The Men of Konopelski’s Meats and Their Very Cool Hats! (All Photos By Gail)
Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed covering the slow return of various favorite trade shows, such as the Affordable Art Fair and NY Now while holding-out for what I like to call ‘The Big One.’ Finally, after an absence of two excruciating years, the Summer Fancy Food Show (sponsored by the Specialty Food Association) made what can only be called a triumphant comeback in June of this year. It has taken me this long to distill the experience because, wow, the show was just overwhelming on so many levels.
These Pink Jelly Belly candies were photographed while locked inside a glass case surrounding the information desk — creating a color spectrum display — which was part of the company’s booth at the Summer Fancy Food Show, which I attended on June 12th! Whether these Jelly Bellys are Pink Grapefruit of Cotton Candy, or some other flavor entirely, I cannot say. They sure do look pretty, though.
On Friday evening, I hauled butt over to Javits Center for a quick trip to the NY Boat Show — which was scheduled to run until 8 PM that night — because I had a feeling the event might be canceled on Saturday, with the Noreaster coming (and I was right). This Big Apple(that is what it is called) is actually not an official bus shelter, but a piece of public art that you can sit in. It can be found on the north side of 34th Street, just across from the fancy 7 Train exit. It looked so beautiful all lit-up, I could not resist snapping a pic for the ‘gram. The piece was created by World of Marzell!
I had to act fast to snap this photo of a cool Pink Bus as it was about to make a right turn onto 11th Avenue in front of the Javits Convention Center. Doesn’t the pale pink color just pop when set against Javits‘ shimmery sea green glass façade? Super artsy! A little Googling reveals that Pretty Little Thing is an online store that sells what I would call Hoochie Mama outfits. The site also features a Pink Monday special where many items are discounted up to 80% off, so maybe pay them a visit if you need some ‘club clothes.’
LA-based designer Alex Brokamp is inspired by the Maya Angelou quote “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When designing new pieces, his goal is to instill a meaningful connection between object and consumer that searches for a balance between physical and emotional attraction to an object.
Installation View at ICFF 2019
Brokamp’s commitment to combining technology, spatial awareness, and innovation has been a common theme throughout his work. The Collate Table Collection is no exception. The coffee and side tables in this collection are made using cutting-edge fabrication techniques and are inspired by process art; so the pieces celebrate the manner in which something is made being equally important as the outcome.
The Collate Tables are crafted from aluminum plates that have patterns cut into them using CNC (computer numerical control) toolpaths. The cellular shape of the tabletop allows thetoolpaths to create a playful pattern on the surface. This millwork not only gives insights into the high-tech fabrication process, but also creates an interesting dialogue and engaging experience for anyone looking at and walking around them.
The table treats the aluminum plate as the canvas and the toolpaths act as the brushstrokes. The finish on these aluminum tables can be anodized in several different color options as well.
Photographed in May 2019 at the ICFF at Javits Center, NYC.
