Focus on up-and-coming talent: innovation and storytelling at ICFF 2025
The vibrant energy of New York once again provided the perfect stage for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). From 18 to 20 May, the Javits Center became a showcase for contemporary design - with a clear focus on sustainability, craftsmanship and international diversity.
Around 1,860 square meters of the exhibition space was dedicated to WANTED - a curated area that serves as an international platform for up-and-coming designers. Here, new concepts met craftsmanship and prototypes of furniture, home accessories and lighting were presented that are not only functional, but also narratively strong.
This year's entries demonstrated a keen awareness of material cycles, a feel for tactile qualities, an engagement with cultural heritage - and, last but not least, the courage to be creatively independent.
A striking example is 'Policycle Illumination' by Xuanhao Li. This impressive lighting collection demonstrates how aesthetically and functionally convincing objects can be created from recycled materials. The focus on upcycling and transforming supposed waste into high-quality designs reflects the growing interest in circular approaches.
Joshua Lim's 'Lamptern' combines traditional forms with modern functionality. In a YouTube video that he produced himself, the designer illustrates how his desk lamp can be transformed into an atmospheric evening lamp in just a few simple steps. This focus on adaptability reflects the trend towards multifunctional solutions in home design. At the same time, Lim's project highlights the positive influence that social platforms can have on the development of design ideas.
‘Herencia Totem’ by Estudio PM explores collective identity and traditional craftsmanship. The Mexican design studio uses recycled textiles to create unique side tables and stools, with each piece bearing witness to its origin, the craftsmanship involved, and an appreciation for existing resources. These objects recount past work, transforming cultural fragments into artistic everyday items. For this concept, Estudio PM rightly received this year's 'Best of Launch Pad' award in the furniture design category.
Lauren Goodman, winner of this year's “ICFF Editors Award” in the “Emerging Designer” category, is a sculptural furniture studio that focuses on local material cycles. Disused objects and renewable materials are transformed into well-considered collector's items. Goodman's approach combines material aesthetics with classic craftsmanship, interpreting upcycling as a conscious creative attitude towards an overproduced world.
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing creative processes, these young studios have emphasised the invaluable role of human imagination. Their work is more than just products; it is an innovative yet deeply human expression of design, informed by personal stories, cultural references and a deep understanding of materials.