NY Now: Call for applications to Accent on Design, Handmade

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/22/2013 12:48:13 PM

White Plains, NY - NY Now-The Market for Home & Lifestyle is inviting designers, artists and manufacturers to submit applications for three juried, design sections and two special design incubator showcases presented at its upcoming event, formerly known as NYIGF.

Applications for the summer 2013 edition, which is scheduled August 17 to 21 in New York City, are available online at www.nynow.com.

"Accent on Design and Handmade are recognized by retailers as the leading source of contemporary design innovation and handcrafted design inspiration," said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. "Designers and artisans who apply are one step closer to participating in the nation's premier marketplace for home and lifestyle merchandise."

A juried collection of 150 contemporary designers comprise Accent on Design, which for the past 30 years has served as a resource for the home and lifestyle industries for design-led merchandise. Criteria for acceptance by the Accent on Design Selection Committee include: original, creative and authentic product design; new and innovative use of materials; products that 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 applications will be accepted through March 15. The online form is available at www.nynow.com/apply.

A+: The Young Designers' Platform, within Accent on Design, introduces the work of emerging designers, selected on the basis of design concept, creativity and originality. A+ is designed to provide emerging designers an affordable opportunity to expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace.

Applications for A+ will be accepted only from design students, recent graduates and young companies in business for one year or less. Designers will be juried by the Accent on Design Selection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality. A+ applications will be accepted through June 14. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYNOWCollections/ATheYoungDesignersPlatform/AApplication.aspx.

For nearly 30 years, Handmade has offered buyers an extensive selection of handcrafted items across such categories as tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry and apparel. Handmade is presented in two categories: Handmade Designer Maker, which showcases 340 limited-production makers across all categories and media; and Handmade Global Design, which presents a selection of 135 international craft resources with a focus on strong design blended with traditional techniques and quality workmanship. Criteria for acceptance by the juries include uniqueness, originality, authenticity, and marketability.

Handmade applications will be accepted through March 15. The online form is available at www.nynow.com/apply.

The Emerging Designer Maker Platform, which was introduced summer 2012 within Handmade Designer Maker, introduces the work of emerging craft designers and makers, selected on the basis of unique and original work, authentic design and quality craftsmanship. As a showcase for fresh new resources, the Emerging Designer Maker Platform provides an affordable opportunity for new makers to introduce a selection of their products to the wholesale marketplace.

Applications will be accepted only from designers who have been in business for one year or less. Applicants will be juried by the Handmade Designer Maker Selection Committee based on design concept, creativity and originality. Emerging Designer Maker Platform applications will be accepted through June 14. The online form is available at www.nyigf.com/Exhibitors/NYNOWCollections/HANDMADE/EmergingDesignerMakerPlatformApplication.aspx.