ICFF: Putting best foot forward
Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, May 26, 2003
Here are some musings stimulated by the recent International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
While the show assumes a different look each year, it has figured out what it wants to be when it grows up, which was not the case in its early years.
Over 15 years, ICFF has emerged as a showcase for far more than contemporary furniture. In fact, this year's edition was notable for its array of outstanding rug exhibitors and the good representation of accessories/lighting suppliers. Interestingly, the fabric guys were not as widely represented as they have been in past years — an instance of how the show shifts and changes.
Of special note is the impact of national exhibits, particularly the Italians and Brits. The Italians were exuberant in both the size of their space and the way the space was utilized, as well as the relatively large size of the companies involved.
In contrast, the British design consortium was represented by small stands, all very design driven, and clean and crisp like the Italians.
Overall, both groups offered a very upscale presentation of their country's design and product innovation, leaving no doubt about the quality of the product and the individual company's commitment to design.
Each group was very distinctive, quite unlike the American presence at such European shows as Heimtextil and Decosit. The American exhibitors, who show under the aegis of the U.S. Department of Commerce at these shows, typically offer the same aesthetics as their Italian and British counterparts, with few exceptions.
With all the problems facing American companies around the world, it's time to start putting our best foot forward. Perceptions are critical to business success. And the perceptions of American companies at shows abroad frequently leave a lot to be desired.
