ICFF 2009: Never Say Never

So my post about ICFF 2009 is almost as late as the checks I ordered online from Bank of America; however, since they finally arrived the day after paying rent with yet another money order, I felt it was appropriate to argue that it’s never too late and to just post the damn thing! Rather than pretending to offer comprehensive coverage of the entire show, this post is just going to be a mish-mash of favorites and oddities that perhaps haven’t made their rounds about the blogosphere just yet.

First off in the student category of awesome is this magazine rack from the Cranbrook booth designed by Issac Yu Chen. Pretty much all of the pieces in Cranbrook’s booth were phenomenal. Check out their site Innate Gestures for the rest.

These re-used table saw blade scissors by Brian Persico are just too wonderful to leave out. Even the leftover scrap is beautiful.

The RISD booth was full of oddities this year, but most odd of all were these shoes made of all natural loofa. I would hate to be caught in the rain in those, but for wearing around the house, they probably make for a great exfoliator-duster combo.

I will admit that I did rather like this leather stool and it might have just a little bit to do with the fact that I am completely in love with a certain pair of Rodarte leather leggings!

Moving on from student work to these crazy little chairs by Jang Won Yoon.
My immediate reaction: “they look like BUNNIES!”
Come on, I know you see it too, it’s only slightly disguised by the stealthy, uber-I.D. curves. Seriously though, these chairs have so much identity and so much life to them, you can’t help but appreciate.

Gauthier Poulain’s Hold-H credenza and Hold-V cabinet is pure fantasy fetish furniture. Don’t worry, he knows. His take-away card states: “I carry out your dreams made to measure.” Check out the bold ace-bandage/medical/moving strap style securing system. Some strange ideas must have informed this piece, unfortunately I can’t read french.

Japan by Design featured many small treasures this year, including this humidifier designed by Miyuki Yoshida. Fill the tray with water and the fabric “leaves” become saturated, helping the water to more quickly evaporate into the air. Such a simple and beautiful idea for something that is normally a much more complicated, electric appliance.

Off site at the Model Citizen’s Design Show there were some additional noteworthy pieces:

Duo bookshelf by Ana Linares.

Egg Bench by Grace Chen.

When placed just so, the physical shape of the egg allows it to distribute weight extremely effectively.

D.I.Y. Fine Art/Title Unknown

I think there might be a dead hamster in there.

Well, there it is. My post, of sorts, from ICFF 2009. Glad I finally found some time to share.