IDS 2012 officially launched yesterday and I had the opportunity to fill my day with all things IDS! My morning began with an exclusive preview of the show where I got a first-hand look at the showroom before it opened up to the public. There's lots to see and discover at this year's show and I noticed a focus on "small space living" throughout the gigantic showroom space. Many of the designers were present and I got a chance to hear some of them speak about their designs as I got a sneak peak at some of the main exhibits.
Above: Piero Lissoni and Mazen el-Abdallah speak about their designs
The show just keeps getting bigger and better each year and some of the highlights of this year's show include the interesting and beautiful How Do You Live? multi-dwelling designer spaces, the Studio North & Prototype showcase of unique Canadian and International design pieces, the Design Gen Next display of up-and-coming Canadian design talent and the Cherish Auction & Exhibit, which features Magis Julian chairs re-imagined and reinvented by some of the world's top designers, then ultimately silently auctioned off for the charity ONEXONE.
Above: Designer Magis Julian chairs
In the afternoon, I attended a session of IDS 2012's annual Conversations In Design series which features prominent designers conversing about anything and everything design related in an intimate and interactive environment. I really enjoyed the session I was a part of because it provided the ideal platform for attendees to be engaged by the words of the featured designer and an opportunity to directly ask him or her our own design questions. I would highly recommend attending this series if you're a design enthusiast or passionate about learning how designers conceptualize and execute their design process.
Above: Conversations in Design with Karim Rashid
Later in the evening, I attended the fabulous, annual opening night party--this year's party truly didn't disappoint! Visionary designer, Karim Rashid (check back for part one of my interview with Karim Rashid next week) performed a special DJ set comprised of upbeat house music mashed up with signature '80s tunes for party goers as they sipped on luscious cocktails and perused the enormous showroom to discover all of the new and exciting interior design trends for the upcoming year. Some even got the chance to meet and rub shoulders with celebrity designers Brian Gluckstein, Tommy Smythe, James Dale, Kennedy McRae, Colin McAllister, Justin Ryan and more! Overall, the party was a blast and IDS12 definitely has something for every interior design lover. Check out the photos below for a glimpse into the show and the opening night party.
Above: Karim Rashid performs a DJ set
Above: Brian Gluckstein
Above: Tommy Smythe
Above: James Dale (left), Kennedy McRae (right)
Above: How Do You Live? space by Quadrangle Architects
Above: How Do You Live? space by Mason
Above: How Do You Live? space by Mazen Studio
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