A new fair dedicated to 21st-century design has arrived in New York City, featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge design across a wide contemporary spectrum, from sleek minimalism to vibrant, playful pieces. The Collectible design fair runs through September 8 at Water Street Projects, located at 161 Water Street, New York, NY 10038, from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., and closes at 5:00 P.M. on the final day.

Collectible certainly made an impression, attracting a crowd of art and fashion enthusiasts eager to explore innovative furniture designs. The international fair has previously held seven editions in Brussels since 2018, with its New York debut at the trendy WSA, a Financial District skyscraper with an industrial aesthetic. The fair emphasizes “unique pieces, bespoke commissions, and limited editions, along with newly produced works designed with functionality in mind.” Founders Liv Vaisberg and Clélie Debehault were present in New York, stating via email, “What sets Collectible apart from other fairs is our distinct focus on the present.”

Upon stepping off the elevator to the 4th floor, Room 57 Gallery showcased a striking selection: three objects dramatically displayed against crimson velvet curtains and a wrinkled satin backdrop. Daniel Widrig’s impressive Trap chair merges organic forms with metallic accents. Brecht Wright Gander’s Mini Yo Burri! light resembles a retro-futuristic creature from another realm. Gander also collaborated with Georgia B. Smith on Bicephalous, a standing lamp that functions as a kinetic sculpture, featuring silicone bulbs that can deflate and inflate. Other versions of the series are more abstract and worth a look.

For those seeking less anatomical lighting, Beirut-based designer Tarek Dada’s Wall Lamps feature concealed LEDs, vibrant colors, and varied textures, all while maintaining a tasteful, understated appearance that emits a warm glow. In another corner, Mastrangelo Studio’s Ice Melts resemble serene, glowing crystalline forms, a glimpse into creator Fernando Mastrangelo’s broader vision.

Near a window on a lavender carpet, other highlights included The Ephemeral Table, a collaboration between artist and chef Fernando Aciar of Fefo Studio and architect Kamilla Csegzi. This table, crafted from mycelium and garden waste, is intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan. Used as a mold by Fefo Studio, it is adorned with handblown glass. The creators note, “By relinquishing some control and allowing nature to influence the design, the mycelium table becomes an evolving entity.” Could eco-fungal chic be the next big trend?

Brooklyn designer Nicholas Devlin presented a maximalist piece titled Alchemist’s Folly, featuring a striking table design resembling a canopy of stalagmite narwhal tusks. Originally commissioned as a private project, Devlin explained, “I was asked to create something like a strawberry gazebo. It evolved organically as I drew inspiration from Surrealist artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Remedios Varo.” 

“The term ‘folly’ refers to something ornamental and nonfunctional, like a decorative structure,” Devlin added. “Historically, people created follies, like faux ruins, to add historical context to their estates. I aimed to create a space that feels enclosed yet dreamlike for a client who works constantly.”

Devlin’s surreal creation contrasted with the neighboring booth of Slovenia-based Tokio., which specializes in smart home products infused with Japanese-inspired elegance. “Our inspiration comes from Japanese calmness, minimalism, and timeless products,” said Akira Hasegawa of Tokio. “We want to show that a modern approach to traditional principles can feel fresh and timeless.” Their suspended amorphous LED Carbon Light gracefully hovered above cobalt blue Mori shelves, adding a touch of high-tech Zen to the experience.

Sayart / Kelly.K pittou8181@gmail.com