10 must-see installations and exhibits at NYCxDesign 2019
With New York City's design festival kicking off today, US editor Eleanor Gibson has picked out 10 shows not to be missed, from a tiny home built by Fernando Mastrangelo to a colouful pop-up hair salon.
The 2019 edition of NYCxDesign takes place from 10 to 22 May.
A host of events, exhibitions and installations will be spread across the city's five boroughs, including returning fairs ICFF, WantedDesign and Brooklyn Designs, showroom parties and pop-up galleries.
Here's our pick of 10 installations and exhibitions to check out:
Studio INI Installation at A/D/O
A/D/O, 29 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn
18 May – 2 September 2019
Following the success of Spirit of the City last year, MINI creative hub A/D/O will once again host an installation in its outdoor courtyard. This year, it has tapped designer and engineer Nassia Inglessis, who counts Neri Oxman as a mentor, and promises an immersive experience that changes in response to visitor's movement.
Crosby Studios x Amika pop-up
430 West Broadway, Manhattan
10-31 May 2019
Hair company Amika's bold and patterned branding comes to life in this brashy pop-up shop designed by Crosby Studios' Harry Nuriev. Open for the month of May, the Soho store includes a "hair confessional: room, an interactive hair styling station and stylists to teach visitors about hair care and styling techniques.
Deeper than Text by 1stdibs and the Female Design Council
1stdibs Gallery, Terminal Stores Building, 269 11th Ave, Mahnattan
11-31 May 2019
Digital marketplace 1stdibs is making the most of its first standalone brick-and-mortar showroom during this year's event. The company has teamed up with the Female Design Council to exhibit the work of 19 international women designers in the Chelsea space, with pieces including a pompom tiger, objects from Kiki van Eijk and Konekt lights draped in chainmail.
Viso Collective Installation 2.0
62 White Street, Manhattan
10-22 May 2019
Designers Michael Bargo, Andre Mellone and Giancarlo Valle have created a series of sets to display Spanish company Viso Project's new products inside a worn-out Manhattan space. All items are for sale inside the pop-gallery, including additional decor to create the homey ensembles.
Romancing the Stone by Chen Chen and Kai Williams
The Future Perfect, Casa Perfect, Manhattan
2 May – 1 August 2019
The Future Perfect's Casa Perfect gallery provides the setting for a collection of stone objects by New York designers Chen Chen and Kai Williams. Called Romancing the Stone, the works comprise the Geology Collection tables, formed of huge stones cut in two, and the Stone Roses lights, which are thinly sliced stones that let light filter through, along with shimmery mirrors.
Design Pavilion
Times Square, Manhattan
10-22 May 2019
Tiny House – a mini home that Brooklyn artist Fernando Mastrangelo has built from recycled materials – is among the installations at Times Square for Design Pavilion. Others are a 60-foot-long yacht that will be docked in the public space, and a group of benches by local designer Joe Doucet.
Egg Collective
151 Hudson Street, Manhattan
23 May 2019
Egg Collective, a New York studio established by female designers Crystal Ellis, Hillary Petrie, and Stephanie Beamer, will open a new flagship store in Tribeca to coincide with NYCxDesign 2019. The company will celebrate the launch with the presentation of its new collection, including collaborations with Callidus Guild and Hiroko Takeda.
Doorknobs: Beyond the Everyday
WantedDesign, Industry City, Brooklyn
16-20 May 2019
Gregory Beson and Sarah Templin have curated this exhibit for WantedDesign's Brooklyn showcase to elevate the humble doorknob's design status. Eighteen door handles will go on show for the event, with designs by Claesson Koivisto Rune, Jasper Morrison and Tucker Viemeister.
Inside/Out
The William Vale, Brooklyn
10-22 May 2019
With outdoor furniture out in full-force at furniture fairs this past year, Kin & Company and Asa Pingree have curated 20 designs to populate the elevated garden at Brooklyn's The William Vale hotel.
Arcade by Calico Wallpaper x Workstead
220 Church Street, Lower Manhattan
14-21 May 2019
Calico Wallpaper and design studio Workstead have teamed up to create an immersive installation to showcase their new designs inside Tribeca's historical Neoclassical Merchants Square Building. The Workstead-designed Arcade Bakery is right next door for tired design-enthusiasts to fuel up on baked goods.