Feb 6, 2014

Bloggers’ Choice Awards Presented to Six Accent on Design Exhibitors

Six “Bloggers’ Choice Awards” for exemplary product design were presented to Accent on Design® exhibitors today at the winter 2014 edition of NY NOW™, the Market for Home + Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF®). Accent on Design, which is presented semi-annually as part of NY NOW’s HOME Collection, runs through Thursday, February 6, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Six bloggers from noted design and trend-watching sites each were invited to select one product, representing “urgent, odd and delightful design,” from among Accent on Design’s 150+ exhibitors.

“We’re excited once again to invite design bloggers to visit the Accent on Design exhibit floor on a search for product design innovation,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. “They are immersed in the design world, and bring an innate talent for recognizing emerging trends.”

The six bloggers, and the products each identified as the “next big thing,” are:

Glenn Jackson Taylor, Core77: American Design Club (Brooklyn, NY) for BOWER’s Tipsy.

“I was immediately drawn to a playful collection of brightly colored paper weights by Brooklyn-based designer’s Danny Giannella and Tammer Hijazi of BOWER that look like little bauhaus-inspired garden gnome heads. Cleverly named ‘Tipsy’ the wooden cone hats sit on a solid brass spherical base (the head) and rock around like a floating buoy when touched. As a cluster they magically move synchronously – almost like coral swaying underwater – inviting more interaction and immediate joy!”

Danielle McWilliams, Design-Calendar: Marmol Radziner Jewelry (Los Angeles, CA)for Marmol Radzinger Jewelry.

“Their “wearable architecture” caught my eye. The division is an extension of the Los Angeles design/build architectural firm Marmol Radziner. All pieces are made in the same workshop where the models and full-scale building details are done. The result – a handcrafted line of jewelry born of buildings.”

Tharra Pillai, The Grommet: American Design Club (Brooklyn, NY) for Lara Knutson’s Iridescent/Metallic Nebula Necklace.

“Lara Knutson’s Iridescent/Metallic Nebula Necklaces are not only captivating, but her journey in creating this necklace embodies the characteristics of a true artist and maker. Obsessed with glass threads, she commissioned a custom made knitting machine with hand-milled component, so she could experiment with the threads and texture. The result is magical with her necklaces playing with light, structure and material.”

Hollister Hovey, HollisterHovey.blogspot.com: Ameico Inc., exclusive U.S. distributor for See Concept (New Milford, CT) for See Concept’s, Paris reading glasses.

“For the millions of aging “presbyopes” who can never find their drug store reading glasses when they’re faced with a book. (The line’s LetMeSee glasses are perfect for those faced with menus out in public). I think it deserves the Blogger’s Choice Award because: The playful colors and sculptural shape allow these magnifying medical devices to stay put and stand out enough to be seen by those who really cannot – and to serve as fun desk accessories for those who can.”

Marisa Marcantonio, Stylebeat: Finell (Austin, TX) for its Hex three piece baking dish set.

“It had me thinking these were regular serving trays, but they are oven-safe, food grade coated pieces meant to go from oven to table. With sleek and modern lines in a crisp white ceramic coating, the cast aluminum trays fit together to create a wonderful origami-like, angular serving piece, with trays that slide from side to side. With no crevices, their infinite presentation possibilities elevate serve ware to a beautiful functional object.”

Stephanie Murg, UnBeige: Neo-utility (New York, NY) for its Boskke Cube.

“Finally – a clear solution to keeping houseplants alive! Designer Patrick Morris deconstructed the traditional plant pot and added an ingenious irrigation system to create this transparent planter, which acts as a reservoir for a month’s supply of water.”

For nearly 30 years, Accent on Design has been the industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise, presenting a dynamic, juried collection of contemporary and innovative product lines from 150+ exhibitors across all categories. Accent on Design is presented semi-annually as part of NY NOW’s HOME Collection.

NY NOW’s four comprehensive collections – HOME, LIFESTYLE, HANDMADE and NEW! – will encompass 100,000 products in 400+ product categories. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nynow.com.