This post is sponsored by ICEX.

Last weekend, I participated in “Living La Vida Loca” at ICFF, a seminar introducing four of the exhibiting firms from the Spanish Pavilion (Interiors from Spain) at the furniture fair.

As an interviewer, I spent time with Nina Masó, one of the founders of Santa & Cole. The firm, based in Barcelona, acts as an editor – selecting the finest in Spanish lighting and furniture from the past, present and future  since 1985. We discussed Santa & Cole’s role in lighting the city of Barcelona for the 1992 Olympic Games and the process that goes into selecting products for publication. Additionally, Santa & Cole accesses interior needs, taking cues from popular designs and creating “families” of lamps fitting for any scenario. This endeavor proves the firms commitment to working with Spain’s finest fabricators as well.

Beyond lighting for the home and outdoors, as well as private and public furniture, Santa & Cole has also been publishing design books since 2000.

Learn more about Santa & Cole at their website.

More images of “Living La Vida Loca” and examples of Santa & Cole’s lighting after the leap.

Held concurrently with the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, New Finnish Design SCENARIOS brings a wealth of Finnish design to New York City in the form of a charming little pop up shop. The latest and greatest products from the vibrant Finnish design scene are represented, including work by Teemu Karhunen, Anni Kääriä and Sanna Väänänen, and Jani Martikainen.

Helsinki, the Finnish capital, was recently named the World Design Capital for 2012, but design savvy New Yorkers can visit the pop-up shop now to snap up the latest Finnish wares EARLY!

New Finnish Design SCENARIOS
72 Gansevoort
New York, New York

Open through Tuesday May 17, 2011.

A look at more great Finnish design after the jump.

Contemporist has some great flicks from the Yale School of Architecture’s contribution to New York ICFF 2010. “The Chair as Crucible” presents newly designed student chairs. Let’s consider this part of our coverage of student exhibitions.

A few select chairs and views after the jump.

As mentioned in yesterday’s Valencian Design Showcase post, there are a number of solid satilite exhibitions running alongside ICFF in New York.

Wallpaper* reviews “Straightforward New Finnish Design,” taking place at Chelsea Market (410 W. 16, New York). As to be expected, the designs are function led. Some 50 designers make up the showcase – their wares ranging from lighting to furniture. Housewares also figure into the mix, and in my opinion are some of the strongest pieces on display (at least from what I glean from the slideshow).

Check out a edited selection after the jump.

With ICFF and Design Week currently raging in New York, there are a few ancillary showcases worth mentioning. One, the Valencian Design Showcase, celebrates contemporary design from Valencia. Particularly impressive are the outdoor furnishing and lighting pieces. In total, twelve brands (Almerich, Bonestil, Capdell, Fambuena, Gandia Blasco, KOO International, LZF, Naturtex, Point, UNO Design, DARC and Viccarbe) are represented.

Emphasis in placed on two things – first, the legacy of design in Valencia. Secondly, newer companies that have emerged in the last decade. The duality helps promote the wealth of innovation (and fabrics play a big roll here) from the Region.

The exhibition runs through May 28, 2010 and is aptly titled Valencian Design, Live it!

Check it out at the Domus Design Collection Building, 181 Madison Avenue, New York.

Images of the display and selected objects after the jump.

T Magazine queries British designer Tom Dixon on the furniture industry ahead of (or just into) ICFF New York. Dixon is presenting his new line INDUSTRY and a series of self published books at the fair.

A quick but worthy read. Check it out here.