Collectible New York 2024 – All You Need To Know About The Inaugural Edition

A Cultural Landmark in the Heart of New York

COLLECTIBLE New York will be hosted at Water Street Projects, a dynamic contemporary art space located in the WSA Building at 161 Water Street, New York. Situated in the heart of the Financial District, this 50,000-square-foot venue is a cultural landmark that embodies the industrial and post-disciplinary spirit of New York’s creative scene. The hub has been host to cultural events such as Available Works, We Are Ona, and The Met Gala’s After Party, already making it a significant destination for New York’s cultural landscape. The choice of Water Street Projects as the venue for COLLECTIBLE New York is no coincidence; it aligns perfectly with the fair’s ethos of blending raw, industrial aesthetics with cutting-edge design.

Architectural Significance and Layout

The WSA Building, with its raw industrial feel, offers a unique backdrop for the fair. The venue’s architecture is characterized by expansive open spaces, exposed structural elements, and large windows that offer breathtaking views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. The layout of the space allows for a seamless flow between different sections of the fair, enhancing the visitor experience. The venue will be transformed by Volfram, a renowned New York-based design studio known for creating immersive environments for art and design fairs. Their expertise in scenography will ensure that the space captivates visitors and facilitates easy navigation through the fair’s diverse offerings.

A Venue that Reflects COLLECTIBLE’s Vision

Water Street Projects stands as a testament to New York’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing evolution as a global hub for art and design. The venue’s industrial character is reminiscent of COLLECTIBLE’s original home in Brussels, providing a sense of continuity while also embracing the distinct energy of New York City. This venue, with its blend of history and modernity, serves as the perfect setting for COLLECTIBLE New York, where the boundaries between art, design, and architecture are continually redefined.

MAIN

The MAIN section is the core of COLLECTIBLE, where established galleries from around the world showcase contemporary designers. This section is renowned for its emphasis on curated booths, a feature that allows galleries to present their identity while offering buyers a nuanced appreciation of each designer’s unique profile. The MAIN section spans a broad spectrum of design, from decorative arts to radical and experimental works. Galleries participating in this section are encouraged to create booths that tell a cohesive story, reflecting the strengths and identities of the designers they represent.

The former DIALOGUE section has been merged into the MAIN section inviting exhibitors to also show historical works bridging the gap between the past and the present. Emma Scully Gallery will present contemporary works by artists and designers Rafael Prieto, Simone Bodmer-Turner, Jennifer Min, and EJR Barnes, in conversation with iconic pieces by French designer Philippe Starck. By juxtaposing design works from the 1980s and 1990s with contemporary creations, this section now also acknowledges the influence of late 20th-century design while exploring how these past works resonate with contemporary pieces.

NEW GARDE

Highlighting Emerging Galleries

The NEW GARDE section is dedicated to emerging galleries and collectives that have been in operation for less than three years. This section celebrates innovation and experimentation, featuring galleries and collectives that are exploring new formats, from purely digital presentations to those rooted in street presence or domestic spaces. NEW GARDE provides these new voices like Analog Glass and Yuxuan Huang with an international platform, allowing them to establish their presence as facilitators in the competitive world of design.

A highlight not to miss in this section is Studio SII, founded by Erica Sellers and Jeremy Silberberg, who will present a satellite version of ‘House of S II’, a collectible design gallery opening in Ridgewood in early 2025. This booth will resemble their aesthetic with work from local talents including J. Mcdonald, Mark Malecki, Tina Scepanovic and more.

BESPOKE

Celebrating Custom Design

The BESPOKE section is a space where independent design studios showcase works created on commission. This section highlights the personalized nature of bespoke design, where pieces are crafted to meet the specific needs and desires of clients. The BESPOKE section has been a significant aspect of COLLECTIBLE in the past, leading to many successful commissions and collaborations.

The section will include talents like Joseph Algieri launching new whimsical designs, Eero Moss who also did the dining table for Adorno’s Animism Exhibition, and Elis Monsport showcasing a sculpture crafted from cast glass and concrete, capturing the fleeting beauty and intoxicating scent of climbing roses.

ARCHITECT ⇔ DESIGNER

Where Architecture Meets Design

ARCHITECT ⇔ DESIGNER is a dedicated platform for professional architects and interior designers to exhibit their latest furniture collections. This section acknowledges architects’ significant contributions to the furniture design field, providing them with a space to showcase their unique perspectives.

With curation by Homan Rajai and Elena
Dendiberia, founders of San Francisco-based art and design collective Studio AHEAD, the ARCHITECT ⇔ DESIGNER section will expand on the ethos behind the exhibitors’ creations, foregrounding the non-verbal connotations often experienced through objects. Visitors can expect to see reflective, mirror-polished surfaces by studio NAWA, a special intervention of custom columns from collaborators NJ Roseti and Caleb Ferris, and Kamilla Csegzi‘s new work with glass on mycelium.

Studio Ahead, known for its borderless approach to design, will curate this section. The studio’s philosophy of creating spaces where contrasts are allowed to flourish—whether raw and refined, foreign and familiar—makes them an ideal choice for this section.

CURATED

A Space for Radical Experimentation

The CURATED section is a space where emerging and mid-career independent designers and design studios are invited to explore pioneering ideas and processes. This section is known for its focus on radical experimentation, offering designers a platform to push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary design.

For its inaugural New York edition, the CURATED section is inspired by Frank O’Hara’s 1960 poem “Having a Coke With You.” The poem, which reflects the vibrant chaos of New York City, serves as a thematic backdrop for the section, guiding the curation and the design of the exhibition space.

The CURATED section is curated by Sonya Tamaddon and designed by Rafael Prieto, a multidisciplinary designer known for his innovative approach to exhibition design. Prieto’s scenography for the section will juxtapose images of Manhattan with those from his travels abroad, creating a rich tapestry of references that reflect the diverse geographies and cultures represented by the exhibitors. The CURATED section will feature a selection of singular works from independent
design studios, such as Sam Aguirre, Federica Zama, Panorammma, and Merve Kahraman.

OUTDOOR

Exploring Collectible Design in Nature

OUTDOOR is a section that was inaugurated during the last edition of COLLECTIBLE in Brussels. This section focuses on collectible design within a conceptual garden setting, offering a unique context for the display of outdoor furniture and design objects.

Curated by Bas Smets, a landscape architect known for his work on the new gardens of Notre Dame de Paris, and Eliane Le Roux, an art director, the OUTDOOR section provides studios with the opportunity to exhibit one piece in an outdoor environment. This section has been met with great enthusiasm, as it addresses the growing demand for outdoor collectible design.

The OUTDOOR section will feature sculptural works from H. Bigeleisen, “Upside-Down Chair” by Young Projects (Verso), and Lavish Delight by Tuleste Factory where luxury meets pleasure in the most exquisite ways.

FASHION

Where Fashion and Design Converge

The FASHION section at COLLECTIBLE New York is a new addition that reflects the fair’s recognition of the substantial market overlap between fashion and design. This section will explore the intersection of fashion and design, focusing on bespoke furniture tailored to fashion retail spaces and shows.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, curates the FASHION section. Her curation will highlight the work of designers whose creations are specifically geared toward the fashion world, fostering encounters and collaborations between the design and fashion industries.

Notable exhibitors include the Mexican studio Chuch and retail-oriented collaborations from
designer Nicholas Devlin and Heim+Viladrich studio. With this new section, COLLECTIBLE hopes to emphasize the functional possibilities of collectible design and facilitate greater connection with U.S. fashion communities.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

A Platform for Diverse Perspectives

SPECIAL PROJECTS is a dynamic section of COLLECTIBLE that gives the stage to platforms and initiatives that offer fresh perspectives on design. These projects range from cultural representations to innovative design experiences, extending the fair’s impact beyond the traditional boundaries of collectible design.

Notable contributors to SPECIAL PROJECTS include the Female Design Council featuring Luam Melake and Mia Wright-Ross, Petra Hardware x Sight Unseen, and the WSA Booth curated by Mzwakh Endlovu featuring Vy Voi, Madeline Isakson and Kouros Maghsoudi among others. These collaborations bring together a wide range of voices and ideas, making SPECIAL PROJECTS a vibrant and essential part of COLLECTIBLE New York.

Store-Making with GOLEM: Architecture, Art & Design

On Thursday, September 5, Ariel André, Design Principal at GOLEM, will lead a masterclass titled “Store-Making with GOLEM: Architecture, Art & Design.” This session will explore how unconventional architectural strategies can elevate a brand’s physical presence, making it an integral part of the brand’s story. GOLEM is known for its innovative approach to architecture and design, and this masterclass promises to offer attendees valuable insights into the intersection of design and brand identity.

Optimistic Interiors with Oliver Furth

Later on September 5, renowned interior designer Oliver Furth will present “Optimistic Interiors,” a masterclass that explores the blend of historic decorative arts and contemporary collectible design. Known for his signature West Coast optimism, Furth’s talk will highlight how his irreverent creativity and scholarly approach result in interiors that are both timeless and joyful. This masterclass will be a must-attend for anyone interested in the art of creating personality-rich, enduring interiors.

What is Collectible Design?

On Friday, September 6, a panel discussion titled “What is Collectible Design?” will take place, moderated by Hannah Martin, Senior Design Editor at Architectural Digest. The panel will feature Liv Vaisberg (Co-Founder of COLLECTIBLE), Anne-Sophie Bach from The Invisible Collection, interior architect and designer Kim Mupangilaï, and interior designer Jake Arnold. This conversation will delve into the emerging market of collectible design, exploring the blurring lines between art and design, and the growing interest in integrating unique pieces into everyday life.

Materials of Tomorrow: Harnessing Nature and Technology

Later on September 6, a panel titled “Materials of Tomorrow” will explore the intersection of nature, technology, and material innovation. Winka Dubbeldam, founder and partner of Archi-Tectonics, and Clement Valla, artist and Dean of Experimental and Foundation Studies at RISD, will discuss the kinds of materials needed in the design industry now and in the future. Moderated by Tiffany Jow, Editor-in-Chief of Untapped, this panel will provide a forward-looking perspective on the materials that will shape the future of design.

Designing Identity: AAPI Women Reshaping the Industry

On Saturday, September 7, COLLECTIBLE and Pale Blue Magazine will present a panel discussion featuring trailblazing AAPI women who are reshaping the design industry. This conversation will explore how intersectionality has shaped their experiences and fueled innovation in a historically homogenous field. Panelists include Karen Wong (Chief Brand Officer, New Museum), Jenny Nguyen (Founder/Global PR, Hello Human), Jean Lin (Founder/Gallerist, Colony Co-op), Sandy Park (Global Sales Director, STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN), and Swati Jain (Architectural Designer, unownspace). The discussion will be moderated by Frances Pak, Co-founder of Pale Blue Magazine.

Bridging Research and Application: Sustainable Design in Academia and Practice

The final day of the fair, Sunday, September 8, will feature a panel titled “Bridging Research and Application,” focusing on the intersection of academic research and practical application in sustainable design. This discussion will explore how academic insights are being translated into impactful solutions in the design field. Panelists include Kiki Goti (Designer, Educator: Parsons School of Design & Pratt Institute), Marte Mai (Designer), Catherine Murphy (Director of Education, Parsons Healthy Materials Lab), and Michael Szivos (SOFTlab Director/Founder, Senior Critic at Yale School of Architecture). The panel will be moderated by Sonya Tamaddon, Curator and Advisor.

A Day Dedicated to Architects and Interior Designers

Thursday, September 5, 2024, will be a special day at COLLECTIBLE New York, known as Club COLLECTIBLE, dedicated to architects and interior designers. This initiative is designed to foster connections between professionals in the design and fashion industries, offering exclusive events and networking opportunities.

Exclusive Private Store Visits and Guided Tours at Collectible New York

Club COLLECTIBLE will kick off with exclusive private store visits starting at 10:00 AM, including a guided tour at the RAINS Lafayette Store designed by Jacob Egeberg, followed by a guided tour of the fair at 1:00 PM. This tour will highlight fashion-forward retail design, providing attendees with an in-depth understanding of the latest trends and innovations at the intersection of fashion and design.

RSVP here

Venue Location and Accessibility

Location: Water Street Projects WSA,
161 Water St, New York 10038

The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with several subway stations located within walking distance. The venue’s central location in the Financial District also makes it convenient for those traveling by car or taxi. Parking facilities are available nearby.

Collectible New York Tickets

Tickets for COLLECTIBLE New York are now available for purchase. Attendees can choose from various ticket options, including day passes, VIP access, and group packages. It is recommended to book tickets in advance to ensure entry, as the fair is expected to attract a large number of visitors. Adorno readers enjoy a 15% reduction on regular ticket prices.