NEW YORK -- As always, ICFF delivered on its promise of innovative product and exciting trends -- and among the some 30 area rug exhibitors at the 2019 edition, bold colors and designs made an eye-catching statement.
In addition, this year's fair also stepped up presentations featuring design glitterati that lured interior designers and architects to the show.
From keynotes by Italian architect Piero Lissoni and Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, to a panel on Artisans of Influence including Vidal Sasson of Rug Art in NYC, programming was top notch and as international as the show's exhibitors.
Rug Art's Posh rug on display at the Luxe lounge at ICFF for an Artisans of Influence presentation on the inspiration and creative process that set apart one-of-a-kind pieces.
Indeed, rug creativity was evidenced throughout the Javits Center floor where 30-plus exhibitors from around the world brought their newest collections and weaves. On show was a continuation of the trend toward to intense colorations, more elaborate textures and myriad animal motifs in abstract and literal translations. Breakout looks included bold graphics and 1950s Mid-Century Modern influenced patterns.
Below is Part 1 of the area rug industry's only tour of rug designs at the 2019 ICFF. Don't miss Part 2 where the story continues.
AMADI CARPETS
New from Los Angeles rug studio Amadi is its assortment of Kuba-cloth inspired Afghan made rugs.
Los Angeles Amadi Carpets showcased its new Kuba collection inspired by Kuba cloths from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Amadi, which shared a sprawling ICFF booth with furniture maker Verellen and MRC Studio, to showcase its latest handmade in Afghanistan rugs. And Amadi won a prestigous IFDA Selects Award for Innovative Booth Design.
Kuba Collection is inspired by Kuba cloth of central Africa, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kuba textiles are handwoven using the strands from raffia palm leaves.
AWANAY
Argentinean mother and daughter team Silvia Gabriela Olivera and Rocio Aldana Noya Olivera debut their Awanay socially conscious rugs.
Argentinian-based socially responsible rug making business debut at ICFF and showcased its Argentine made collection of area rugs. They young company works with more than 100 families in northern Argentina. The weavers weave from their homes and wool is sourced from sheep and llama farms in the remote Dry Forest and La Puna regions.
Awanay brings its Argentine made area rugs to New York's ICFF. Shown, Margaritas
EYE HEART HAND
Eye Heart Hand debuts its sustainable hand-crafted area rugs at ICFF. Shown, Leaf on the floor and Atrium, hanging
Bridgeport, Connecticut, studio Eye Heart Hand, founded in 2017, by co-founder and designer Kate D. Spain makes provenance a central focus of its hand-crafted sustainable area rugs. Each piece is hand-numbered and hand-signed by Spain, the family farm in New Zealand from where the wool is sourced and by the GoodWeave certified weavers in India. In addition, the origin of the wool in Eye Heart Hand rugs is verified by Oritain using forensic science.
The young rug studio of co-founder and designer Kate D. Spain, Eye Heart Hand, makes provenance a central focus. Each rug is signed, numbered and verified.
FRENCH ACCENTS RUGS
French Accents Rugs showcased a modern interpretation of plaid from its Highland collection (CH44) on the floor.
New York showroom French Accents Rugs brings its latest contemporary designs as it returns to this annual four-day contemporary show, including pieces from its Deconstructed and Highland collections. It also offered a sneak peek of its latest colorful Bespoke collection rugs.
French Accents Rugs showcased samples of its on point new Bespoke collection designs which are heavy on colors like: pops of bubble gum pink, orange and acqua blue.
GAN
Spanish rug maker GAN's award-winning Nuance area rug collection designed by renowned designer Patricia Urquiola.
Nuance features a felt base (80 percent recycled wool and 20 percent viscose) and viscose embroidery. Each piece of Nuances is entirely sewn by hand by skilled artisans. The series features line comes in three colorways (Burgundy, Naiad, and Volcano) in the Nuances Curve, Nuances Line and Nuances Round designs, all with a granite inspired pattern. Cushion ottomans and wall hangings are also available.
GAN's award-winning Nuance collection includes not only area rugs but cushion ottomans as well.
ILLULIAN
Debuting at the ICFF, renowned Italian rug atelier Illulian brought its most iconic rugs to the show.
Milanese area rug studio Illulian brought its most iconic contemporary rugs to the ICFF to introduce show shoppers to its bold aesthetic for the floor. "This is our first U.S. show," said the company's Davis Ronchetti. "We came her to exand in the US and ar looking for New York and Miami dealers."
Among the top designs are its limited edition Makana roaring tiger design, hand-knotted in Nepal of pure silk, and its Himalayan wool and silk Madama Butterfly and geometric Skyla A, both part of the Design collection.
Not for sheep, Illulian's limited edition faceted tiger Makana area rug, hand-knotted by master craftsmen in Nepal using 100 silk.
INIGO ELIZALDE RUGS
Inigo Elizalde, a New York textile and rug design studio, returns to ICFF with its new Carioca knotted collection. Shown, Ipanema
New York textiles and rug designer Inigo Elizalde returns to ICFF after a hiatus and introduces his never seen before Carioca collection. Inspired by Brazilian graffiti, the graphic and textural series are Nepalese hand-knotteds made of Tibetan Highland wool and completely customizable. An ICFF shopper snapped up the new Carioca Leblon rug on day two of the show.
A detail of Inigo Elizalde Rugs' debuting Nepalese hand-knotted Carioca collection. Shown, Leblon
LANDRY & ARCARI
Landry & Arcari's Ken Gurley, left, and Colin Martell introduce show shoppers to its latest color-drenched one of a kind Moroccan rugs.
Boston-area rug showroom Landry & Arcari, which has three Massachusetts locations, is spreading its wings and introduced ICFF designers and buyers to its latest area rug assortment. Among the showcased pieces were its latest color drenched Moroccan rugs and new designs from its collaboration with painter and designer Vani Sayeed
Landry & Arcari announced its new collaboration with painter and designer Vani Sayeed at ICFF.
LINIE DESIGN
Linie Design introduces ICFF attendee's to its understated, Scandinavian inspired designs. Shown, its popular Monu rug made of wool and viscose.
Danish modern rug producer and wholesaler Linie Design's Scandinavian inspired designs debut at ICFF. The 40 year old rug maker and wholesaler collaborates with Scandanavian designers to create its contemporary area rugs, which are handmade by Indian master artisans. While the company has a showroom in High Point, North Carolina, it is looking to grow its brand in the U.S.
Linie Design's Circulus rug in ocher showcases the brand's Nordic cool styling.