Marking its 36th edition, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) will take place May 18-20 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, helmed once again by brand directors Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat. Building on concepts the duo introduced during the show’s 35th anniversary—think: intimate spaces with experiential elements—this year’s event centers on the theme “Designing in Harmony.” Craftsmanship, sustainability, and human connection serve as unifying threads throughout, reflecting the importance of diversity in design at a time marked by global economic and political shifts.
“Creativity and empathy are the foundational principles that should continue to guide our industry as we shape the future. Its mission is to design spaces, products, and experiences that address the needs of tomorrow, creating a future that is both optimistic and sustainable,” note Hainaut and Pijoulat. “It is through this lens that we will contribute to a stronger economy for the design industry while continuing to innovate in ways that are thoughtful and human centered. ICFF’s goal is to align with and support this mission.”
What To Expect At ICFF
Crowds at ICFF’s 35th anniversary show. Photography by Jenna Bascom Photography.
Held in the midst of the city’s NYCxDESIGN festival, ICFF offers an expansive showcase of American-made and International products from hundreds of exhibitors. “I think for us, this year is really building on last year as a new chapter for ICFF,” shares Hainaut, who previously helmed and cofounded WantedDesign along with Pijoulat. “We feel any trade event should be more than just a showcase—it has to be a meeting point for the industry.” With this in mind, the show will feature an updated floor plan for smoother flow, inviting communal areas, like the Welcome Lounge x Ligne Roset, the new Juniper Recharge Lounge and The Be Original Americas x Rarify Dining Lounge, as well as robust programming, including fireside chats and keynotes.
Expect more than 80 standout speakers to grace the Mainstage and The Oasis, including Patrizia Moroso, Dieter Vander Velpen, Jared Blake, Ben Aranda from ArandaLasch, Esther Chang, and Daniel Germani. Additional programming will take place in the Bespoke Salon, brought to life by March and White Design, and the Aqua Atelier by Grohe.
WANTED, which showcases work by young design talent, serves as an anchor for the show, featuring Launch Pad, Look Book–an area spotlighting North American design—the Design Schools Workshop, and a dedicated Schools Showcase focused on mentorship and networking opportunities.
But that’s not all. Over the course of three days, industry experts and design enthusiasts alike will explore the latest in furniture, lighting, seating, textiles, and more. Interested in design reads? Check out the The Library x Phaidon next to the Mainstage. Ready for a memorable evening on the town? Join ICFF Night Out, held on May 16 in NoMad and May 17 in SoHo. This year’s show promises to offer more opportunities than ever to connect with rising stars, industry innovators, and global brands, making it a must-attend.
Editor’s Note: To register for complimentary access to ICFF as a member of the A&D industry, go here.
Explore ICFF Exhibitor Highlights
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Ferreira de Sa rugs for Ravine Almond.
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Jill Malek’s Sedona Dusk wallcovering.
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Medusa by Merenda Wallpaper.
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Arcilla Pendant Cluster Lighting by Stackabl. Photography by Arash Moallemi.
A Look At WANTED Designs
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Disc Sconce by MushLume Lighting.
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Hatch Dining Table by noknok Design.
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The Tesser collection by Ridezign.
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Surface collection made of stainless steel by Studio Nawa.