Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2007

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to make plans for BKLYN DESIGNS™, New York’s only curated design show open to the trade and public.  Celebrating its fifth anniversary, BKLYN DESIGNS 2007 is now an established design event that attracts buyers and attendees from all over the world.  The three-day show being held May 11 to 13, is presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and has expanded to include three venues, free seminars hosted by some of the industry’s best talent and an impressive list of trend-setting exhibitors of contemporary furnishings, including furniture, lighting, linens, rugs and decorative accessories.  

A record-breaking BKLYN DESIGNS line-up of 65 exhibitors, including 30 newcomers and 35 show veterans will launch their 2007 spring collections.  Eleven of these new exhibitors will take part in BKLYN DESIGNS +, a brand new cash-and-carry market of fashion and home accessories added to this year’s event. Buyers looking for sustainable products will find enough to outfit every space, as Brooklyn designers will show a host of clever green solutions.

According to Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Interim President Mark Kessler, “BKLYN DESIGNS continues to prove that something unique is happening in this borough. Many companies, including a number of our exhibitors, are not only designing but also building here. The manufacturing and design industries are clearly flourishing.  All proof that Brooklyn is the place for unmatched craftsmanship and talent.  Furthermore, this year, more than ever before, BKLYN DESIGNS is acting as a conduit between the design industry, Brooklyn’s larger business community and its cultural institutions.”

Attendees will have a rich schedule of seminars and off-site events that pull together some of the industry’s elite to inspire and instruct.  BKLYN DESIGNS 2007 Conference Program will include architects Bruce Fowle, Ismael Leyva and Beyer Blinder Belle; design gurus Ralph Pucci and Andrew Dent, Material ConneXion; artists Richard Haas and Danny Simmons; interior designers Chris Coleman, Ellen Hamilton and Chris Kraig – along with top editors from leading shelter and design magazines. 

While Pratt Institute has been integrally involved with BKLYN DESIGNS since the show’s inception, this year the school is an official sponsor.  And, for the first time, there will be a Pratt students’ design competition.  A jury of leading design editors will select top student designs that will be put on display at Design Within Reach (DWR), Brooklyn Heights.

Activities Galore
On Friday, May 11, guests and designers head to DWR Montague Street for the BKLYN DESIGNS kick-off party and celebration.  On Saturday, immediately following a seminar on the BAM Cultural Arts District, attendees will be invited to join New York Magazine for an after-hours party and tour of the new FX Fowle Forte Building in Fort Greene.  Local art galleries will be showing art a là Art Basel in select Forte apartments.

Also not to be missed is a Brooklyn Arts Council exhibit of “Models and Prototypes Born in Brooklyn” that will be on display at the powerHouse Arena bookstore.  The powerHouse Arena will feature a wide assortment of design books and host two design readings with Akiko Bush and Kira Gould.

Finally, for those who plan to be out and about on Mother’s Day, show sponsor BSH will host a demonstration by Kate Zuckerman, author of “The Sweet Life,” and pastry chef at Chanterelle; and the DUMBO Business Improvement District (BID) has organized a Mother’s Day Brunch Under the Bridge – featuring special offers at neighborhood restaurants.

Show hours are Friday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 13, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Pre-registered professional members of the design trade will attend for free.

Free shuttle bus service will be provided between DUMBO, Boerum Hill and Fort Greene.

For more information and updates about the program, exhibitors, shuttle bus service and tickets visit the Web site at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.  Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Two Trees Management, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, Forte Condo, Pratt Institute, BKLYN DESIGNS™ Gallery at GMDC, Benjamin Moore & Co., Con Edison, AIA, ASID and IIDA.   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.