Press Release
February 22, 2006

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the BKLYN DESIGNS™ jury has selected a stellar exhibitor line-up from a record-breaking number of applications. The 2006 show will feature a mix of returning Brooklyn-based companies launching their spring collections as well as 20 new designers introducing their products to the market for the very first time. Attendees will be among the first in the world to see the latest design trends as they are being set, from lighting to rugs to cutting-edge furniture. 

The show will kick off NY Design Week on Friday, May 12 with a Trade Day highlighted by professional seminars and a special designer/architect high tea hosted by sponsors Interior Design and Two Trees Management. Programming on Saturday, May 13 will be focused on "green" design from materials to architecture with an inspiring panel hosted by Metropolis. Signage throughout the show will identify exhibitors that have eco-friendly products on display. Highlights include an eco-lounge chair created in felt by newcomer Uhuru Design and the launch of sustainable side tables and shelves by returning exhibitor Scrapile.

The events for Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day), will celebrate the home and family. At a lecture called “Eating In: Design Tips from Top Brooklyn Chefs You Can Take To Go” moderated by House & Garden, local restaurant chefs will share their kitchen trade secrets at BOSCH THERMADOR GAGGANEU’s state-of-the-art DUMBO showroom. In addition, Time Out New York Kids is planning a playful contest for best suped-up stroller called “Pimp Your Stroller with TONY Kids,” with celebrity judges and hip prizes.

Parties and gallery openings are planned throughout the weekend including a Saturday night open house at the Montague Street Design Within Reach Studio.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is also putting the finishing touches on a series of off-site events and exhibits that will enhance the show experience. Top of the list is “blockparty: Art and Design of the New Urban House,” an art and design installation, curated by New York architect Jonathan Marvel, design firm TRUCK product architecture, and the developer Abby Hamlin.  The exhibit at 267A State Street, in Boerum Hill, is set in one of fourteen contiguous new townhouses, designed by Rogers Marvel Architects (http://www.14townhouses.com/). “blockparty” celebrates Brooklyn’s best  art, furnishings and design ideas at work in a 21st century townhouse. Free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend between Boerum Hill and the BKLYN DESIGNS™ DUMBO location. Visit  http://www.blockpartybrooklyn.com/ for more information.

According to Brooklyn Chamber President Kenneth Adams, “BKLYN DESIGNS 2006 is shaping up to be an outstanding show.  With our 54 exceptional exhibitors and affiliated events, this show will inaugurate NY Design Week with a real Brooklyn accent.  DUMBO restaurants, shops and galleries are all planning special promotions for the show weekend.”

For updated information on the event program, exhibitors and tickets, visit http://www.brooklyndesigns.net/.