From May 12-14, the Brooklyn sunshine warmed 6,000 buyers, architects, designers and consumers who descended on DUMBO to get in on the BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2006 action. With 55 exhibitors, two venues and satellite events all over the neighborhood, the show was the talk of the town. Presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the 4th annual event featured the borough’s finest designers and manufacturers of contemporary furniture, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories, including some of the most cutting-edge sustainable products.

According to Kenneth Adams, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, “With each year the show grows to surpass our expectations.  The response has been overwhelming with so many visitors commenting on the excellence of the exhibits and products on display.  BKLYN DESIGNS’ growth as a trade show reflects the development of our borough’s creative economy.  Many returning exhibitors now credit the show for successfully launching their businesses.  Newcomers tell us they are thrilled with the leads and contacts made. At the Chamber, we are so proud to have a role in assisting these talented designers to make their mark.”

After his Sunday visit, renowned designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz said, “This was my first year and I loved it. Meeting the designers and furniture makers in person makes a huge difference when specifying the product. The difference between this fair and the others is that at BKLYN DESIGNS we have the great potential for custom work. I found innovative items that I can't wait to specify in my new projects.”

Move over Philippe Stark…BKLYN DESIGNS 2006 was the coming out party for several of the city’s hottest new furnishings designers.  Brand new work on display included Small Factory Design’s whimsical children’s furniture, unique ceramic pieces from Perch!, Lighten Up!’s gorgeous porcelain table lamps, elegant custom mosaics from Brad Teasdale and one-of-a-kind furnishings from Palo Samko.

According to another newcomer Rob Day, “This has been a phenomenal experience.  I showed my very first collection here.  The contacts I have made and the interest I have received is really kicking off my business.  I met with everyone from homeowners, to architects and designers, even a hotel developer.  I’m thrilled.”

“This has been my life’s dream.  No one, other than my friends and family, has seen my work before. The organization and production of this show was top notch.  The caliber of visitors was great, and the access I had to potential clients was excellent,” said Boa of Object Interiors.

While this year’s exhibitor line-up included 23 new companies, many others returned from previous years.  As Jill Ayers of everyspace put it, “We had such a great response.  There seems to be a genuine interest in our work, particularly the green story.  It’s clear the audience was very knowledgeable and savvy.  The overall quality of the show, both products and displays, increases with every year.”

“I’ve been coming to BKLYN DESIGNS for the past three years,” said DWR visual merchandiser Cammi Climaco. “This is the best show to date.  It looks and feels like it was carefully curated, and it’s a manageable show making it easy to find new talent.  Best of all it’s cozy and feels like a tight-knit community.”

The show also included an informative series of design lectures and seminars, from Rima Suqi’s lively panel on design and commerce to Jen Renzi’s discussion on kitchen design.
 
“Our seminar series was the most successful one to date.  All the panels and lectures were extremely well attended, and keynote speaker, Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, packed the house,” added Mr. Adams.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/.