, and experiences that promote equity, diversity, and purpose in design. Operated by SANDOW, under agreement with New York City Economic Development Corporation, NYCxDESIGN also hosts a festival each year, providing emerging and established designers alike the opportunity to showcase the amazing design processes, products, and projects that are born in New York City.