Each spring thousands of design cognoscenti and furnishings lovers from around the world descend upon the Big Apple to take part in the much acclaimed New York Design week.  BKLYN DESIGNS™, presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, is the event that launches the festivities.  This year, the three-day show will feature a record-breaking line-up of 68 exhibitors – including 30 newcomers and 38 show veterans – and for the first time, has expanded to four DUMBO, Brooklyn venues.  A revamped Web site will assist attendees with pre-show planning and information.

According to Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carl Hum, “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is proud to present another edition of BKLYN DESIGNS.  Every year, it becomes more evident that Brooklyn is not just a place where furniture is being designed and manufactured but that Brooklyn is the center of cutting-edge ideas, forward thinking, and innovative work. The Chamber is pleased that BKLYN DESIGNS brings this burgeoning creative community together.”

Stellar Seminars
Not only will BKLYN DESIGNS attendees enjoy the latest trends in contemporary furnishings – including indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, linens, rugs and decorative accessories – they will have the opportunity to take advantage of The Target® Design Speakers Series. These free seminars and off-site events feature some of the most prolific and influential members of the design industry.

In addition to the keynote presentation by design star Sami Hayek, the 2008 program will include architect Rob Rogers, principal of Rogers Marvel Architect; architect Jared Della Valle, principal Della Valle Bernheimer; renowned interior designers Amy Lau and Christopher Coleman; curators for both the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design; Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, creator of ApartmentTherapy.com; as well as editors from leading shelter and design magazines including Interior Design, New York Magazine, Dwell, domino, Metropolis, Metropolitan Home, American Craft and Readymade. (Click here for event schedule.)

Taking "Green" to the Next Level
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the producers of BKLYN DESIGNS continue to solidify their commitment to making the show a conduit for broader discourse on the issues that most concern the industry.  Without a doubt, sustainability continues to be at the top of that list.

This year, not only will a number of BKLYN DESIGNS exhibitors show themselves as leaders in the development of sustainable products and design processes, the seminar programming will again include thought-provoking presentations on the topic.

Avant-garde author, architect and artist Fritz Haeg will read from his new book “Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn.”  The book explores Haeg’s project to convert traditional domestic front lawns into highly productive edible landscapes. It also addresses larger issues concerning the environment, global food production, and generating a sense of community in our urban and suburban neighborhoods.

In addition, a panel of experts and local sustainability activists will try to dispel some of the myths about “going green” and offer advice about bringing sustainability into everyday life.

Activities Abound
This will also be the second year for BKLYN DESIGNS +, a design accessories mart, created to give show visitors the opportunity to purchase smaller, Brooklyn-made, home and fashion accessories.  An expert jury, which included members of show sponsor Target’s design/product development team, as well as Wendy Goodman, design editor for New York Magazine and Rima Suqi, freelancer writer for I.D., The New York Times, New York Magazine and Departures, selected the designers who will be exhibiting at the Tobacco Warehouse in Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.  Pratt Institute will also put together a presentation of student work for sale.  Entry to this venue will be free throughout the weekend.

An Airstream, designed by architect and designer Chris Deam (also the husband of Dwell founder Lara Headberg Deam), will be parked outside of St. Ann’s Warehouse for the duration of the show. Mike Cannell, Dwell’s online editor will conduct live interviews with show exhibitors throughout the weekend inside.  These will be recorded and posted in real time on the magazine’s Web site.

On Friday, May 9, guests and designers can head to DWR Montague Street for the BKLYN DESIGNS kick-off party and celebration.  On Saturday, immediately following Dwell’s panel discussion on Design + Development in Brooklyn, attendees will be invited to join the magazine and the BKLYN DESIGNS team at an after-hours party at Rebar in DUMBO, sponsored by Dwell, The Clarett Group and 360 Eco Vodka.

For those looking for something fun to do on Mother’s Day, ReadyMade Magazine will be inviting attendees to participate in a free craft making activity.

Show hours are Friday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 12, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance online at http://www.bklyndesigns.com/ or $15 at the door all weekend, $5 for students with valid i.d.  Pre-registered professional members of the design trade attend for free. Shuttle bus available throughout opening day provided by Con Edison.

For the latest information about the program, exhibitors and tickets, visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ is presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Target, The Clarett Group, Two Trees Management, Pratt Institute, Benjamin Moore, Con Edison, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, AIA, ASID and IIDA. The official media partners are Interior Design and New York Magazine.  BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the NYS Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, Speaker Christine Quinn and the NYC Council Brooklyn Delegation, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services. For more information visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com/.  Interested companies can contact auster*events for sponsorship and marketing opportunities at 718-243-1414.