7 W New York® Partners with IFDA for Star-Studded Designer Day
New York, NY – In collaboration with the International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA) and in celebration of the organization’s 2009 Rising Stars, 7 W will host a Designer Day panel on Tuesday, November 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m. led by illustrious New York designer Jamie Drake. Drake will exchange ideas and design secrets with IFDA’s 2009 honorees: John Willey, Sara Story and Shawn Anderson. There will be a cocktail/networking reception prior to the discussion beginning at 5:30 p.m.
IFDA New York began giving special recognition to up-and-coming designers in 2007 when the chapter held its first “Rising Stars of Interior Design” event. Invitation into the elite group of Rising Stars is an honor bestowed upon talented and emerging designers destined to become leaders and established tastemakers in the design world.
About moderator Jamie Drake & the 2009 Rising Stars:
Jamie Drake occupies a special niche among New York designers for his brilliant use of bold vibrant colors and striking mix of genre. A show house superstar, he has a natural gift for making modern interiors inviting and enlivening traditional spaces with a fresh mix of contemporary elements. Inducted in the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2003, Drake also boasts a great roster of prominent clients, among them NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. www.drakedesignassociates.com
John Willey is experienced in all phases of interior architecture design and has a vast portfolio to prove it. After a decade of working with some of New York’s most celebrated designers, Willey began his own firm, John Willey Interior Design in 2006. www.willeydesign.com
Sara Story’s ties to Japan, coupled with her extensive travel in the Far East, have influenced her approach to design. Eager to share her own vision in the interior design world, she created Sara Story Design, a firm specializing in contemporary, eclectic and timeless interiors. www.sarastorydesign.com
Shawn Henderson has been named one of House & Garden’s top 50 Tastemakers, House Beautiful’s top 25 Young Designers and Gotham’s Top 100 Designers. He brought his aesthetic to the public as a spokesperson for eBay’s Home & Garden section where he educated consumers on how to utilize eBay as a design resource. www.shawnhenderson.com
In addition, several past Rising Star Honorees will be in attendance. Here are some updates from past years’ stars:
Diane Burgio has been keeping busy participating in the 2008 Hamptons Cottages & Garden Idea House and developing her own line of custom home accessories, DNA Home, with associate Nicole Porter. www.dianeburgiodesign.com
Vanessa De Leon has been featured in well over two dozen publications since she was last named an IDFA rising star. She has also won an ASID Silver Design Excellence Award and recently appeared in an episode of HGTV’s “Bang for Your Buck.” www.vanessadeleon.com
Brad Ford has continued to find success. His room in the Hamptons Designer Show house appeared in the New York Times. His table at DIFFA’s Dining By Design was chosen for the National Tour, appearing in six other cities. Ford’s blog, www.designtherapy.com has really taken off with an ever-growing readership. www.bradfordid.com
James Andrew has remained an in-demand designer and has grown his business, including establishing his fashion forward identity via his successful blog, www.whatisjameswearing.com. www.jamesandrewinteriordesign.com
Peter Lenz has been chosen to be one of Out Magazine’s Style Set members for 2010. He was picked as one of Domino’s top ten new designers for 2010, originally slated for the October issue.
The fees are as follows:
RSVP and Payment received by Tuesday, November 3, 2009:
Members $25 • Guests $40 • Student Member $15 • Students $20
RSVP and Payment received on or after Wednesday, November 4, 2009:
Members $40 • Guests $55 • Student Member $25 • Students $30
About the IFDA
IFDA (the International Furnishings & Design Association) is the only organization whose members represent the total design and furnishings industry in all its aspects. With 16 chapters nationwide, plus a chapter in Japan and members in Australia, the Middle East, Caribbean and United Kingdom, IFDA provides a professional forum for communication and interaction among its high-profile members. Celebrating its 62nd year, the association is structured to increase public awareness of the furnishings and design industry.
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7 W NEW YORK® is a wholesale mart building, catering to the buyers of Home Décor, Table Top, Giftware, Textiles, Decorative Accessories, Fine Arts and related industries. Its daily hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours during special market weeks. 7 W New York is a trademark of MMPI.
MMPI is the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together in more than 300 market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center in Washington D.C.
VORNADO REALTY TRUST, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
