Sep 7, 2012

NYIGF Accepting Applications for Juried Design-Focused Divisions

Designers, artists and manufacturers are invited to submit applications for three juried, design-focused New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) divisions (Accent on Design®, Handmade® Designer Maker and Handmade® Global Design) and two special NYIGF incubator showcases (A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design and Emerging Designer Maker Platform at Handmade® Designer Maker). Applications for the winter 2013 NYIGF, which runs January 26-30, 2013, are now available online at www.nyigf.com.

“Designers and artisans who apply are one step closer to participating in the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “These juried NYIGF divisions are recognized by retailers as a leading source for design innovation and inspiration.”

Accent on Design

Some 200 established and emerging design brands featuring contemporary and innovative lines across all categories comprise Accent on Design, the gift and home industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise for over 25 years. 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 will be accepted through Monday, October 1, 2012. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/apply.

A+: The Young Designers’ Platform

Within Accent on Design, A+ 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 Design Selection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality. A+ applications will be accepted through Friday, November 30, 2012. The online form is available at http://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. Handmade is presented in two distinct categories: Handmade Designer Maker, which showcases 340 limited-production makers across all categories and media, and Handmade Global Design, which presents a selection of 135 international craft resources with a focus on strong design blended with traditional techniques and quality workmanship. Criteria for acceptance into either category include uniqueness, originality, authenticity, and marketability. Handmade applications will be accepted through Monday, October 1, 2012. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/apply.

Emerging Designer Maker Platform

Introduced in summer 2012, the new Emerging Designer Maker Platform within Handmade Designer Maker introduces the work of emerging craft designers and makers, selected on the basis of unique and original work, authentic design and quality craftsmanship. As a showcase for fresh new resources, Emerging Designer Maker Platform provides an affordable opportunity for new makers to introduce a selection of their products to the wholesale marketplace.

Applications will be accepted only from designers who have been in business for one year or less. Applicants will be juried by the Handmade Designer Maker Selection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality. Emerging Designer Maker Platform applications will be accepted through Thursday, November 15, 2012. The online form is available at http://nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYIGFDivisions/Handmade/EmergingDesignerMakerPlatformApplication.aspx.

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. The winter 2013 edition of NYIGF runs January 26-30, 2013, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 & 94. 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.