Menu Booth

Re-branded as NY NOW, the biannual trade show formally known as the New York International Gift Fair was back this August with all of the usual suspects presenting their wares. Viewing this show through a designers' lens can be a little overwhelming—there's just so much stuff!—but as veteran attendees we stuck to the small but well curated flagship section of the fair, "Accent on Design."

There was not much in the way of new product at the show this year, with most companies opting to refresh their collections with new colors and invest in more sophisticated branded booths—always a good thing, as it elevated the overall experience of walking the floor. One of our favorite booths, pictured above, was Danish vendor Menu who consistently present a strong product line-up, their no-frills gallery like presentation a testament to the strength of the products.

Overall, it felt like most companies exhibition spaces had a smaller footprint. it was inspiring to see some of the independent designers like Fort Standard and Chen Chen & Kai Williams who got their start with the AmDC graduate to getting their own booths, and Japan's presence was undeniable with both their minimal approach to display and product selection offering a welcome visual break.

Here's a quick round-up of stuff that caught our eye!

The Egg of Columbus eco-friendly lamp byr Valentina Carretta

Ole Jensen's collection of containers, bowls, cups, jugs, and objects for Room Copenhagen

Cut Once Heirloom wooden ruler and pen-tray, by Stephanie and Bruce Tharp from MATERIOUS

Apoc Flat-pack lamp by Steven Haulenbeek

Coasters by Reed Wilson

Concrete Door Stops by Strand Design

Nervous Systems Jigsaw within a Jigsaw

Nervous Systems Necklace

Areaware's colorful booth certainly caught our eye; in case you missed it, we had a chance to chat with founder Noel Wiggins at the show.

Stone Fruit bowl by Chen Chen & Kai William's

Crest Bottle Openers by Fort Standard

Marshall Headphones Booth

Colored Knapsacks from BAGGU

Debut of the 'Margot Collection' by Felecia Ferrone

Artek Booth