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Bklyn Designs Turns Five

Bklyn Designs, the show’s newest element, is a cash-and-carry market.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 2/15/2007 12:00:00 AM

Though it still feels like a breath of fresh air, Bklyn Designs can no longer be considered the baby of New York Design Week. This über-hip show, presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce May 11-13, turns five this year, solidly embedding itself as a mainstay on the New York design circuit. The juried show, whose judges will include designers, stylists, and shelter magazine editors, has once again selected its exhibitor line-up—all from the borough. This year, a host of newcomers will debut unique new wares. Drawn from the largest pool of applicants since the show’s inception, designers are chosen for their cutting-edge materials, ideas, sustainability, custom woodwork, among other skills.

“The goal for the fifth anniversary of Bklyn Designs is to celebrate not only the show, but also how its growth and success are a reflection of what is happening in the borough,” says Mark Kessler, interim president and COO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. With more exhibitors than ever before, the show proves that Brooklyn is certainly a hotbed of design.

Held in the DUMBO neighborhood at St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Smack Mellon Gallery, the show will add a soon-to-be- announced third location, along with a brand new element, Bklyn Designs+, a curated, cash-and-carry market for home and fashion accessories made in Brooklyn. Manufacturers and designers interested in participating can find applications and deadline information online.

As usual, on- and off-site events, exhibits, and panel discussions will take place throughout the weekend. Programming begins May 11, the to-the-trade day, with seminars and a keynote presentation. The show is open to the public on the following two days. An exhibit titled “Models and Prototypes Born in Brooklyn” will be on display at the PowerHouse Arena. Interested designers should contact the Brooklyn Arts Council at gallery@brooklynartscouncil.org.