SoHo, New York’s design mecca

The neighborhood containing a myriad of showrooms of Italian companies is an important part of NYCxDesign. Great expectations for the opening evening on Saturday 18 May

Five districts contain the main events of NYCxDesign (10-22 May): Tribeca, NoMad, Downtown, Madison Avenue Design District and SoHo. The latter, in particular, is a very important area for the companies of Made in Italy.

Mappa Soho Design District, courtesy of Soho Design District
Map Soho Design District, courtesy of Soho Design District

The opening on Saturday 18 May promises to be an evening of great variety, from showroom to showroom. Cocktail receptions, presentations and exhibition premieres: SoHo Design District pays tribute to international design with over 30 furniture and lighting brands, in a zone that has many similarities to Milan’s Via Durini.

The mission of the community that combines design business and culture continues to grow. The president of the SoHo Design District and its founding member in 2014, Dahlia Latif, talks about what’s in store for 2019: “After having already hosted five editions of the night of design in SoHo, we are still amazed by the influx of visitors and the enthusiasm of our members. It is an honor to bring great design to the community, confirming the role of SoHo as an international destination for design, art, culture and architecture. We are also proud to collaborate once again with ICFF, to expand our shared objectives.”

During NYCxDesign it is possible to take part in guided tours, to visit and discover one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in New York City, certainly the most interesting for lovers of design and architecture thanks to its characteristic buildings that embody the styles of the 19th century with their tall decorated facades.

Ateliernovō, fondato da Marc Benrey
Ateliernovō, fondato da Marc Benrey

During the design week the online destination ateliernovō – founded by Marc Benrey to present a refined selection of objects by outstanding French craftsmen – opens its first pop-up store in SoHo. A fascinating space in which to admire the excellence of design pieces exclusively made in France, including accessories for the home and the table, felt furnishings, eclectic vases and works of art… Decorative and functional objects created by over 30 artists, including Agnès Nivot, Bénédicte Magnin-Robert, Bérangère Noyau, Camille Campignion, Cyrille Morin, Dominique Pierrat, Emmanuelle Manche, Eric Hibelot, Faïencerie Georges, Ismaël Carré, Julie Bergeron, Karen Petit, Laure Simoneau, Manufacture de Digoin, Natacha Heitz, Nicole et Aude, Patricia Vieljeux, Silver Sentimenti, Valérie Le Roux. “The central focus of our mission is the desire to reveal the exceptional talents of French master craftsmen and artists,” says Marc Benrey. “France is famous for its accent on beauty and cultural identity, and we are proud to bring the best of French know-how to our American clients… Objects that add a unique touch to residential spaces.”

 “The Little Prince”, delightful wire sculpture by Laure Simoneau, full of poetic simplicity
“The Little Prince”, delightful wire sculpture by Laure Simoneau, full of poetic simplicity

Strolling through the zone, from Wooster Street to Greene Street to West Broadway, one encounters famous names of Made in Italy, which in many cases have taken the opportunity of ICFF and Design Week to present new collections for 2019. They include: Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Cappellini, Artemide, Flou, Foscarini and Luceplan. There are also successful international brands like Fritz Hansen, Nanimarquina and Tom Dixon.