Brooklyn's Progress
December 2007/January 2008

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that for the sixth year in a row plans for BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2008 are underway. The three-day show, which officially kicks off NY Design Week, will take place May 9-11, 2008. Designs on display will include the latest Brooklyn-made indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories - all selected by a discerning jury of design editors and industry tastemakers. Adding to the momentum, is the announcement that leading retailer and design patron, Target, has signed on as a presenting sponsor. The 2008 show will build on the success of BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2007, which drew 6,500 attendees and included standing room only design seminars

According to Dwell Magazine, advisory board member and annual panel host for the show, “As the profile of Brooklyn’s design scene has risen, so has its homegrown showcase. Since it began four years ago, BKLYN DESIGNS™ … has more than doubled in size, and a distinctive style – defiant and crafty – has emerged.  What began as a grassroots affair is now the official warm-up to, and sometimes preview of, the ICFF.”

Stellar Sponsorships
Over the past five years, BKLYN DESIGNS™ has been made possible with the help of several premier manufacturers, retailers and local institutions.  In 2008, Target will join returning sponsors – Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Two Trees Management, The Clarett Group, Interior Design, New York Magazine, Benjamin Moore, Con Edison and Pratt Institute – in supporting the show.

According to Carl Hum, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “We are thrilled that Target has come on board as a presenting sponsor.  As a major retailer in the borough, this is a testament to their commitment to the neighborhood and to supporting Brooklyn’s creative economy.  They are also a company committed to nurturing and celebrating great design.  We couldn’t think of a better partner to bring awareness to our exhibitors’ excellent work.”

“We are delighted to join BKLYN DESIGNS™ this year as a sponsor of the 2008 show and the Design Speaker Series,” said Laura Sandall, Director of Events Marketing and Publicity for Target.  “At Target, we believe that great design is more than great products, aesthetics and style.  It’s about promoting creativity and innovation that leads to extraordinary products, processes and experiences; making great design accessible to all.”

Planning for 2008
In 2008, the streets of DUMBO will again be packed as visitors from across New York City and beyond flock to several locations showcasing the ever-growing line-up of Brooklyn-based designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings. The jury, made up of leading design professionals including editors from the top shelter and design publications will include: Karen Singh, Market Editor, Interior Design; Paul Makovsky, Editorial Director, Metropolis; Chip Cordelli, editorial stylist; Chris Craig, designer and Creative Director of Suite New York; Jen Renzi, freelance journalist; Rima Suqi, freelance journalist and former New York Magazine’s “Best Bets” Editor.

While the focus of the show remains the same – to highlight the best contemporary home furnishing designers and manufacturers Brooklyn has to offer – the producers are working to develop a number of new initiatives that will showcase BKLYN DESIGNS’™ continuing evolution and growth.

“Our goal each year is to surpass all expectations,” stated Mr. Hum. “We work closely with our advisory board, sponsors and neighboring businesses to ensure we are creating a program and exhibition that will both excite and inform attendees, who include New York area consumers and savvy design industry professionals from around the world.”

With sustainability continuing to be a topic of great concern, show producers are continuously developing new and creative ways to keep the focus on green materials and products produced locally.

Also, back by popular demand, is BKLYN DESIGNS™ +, the cash and carry accessories market that debuted at our fifth anniversary show. Finally, organizers are again working to put together a series of panels, seminars and activities that will ensure an action-packed weekend.

According to returning exhibitor and owner of iglooplay, Lisa Albin, “BKLYN DESIGNS™ is among my favorite three days of the year, from both a professional and personal perspective. Being in that space with such great designers is inspiring and the entire program is wonderful - meeting Ralph Pucci was a thrill.  With each year that I participate in the show I see my exposure increase significantly. This year renowned designer Kitty Hawks placed a large order as a gift for her grandchildren.”

Chamber Calls for Exhibitors
Interested Brooklyn-based manufacturers and designers should visit the show’s Web site at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/ to download a 2008 application form. The jury will review exhibitor applications in late December 2007.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Target, Two Trees Management, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, The Clarett Group, Pratt Institute, Benjamin Moore, Con Edison, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, AIA, ASID and IIDA.   The official media partners are Interior Design and New York Magazine.  BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYS Assembly, Speaker Christine Quinn and the Brooklyn Delegation to the NYC Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.  For more information visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.  Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.