ICFF2008: The British Persuasion

Of the dozens of parties surrounding this year’s ICFF, which ended today, a standout was Housewarming, the fete presenting some of the U.K.’s star designers, which took place at not yet another storefront but a series of unfinished, 34th floor condos with magnificent views down 24th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Between the bowls of pretzels and M&Ms and bottomless cocktails of the sponsored rum, the party was like a college party—but with way edgier dressed revelers and way cooler furniture and lighting.

Each apartment contained a different design collective. I love “WrongWoods” woodblock credenza by Richard Woods, and the Heidi stool by Sebastian Wrong, both showcased by Established&Sons. So, too, were pieces from Jasper Morrison’s Crate series.

The Tom Dixon address contained his heavier iron link tables and lamps, as well as the elegant slab table and a slew of lights (save for the copper and mirror balls that have become a staple of every DWR window and slick club).

Those designers were noticeably absent at the opening night soiree Friday (the showcase was open through the weekend), hosted by Smallpond, the rep, retailer and distributor of UK design; I.D. Magazine (as in International Design, not that other, British ID), and the Brooklyn/SoHo design shop Matter.
Not so was an amiable Thorsten Van Elten, who was only too happy to corral designer André Klauser to talk about his powder-coated steel Mechano side chairs, which come in a crayola box of colors—and will be easily available in the U.S. since Areaware will be distributing them. I’ve got my eye on a set.