The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/829998
JUNE 2017 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 13 RO THE ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST DESIGN SHOW HITS THE MARK Persona, Portiz & Studio, ImmerLit Porcelain Lighting, and Jason Mizrahi were just a few of the many talented makers. "I really appreciated the MADE section," added Matt Berman, principal of Architecture and Interior Design firm Workshop/APD. "The AD Design Show is a tremendous opportunity for consumers to see the breadth and diversity available in the design community." From hip, emerging companies, to the leading couture brands, The SHOPS offered discerning design enthusiasts a cash-and- carry option. The retail boutique element of the show featured a highly curated selection of décor, gifts, tabletop accessories, objets d'art, and more. The 2017 lineup featured signature brands like Christophe Pourny and Rikumo as well as new discoveries like Keap, Leibal, and the elite luxury resort and spa, Golden Door. Design inspiration continued in the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio, the official show theater, which hosted captivating seminars. According to designer and 2017 panelist Katie Scott, who spoke eloquently on the subject of spirituality in design, "I love how the show provides a platform for guests to learn about important design topics and educates the end users about the products and designs that are featured at the event." Scott's presentation was one of 12 lively and informative sessions. This year, Amy Astley took the show stage for the first time as editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest. Her keynote presentation with L.A.-based interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard provided an intimate look at the dynamics of creating homes for some of the world's most high-profile celebrities. The programming also featured leading design principals David Rockwell, Matthew Berman, Mary McDonald, Michael Suomi, Vicente Wolf, Anthony Ingrao, Madeline Stuart, Frank De Biasi, and Edmund Hollander; style makers Ken Fulk, Laura Dowling, and Lela Rose; tastemakers Tim Gunn and Genevieve Gorder; renovation gurus Stephen Fanuka, Jason Cameron, and Jean Brownhill; and master craftspeople Lora Appleton, Ara Levon Thorose, Kim Markel, and Cody Hoyt, to name a few. Adding to the excitement, New York's most anticipated display of design brilliance in dining environments, the DINING BY DESIGN exhibit, was another big draw. Benefiting DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, the co-located event featured creative dining environments from the country's leading designers and companies, and raised nearly $800,000 for the cause this year. DIFFA Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct-care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public-policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/ AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that working together have provided more than $42 million to hundreds of HIV/ AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org. The Architectural Digest Design Show will return next year to Piers 92 & 94, March 22–25, 2018. ADDesignShow.com