Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2008

New York Design Week is a draw for thousands of design aficionados from across the globe – and this year, BKLYN Designs™ is ready to greet them with a bigger program and expanded seminar series guaranteed to make Brooklyn the first stop on even the most discerning design critic’s list.

BKLYN DESIGNS™, which is presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, will feature a record-breaking lineup of 68 exhibitors – including 29 newcomers – and for the first time, has expanded to four venues in the DUMBO neighborhood that helped launch it. 

“With each year that we put on this show, it becomes more and more evident that Brooklyn is not jut a place where furniture is being designed and manufactured,” said Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carl Hum. “It is a place where cutting edge ideas are developed and put into practice. Increasingly, people are looking to the borough for truly forward thinking, innovative work. We believe that BKLYN DESIGNS™ is the venue that brings this burgeoning creative community together.”

Design Stars
Not only will BKLYN Designs™ attendees enjoy the latest trends in contemporary furnishings – including indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, linens, rugs and decorative accessories – they will have the opportunity to take advantage of The Target Design Speakers Series. These free seminars and off-site events feature some of the most prolific and influential members of the design industry.

In addition to the keynote presentation by design star Sami Hayek, the 2008 program will include architect Rob Rogers, principal of Rogers Marvel Architect; architect Jared Della Valle, principal Della Valle Bernheimer; renowned interior designers Amy Lau and Christopher Coleman; curators for both the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design; Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, creator of ApartmentTherapy.com; as well as editors from leading shelter and design magazines including Interior Design, New York Magazine, Dwell and ReadyMade.

Still Going Green
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and producers of BKLYN DESIGNS™ continue to solidify their commitment to making the show a conduit for broader discourse on the issues that most concern the industry. Without a doubt, sustainability continues to be at the top of that list.

This year, not only will a number of BKLYN DESIGNS™ exhibitors show themselves as leaders in the development of sustainable products and design processes, the seminar programming will again include thought-provoking presentations on the topic.

Avant-guard author, architect and artist Fritz Haeg will read from his new book “Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn.” The book explores Haeg’s project to convert traditional domestic front lawns into highly productive edible landscapes. It also addresses larger issues concerning the environment, global food production, and generating a sense of community in our urban and suburban neighborhoods.

In addition, a panel of experts and local sustainability activists will try to dispel some of the myths about “going green” and offer advice about bringing sustainability into everyday life.

Design to Go
This will also be the second year for BKLYN DESIGNS+, a design accessories mart created to give show visitors the opportunity to purchase smaller, Brooklyn-made, home and fashion items. An expert jury selected the designers who will be exhibiting at the Tobacco Warehouse in Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park. Pratt Institute will also put together a presentation of student work for sale.

As an added, interactive experience, an Airstream, designed by architect and designer Chris Deam, will be parked outside of St. Ann’s Warehouse for the duration of the show. Mike Cannell, Dwell’s online editor will conduct live interviews with show exhibitors throughout the weekend inside.  These will be recorded and posted in real time on the magazine’s Web site.

On Friday, May 9, guests and designers can head to DWR Montague Street for the BKLYN DESIGNS kick-off party and celebration.  On Saturday attendees will be invited to join the magazine and the BKLYN DESIGNS™ team at an after-hours party at Rebar in DUMBO.

For those looking for something fun to do on Mother’s Day, ReadyMade magazine will be inviting attendees to participate in free crafting.

Show hours are Friday, May 9, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Saturday, May 11, 10:00 am – 7:00pm; and Sunday, May 12, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Tickets are $12 in advance online at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/ or $15 at the door all weekend, $5 for students with valid ID. Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free. A shuttle bus will be available throughout opening day, provided by Con Edison.

For more information and updates about the program, exhibitors and tickets, visit the newly revamped Web site at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is sponsored by Target, The Clarett Group, Two Trees Management, 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.