For outstanding contributions to their respective fields within the furnishings and design area, six industry leaders were recently honored by the New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) with induction into the organization’s prestigious “Circle of Excellence.”
Founded in 1947, IFDA is a worldwide professional alliance of leaders representing the diverse industries that constitute the universe of residential and commercial furnishings and design. One of the most anticipated and festive industry events, the IFDA “Circle of Excellence” recognizes individual talent, corporate talent and accomplishments within the design and furnishing community.
Last week, six more inspiring dignitaries were inducted into the “Circle of Excellence,” joining some of the top names in the design and home furnishings industries. The honorees, ranging from designers and marketers to academics and publishers, were feted during a gala at the Union Square Ballroom in New York City. The event—“Visionaries: Past, Present and Future”—also featured a special recognition award for Claire Coleman, one of the six founding members of IFDA.
“It was 60 years ago last spring that a group of inspired women founded the Home Fashions League, a visionary group that over the years has become the leading professional community for furnishings and design,” Susan Hirsh, president of IFDA/NY told the gathered. “What better way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of IFDA than to recognize those who laid our foundation, those who are current trendsetters and those who are the future of our industry?”
In recognition of their achievements and contributions, each honoree received a handmade Orrefors crystal award, presented by the master of ceremonies, Warren Shoulberg, editor-in-chief of leading industry trade publication, HFN. Among the 2007 “Circle of Excellence” inductees:
- Interior Design: Barclay Butera, president/CEO, Barclay Butera, Inc., who has been redefining luxury for the past 15 years with his distinctive transitional design influences.
- Education: Inge Heckel, president, New York School of Interior Design, New York’s only private, not-for-profit college dedicated solely to interior design education.
- Media: Domino magazine, Deborah Needleman, editor-in-chief. Launched by Condé Nast in 2006, Domino has quickly become one of the leading guides to style and decorating in America.
- Online Marketing: Michael Bruno, president/founder of 1stdibs, who has virtually transformed the interior design industry with 1stdibs.com, a powerful marketplace for antiques and mid-century decorative arts.
- Industrial Design: Karim Rashid, principal, Karim Rashid, Inc. A self-proclaimed “cultural shaper,” Rashid is a leading figure in the fields of product, furniture and interior design, and is largely credited for bringing exceptional, affordable design to the masses.
- Retail: Maurice Villency, Eric Villency, president. Transforming retail space into urban sculpture, the Maurice Villency flagship store in Manhattan revolutionized home furnishings retailing.
Previous recipients of what is widely considered the “Oscar” of the industry include designers Raymond Waites, Jamie Drake and Eric Cohler; Farooq Kathwari, chief executive of Ethan Allen; Gordon Segal, founder of Crate & Barrel; Sherri Donghia, executive vice president of Donghia Furniture & Textiles, Inc.; author and designer Chris Casson Madden; HGTV; and editors Donna Warner of Metropolitan Home and Margaret Russell of Elle Décor.
By Shannon Kennedy, High Point Market Authority