NYC ICFF 2013

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Here are just a few snapshots of few things I saw and liked in NYC at ICFF - for some reason I didn't take a lot of photos but I looked at a great deal!  I noticed a lot of beautiful wood cabinetry and furnishings with restrained metal and leather details, lacquered or enameled tableware objects, brass artifacts, modern interpretations of traditional chandelier forms.  Off-site, I noted many collaborations between different disciplines and cultures to come up with interesting albeit experimental ideas.  It was great fun as well to have brunch at the Waverly Inn, discover Cafe Gitane at the Jane, walk the High Line, and attend the many design receptions and events at Wanted, and in Soho and Noho.  As always, NYC offered a wealth of opportunity for inspiration. 

Gianni Basso Stampatore in Venezia

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I was thrilled to receive my beautiful letterpress thank-you note cards and envelopes that the charismatic Gianni Basso had made for me.  He has a tiny print shop in one of the quiet side streets of Venice.  I had met him 10+ years ago and he had made some cards for me then - wonderful to see that the shop is still there and nothing had changed.  It was a pleasure to see all of his samples - a legion of very famous names have apparently found his shop somehow and ordered various types of cards for themselves.  It's heartening to think that this tradition is still alive - a precious few of these amazing 18th century letterpress machines are still active and indeed the act of hand writing a note to someone is still very much appreciated.  I will savour the moment each time I send one of these into a post box.

Also - thank you Gianni for recommending that restaurant - it was indeed delicious traditional Venetian fare.  Until next year!