It started in 2011 as a design forum, an exhibition and a workshop, timed to coincide with ICFF and NYCxDESIGN.
That year there were 35 participants. This year, there will be 80. Six thousand people attended last year; this year, about 9,000 are expected to attend, between May 18-20.
WantedDesign has established its reputation as a meeting point for artisans, designers, manufacturers, students and design lovers. What began as an event dedicated to design in the Americas has evolved to include France, Sweden, Turkey, Italy, Austria, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
“This is a curated show – we try to bring in the best in what’s new and undiscovered,” says Odile Hainaut, who co-founded WantedDesign with Claire Pijoulat. “People come because it’s exciting – not just to look at the products, but to talk to the designers.”
In addition to a roster of international designers and a conversation series, the pair are planning a design school workshop, a wallpaper workshop and a pop-up store. They’re partnering with Ligne Roset, Bernhardt Design, Design Within Reach (DWR), and HP to develop ideas to get participants involved with the global design community.
“It’s for two kinds of people – people from the design industry, including manufacturers and brands who need design, and those who can design products,” she says. “It’s about bringing people together – connecting those who don’t usually connect.”
DWR will present nine products by emerging designers, as well as the new Helix Table by Chris Hardy. The HP-sponsored wallpaper workshop will be an active space where designers, architects and artists can engage in custom wallpaper designs. At the Launch Pad, participants can view a selection of market-ready prototypes from 20 international design studios and independent designers seeking a manufacturer or distributor.
It all takes place at Terminal Stores – The Tunnel, 269 11th Avenue, between 27th and 28th Streets. Hours are 10 AM to 7 PM.
For more information, go to http://2013.wanteddesignnyc.com/
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