Sep 2, 2011

NYIGF Accepting Applications for Design-Focused Divisions

White Plains, NY – Designers, artists and manufacturers are invited to submit applications for several juried, design-focused divisions at the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®): Accent on Design®; A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design;Handmade® Designer Maker; and Handmade Global Design.

Applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, are due by Friday, September 30, for Accent on Design, Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design; and by Friday, December 2, for A+. The winter 2012 NYIGF runs Saturday, January 28 – Thursday, February 2, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

“For artisans and designers seeking new business opportunities, NYIGF provides unparalleled access to an expansive international wholesale market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Our juries review all applications and accept those that represent the freshest and most innovative design resources.”

Accent on Design
The gift and home industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise for more than 25 years,Accent on Design presents 200 established and emerging design brands across all categories. The Selection Committee’s criteria for acceptance include: original, creative and authentic product design; new and innovative use of materials; products which address and solve problems; consistent and continuous new product creations; a focus on contemporary design (as perceived by the jury); and functionality.

Accent on Design applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, will be accepted through Friday, September 30, 2011.

A+: The Young Designers’ Platform
Within Accent on Design, the A+ showcase introduces the work of emerging designers, selected on the basis of design concept, creativity and originality. A+ provides emerging designers an affordable opportunity to expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace.

Applications for A+ will be accepted only from design students, recent graduates and young companies in business for one year or less. Designers will be juried by the Accent on DesignSelection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality.

A+ applications, which will be accepted through Friday, December 2, 2011, are now available online at: www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYIGFDivisions/ATheYoungDesignersPlatform/AApplication.aspx.

Handmade
For more than 25 years, Handmade has offered buyers an extensive selection of handcrafted items across such categories as tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel. Handmadeis presented in two distinct collections: Handmade Designer Maker, which showcases 360 limited-production makers across all categories and media; and Handmade Global Design, which presents a selection of 140 international craft resources with a focus on strong design, traditional techniques and quality workmanship. Criteria for acceptance into both categories include uniqueness, originality, authenticity, and marketability.

Handmade applications, which are available online at www.nyigf.com/apply, will be accepted through Friday, September 30, 2011.

NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,800 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.