The success of the latest edition, driven by projects, exhibitions and workshops
Opening Manhattan
The 2018 edition of WantedDesign, both in Manhattan (19/22 May) and in Brooklyn (17/21 May), has been very successful. All the participants (producers, independent studios, international groups and schools) presented original projects of very high quality.
In terms of results, the community of WantedDesign grew this year with over 25,000 visitors to the locations in both boroughs, and 5000 new followers on Instagram.
The Designers worked with total freedom, using many different materials mixed with concrete, an increasingly popular choice. Textiles were also used in original ways, not just for traditional coverings, but also with an eye on sustainability, as seen in the initiative DesignWork by Eileen Fisher.
The trend towards eco-design and new composite materials was also seen in other projects, including the Finnish Zero Waste Bistro.
At Industry City in Brooklyn the IC Design Festival was opened for the first time, unveiling a large mural by Camille Walala, with a series of international exhibitions (including Oui Design and Conscious Design) as well as other events, workshops, activities for kids and the second Wanted Career Day.
Opening Brooklyn
International design from China, Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Colombia, Chile and Canada was on view in Manhattan, where Launch Pad welcomed 33 emerging designers and the #DMMTalks of Design Milk and Modenus offered a fertile platform for conversations and lectures. For the first year, Look Book presented 12 designers and producers from the United States and Canada, while the American Design Honors paid tribute to Oliver Haslegrave, alongside the return of Wanted Interiors.
