WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The New York International Gift Fair is now accepting applications from young home product designers for “A+: The Young Designer’s Platform,” an incubator exhibit area at the fair’s Accent on Design area, which will run Aug. 17 to 20.
The fair itself, which will be held at New York’s Javits Center, Metropolitan Pavilion, and piers 92 and 94, will begin Aug. 16 and run through Aug. 21.
Applications will be accepted through Sunday, June 1. They are available online at nyigf.-com.
The A+ program, launched in February, “showcases emerging talents alongside some 200 established contemporary design resources,” NYIGF said in a statement. It was developed to provide young designers with an affordable opportunity to “expose their concepts, prototypes and finished products to the wholesale marketplace.”
Youthful entrants will be given an opportunity not only to present their creations and get feedback, but to take any wholesale orders that are made by retailers.
NYIGF noted that Joey Roth, a New York designer, introduced his teapot at the A+ inaugural edition. Named Sorapot, the item was well received, according to Roth, who said that retailers placing orders included Fred Segal, SF MOMA, Branch Home and Scandia Jewelers. Journalists from New York, Metropolitan Home and Dwell also expressed interest, the statement said.
Around 40,000 buyers from around the world are expected at the August fair.