NYIGF accepting applications for three juried divisions during the upcoming winter event

-- Home Textiles Today, 9/25/2009 12:05:00 PM

White Plains, N.Y. – Designers, artists, and manufacturers are being invited to apply to exhibit in three juried, design-focused divisions during the upcoming winter 2010 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).

Applications are being accepted for the “Accent on Design^” and “Handmade^” portions through Oct. 16; applications for “A+: The Young Designers” platform at Accent on Design will be accepted through Nov. 4.

Accent on Design sets the stage for a juried collection of contemporary and innovative product lines from nearly 200 exhibitors across all categories. 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 jury members include: Miguel Calvo, Design & Research; David Alhadeff, The Future Perfect; Jamie Gray, Matter; Ilene Shaw, Shaw + Co! Productions; and Wilma Wabnitz of Wabnitz Editions Ltd.

Accent on Design applications are available online at http://www.nyigf.com/exhibitor/applyform.html.  

The “A+: The Young Designers' Platform” is an “incubator,” as described by the NYIGF, exhibit area within Accent on Design showcasing emerging talents, offering young designers an affordable opportunity to expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace. Criteria for acceptance include: design concept, creativity and originality.

Applications for this platform will be accepted only from design students, recent graduates and emerging companies in business for one year or less.  Designers will be juried by the Accent on Design selection committee.

A+ applications are available online at http://www.nyigf.com/exhibitor/aplus/exhibitor.php.

The “Handmade” portion includes handcrafted items across such categories as tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel.  The division, which features 575 artisans from 36 U.S. states and 14 countries worldwide, offers special identification of some 200 "designer-makers," as well as a special "Handmade in the USA" showcase area. 

Criteria for Handmade acceptance include:  uniqueness, originality, authenticity, and marketability. Jury members include artisans, craft industry experts and retailers. Handmade applications are due Oct.16 and are available online at http://www.nyigf.com/exhibitor/applyform.html.