Posted on May 16, 2008 by Paige Magarrey | Comments
Categories: Product design, Art, Lighting design, Graphic design, Events
ShareDuring the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, which takes place May 17 to 20 in New York City, Finnish design will find a new home in New York’s Meatpacking District. Hardcore New Finnish Design will showcase the latest graphic, fashion and product design from across the Atlantic.
Curated by designer Ilkka Suppanen, Hardcore New Finnish Design will be on display in the Meatpacking District throughout ICFF, offering 25 projects and concepts that explore the innovative and slightly extreme nature of Finnish design.
"Hardcore is used to refer to an extreme dedication to a specific activity or to something more intense than the regular mainstream,” says Suppanen in his curator's statement. “It can also be understood as a definition of the most authentic part of something, the essential core of something. Finnish design is extreme in its own way. It focuses on the essence of the design problem at hand and the situation in question." With fashion, industrial design, textiles, graphic design and more, the show also pays tribute to Helsinki, one of the major design hubs of Scandinavia. Visitors can also check out the Hardcore lounge, which will feature Iittala glassware, Artek furniture and Marimekko textiles.
Amsterdam-based designer Janne Kyttänen’s rapid manufactured Palm Chandelier will be among the products on display. The lighting fixture, inspired by the connection between mathematics and the laws of nature, consists of 38 individual lights shaped to form the foliage of a palm tree.
Two of Japan-born Arihiro Miyake’s self-described “Al dente” creations will be at the show. First, the Do! recyclable cutlery set comes pre-cut on aluminum sheets for forks and knives that can be shaped by hand – perfect for parties or picnics. Meanshile, the Trush-In extension cord includes a small felt container for storing, minimizing excess clutter.
In the fashion realm, Paris-based Anna Ruohonen responds to the ever-changing fashion trends by creating timeless, high-quality garments that are made to withstand many years, not just one season. The Black Classics Collection, which presents Ruohonen’s favorite designs since 2000, will be on display.
Hardcore New Finnish Design runs from May 17 to 19 at 413-415 West 14th St. in New York.