The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA NY), was out in full force to judge the exhibits at NY NOW, which showcases lines across the home, lifestyle, handmade and gift spectrum and is an IFDA NY Silver Industry Partner. Dondrill Glover @dondrill, the new IFDA NY VP of Social Architecture & Global Harmony, brought things up a notch by instituting a new award category, SOCIAL IMPACT DESIGN.
In her words, “This esteemed award acknowledges and supports small enterprises committed to socially impactful design in the global handmade sector. By highlighting exceptional craftsmanship and positive impact practices, it aims to enhance brand visibility in the marketplace.” The SOCIAL IMPACT DESIGN Award presented by Glover went to LUANGISA African Gallery, a fair trade gallery working directly with over 500 artisans in Africa and showcasing fine art, artifacts, crafts, fashion, home decor & beaded jewelry. They also captured the SUSTAINABILITY award, presented by IFDA NY Member Nancy Fire.
Other awardees included:
BEST TEXTILES award presented by IFDA guest judge Lucy Diamond to THIS IS A STICK UP, peel and stick window shades with bangin’ style.
INNOVATIVE BOOTH DESIGN award presented by IFDA member Bonnie Mackay to INK PAPER CRAFTS with stationary, creative goods and workshops.
BEST LIGHTING award presented by IFDA guest judge Kate Feather to ELEMENTS LIGHTING, boasting a selection from elegant and traditional to on-trend, modern and chic.
BEST BATH award presented by IFDA member Nadine Homann to ARTISANRY, a marketplace of Mediterranean-inspired products.
BEST TABLETOP award presented by IFDA guest judge James Calvin to ADDISON ROSS, noted for its luxurious home accessories.
BEST CANDLE award presented by IFDA guest judge Sara Amodio to LA JOLIE MUSE, makers of beautiful, high-quality home fragrances.
BEST GREENHOUSE award presented by IFDA guest judge Robert Di Mauro to VALLNEZ MOZELL, offering statement pieces in eye catching patterns and vivid colors and handcrafted in Brooklyn.
BEST HOUSEWARE award presented by Andrea Lillo of Designers Today magazine to BE HOME, handcrafted home and lifestyle products.
BEST DECORATIVE ACCESSORY award presented by IFDA guest judge Barbara Haberman to PRIMITIVE TWIG, which crafts sculptures out of old toys.
BEST ART award presented by IFDA guest judge Lo Chen to GLASS CATHEDRALS for its tiny worlds in boxes.
BEST HANDMADE ARTISAN award presented by IFDA member Dondrill Glover to SEAK, artisanal products from Southeast Asia.
