Design Week debutant Shelter promises autonomy and adaptability
In the heart of Chelsea's industrial third floor within the Starrett-Lehigh building, Deirdre Maloney and Minya Quirk, of Afternoon Light, unveiled a new design extravaganza dubbed Shelter. This fresh fair was birthed during New York Design Week, offering a breath of fresh air, veering away from the normality of mundane trade shows and forgettable cocktail parties. Instead, it promised a vibrant, genuine experience where creativity, companionship, and business harmoniously intersect.
Not just another run-of-the-mill event, Shelter was designed to be a beacon for experimental design and a sanctuary for a thriving artistic community. As Minya Quirk eloquently explained, "Shelter isn’t a tedious trade show, not another soul-sucking cocktail party, but a deliriously enjoyable, real-life encounter where imagination, camaraderie, and enterprise collide in magnificent glory."
The laid-back atmosphere gave some unconventional designers the freedom to display their work sans barriers, capitalizing on the building's natural light and expansive windows. Luke Haynes, for instance, a quilter extraordinaire, adorned the space with three impressive quilts fashioned from reclaimed fabrics sourced from thrift stores. His unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary designs produced narrative objects, capturing the essence of identity and location in each piece. Haynes, a trained architect inspired by the quilt-makers of Gee's Bend, has been perfecting his sewing skills for the past two decades.
Elise McMahon, a talented designer from RISD and Parsons, set up a cozy living room adorned with a sofa and chair, their cushions stuffed with shredded textile scraps. Such an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based padding is a game-changer in the upholstery industry, and McMahon's venture, known as CRCL EARTH, aims to distribute this innovative padding to both budding designers and large manufacturers willing to divert textile waste away from waste-ridden nations like Ghana.
McMahon sees her furniture as a stealthy Trojan horse, subtly sparking conversations about sustainable alternatives. Needless to say, she relishes the chance to network alongside peers and foster new collaborations. "Big brands could find their next creative dynamo, indie studios could land their dream commission, and visitors might meet their fave lamp and take it home,," explains Deirdre Maloney about the potential benefits of participating in Shelter. "We're building the show that we wished existed."
Parma Tile, a family-run Astoria-based company, exhibited its artisanal tile collection, which boasted items sourced from countries such as Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. With a focus on small ateliers and multi-generational factories, Parma Tile brings a touch of charm and craftsmanship to contemporary design. They showcased their fresh branding and website, marking their debut at Shelter.
USM Modular Furniture showcased a new collection, "Woven Structures," by Henry Julier Debut, an accomplished industrial designer from New York. A whopping ten pieces from the classic USM Haller Modular System showcased integration with woven Danish paper cord, creating an intriguing contrast with the raw space.
A strong Scandinavian presence graced Shelter, with Audo Copenhagen and & Søn making their presence known. Swedish NO GA, exhibiting designers such as Made By Choice (centered around Matthew Day Jackson's curvy Kolho chair), and a new futuristic mirror by Willo Perron for NO GA Projects, also drew attention.
NO GA's debut at New York Design Week resonated with Carl Larsson, the brand’s founder, who acknowledged fairs' growing importance in an increasingly digital world. “Fairs are like catwalks for products, offering opportunities to connect with global retailers who share our vision,” he stated.
The playful spirit of Shelter permeated the creative pulse of New York. Jones Dudd presented absurdly functional designs, while queer-led collective Design Dysphoria led thought-provoking talks and exhibitions in partnership with Gotham. For Scale newspaper dished out witty, insightful perspectives, interviews, and more, keeping the vibe lively and engaging.
In the end, Shelter left a lasting impression as more than a fair – it’s a vibe. A vibe that pushes boundaries, fosters collaboration, and encourages responsible design practices. As Deirdre Maloney and Minya Quirk conceive it, Shelter is a haven for showcasing ingenuity, encouraging connections, and forging a brighter, malice-free future in the world of design.
- Deirdre Maloney and Minya Quirk, of Afternoon Light, envisioned Shelter as a haven for experimental design and a sanctuary for a thriving artistic community, making it more than just a home-and-garden or lifestyle fair.
- At Shelter, various designers, like Elise McMahon and Luke Haynes, presented innovative work in home-and-garden and lifestyle categories, promoting creative, sustainable, and eco-friendly practices.
