I was psyched to attend Interior Design magazine’s 34th annual Hall of Fame ceremony in New York City in late November. The event took place in the glass-enclosed River Pavilion at Javits Center, the wide swath of the Hudson River through the windowed walls a stunning backdrop to the evening. Interior Design’s editor Cindy Allen, shown above with Marcel Wanders, one of the 2018 inductees of the magazine’s Hall of Fame, predicted that the guests would witness an entirely new side of the building, one of light, scale, and extraordinary views. And how right she was!
Hand & Grain Celebrates Design Talent
As the excitement of some of the heaviest hitters in architecture and design swirled around the room, I soaked it in, thrilled to be able to provide cosmetic cases in our finest leathers for the magazine’s goodie bags that all attendees took home that evening. I just knew once the suppleness of the leather was caressed by these elite in our field, we’d make a big impression on them, as we source nothing less than the best to cover our upholstered items.
I’d like to thank the magazine for the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of Marcel Wanders, whom I’ve so long admired. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Lisa Iwamoto and Craig Scott of IwamotoScott, Kengo Kuma, and Patrick Tighe. Allen’s rousing welcome kicked off the event: “If designers could have any superpower, they would be gifted with the power of relevancy,” she said. “Because that's the secret to succeeding in today's world, and you all are at the top. You are all the Super Relevants. Our inductees have that power, too, but they are also the Super Originals. Their work has made the world a better place. May all of us be inspired by their success and become vital instruments of good in the world.” Among these inductees are Kengo Kuma, Lisa Iwamoto, Craig Scott, and Marcel Wanders (from left) in the image below.
Patrick Tighe was the first to accept his award, saying, “We live in strange, dark times. But design can uplift and brighten the world. As designers we can be the light of good and obliterate the darkness. Tonight, I am empowered by everyone's light and feel ready to relieve more darkness." What an inspiring sentiment! When Marcel Wanders stepped up to the microphone, he put forth a message of gratitude and humility. “All I do is make little drawings, little things that I hope are meaningful,” he said. “It's a fantastic opportunity and responsibility.”
It was his muse that Kengo Kuma thanked when it was time for him to accept the honor: “My everyday life is about materials. I am always trying to bring a new softness to my projects through them. We have so much freedom today to explore the possibilities of materials and for that I am very thankful." I so heartily agree with him on this last declaration, the materials we source for products always inspiring me as I design Hand & Grain’s offerings, as well.
You can feel the excitement in the below footage, which was taken that night. It was a captivating atmosphere right up until the moment Cindy Allen closed the ceremony, telling the crowd: "Tonight, you are all heroes of mine." The superhero theme resonated so perfectly throughout the venue and I am happy I was there to be able to experience it!
Images of the event courtesy of Interior Design Magazine and TimeFrozen Photography.