Be Original Americas Design Auction
Ready…set…bid!
Be Original Americas is hosting a special virtual design auction to fund its first-ever fellowship program for two undergraduate college students. Bid on more than 30 authentic designs and experiences and help support the future of original design from May 2-16, 2016. Items range from furniture, lighting, and tabletop to accessories and unique experiences — all generously donated by members and friends of Be Original Americas.
Visitors to WantedDesign Manhattan can register and bid live using tablets donated by Samsung at the Be Original America’s booth. Special thanks to Uli Wagner Studio for the booth design, and to Pablo and FLOR for donated lighting and flooring, respectively. Design-lovers anywhere can participate remotely through the online platform 501 Auctions. The auction site will be live on Monday, May 2, so stay tuned for the link to view all auction items and to participate in the bidding.
Pictured (clockwise from top left): exclusive Vitra Grand Repos chair signed by its designer Antonio Citterio, Nebula with Opalescent Glass necklace by Lara Knutson, FLOS Snoopy lamp by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, and Wallace Sewell Highbury throw.
My Life in Design: Alberto Alessi
Be Original Americas will host a singular talk with Alessi President Alberto Alessi, introduced by METROPOLIS Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Susan Szenasy, at 10AM Friday, May 13 at WantedDesign Brooklyn. The presentation, “My Life in Design: Alberto Alessi,” examines the particular triumphs and challenges of his illustrious career, including how to accommodate nearly 300 designers and architects under the same roof in his role as an Italian Design Factory manager. Seating is limited and RSVP to intern@bdeonline.biz is a must.
ICFF and BKLYN Designs
This year, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF, May 14-17) will be more authentic than ever before. Through the efforts of Be Original Americas, copycat designs have finally been eliminated from the tradeshow’s rental offerings. “ICFF celebrates what is best, innovative, and creative in our industry,” said Kevin O’Keefe, ICFF Event Director. “We are proud that ICFF’s general contractor GES has purged knockoffs from its rental furniture offerings to exhibitors as we stand with original design.” In addition, Be Original Americas will also be at BKLYN DESIGNS from May 6-8 at the IIDA NY table. Stop by to learn how to join the fight for design integrity.
