I couldn’t make it to ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in New York this year, but I knew of a certain 7 year old who could. Little ones have opinions too and Ayla certainly has her own take on things, and to top it off she is very stylish. She loves taking photos and she happily accepted my request. I also thought it would be interesting to find out what a kid thinks about design and creativity from grown-ups.
Here’s the chat I had with her. Keep in mind that she is 7 years old, but oh so enthusiastic.
Ayla, I know you were looking forward to your trip to New York. What did you think of ICFF?
It was good because we took a small break on some outdoor sofas. They were white with little holes in them. There were lots of things to see but no other children.
It was very exciting at first but then it got kind of boring.
Did you see any interesting things?
I saw a sofa covered entirely with zippers and silk ties*. A chair made of playing cards cut in two and that sort of folded over**. There were also two tables with centres made like slinkies***. When you put pressure on top they bounced up and down.
*Spider Sofa by BRC Designs Photo by Ayla
**Deuces Wild Chair by BRC Designs
***Double Slinky Table Photo by Ayla
Which furniture piece would you say was your favourite and why?
The same ones I’ve just mentioned. Those were the coolest.
Did you learn anything new about how furniture is made?
Many of the designers standing next to their booths actually made the furniture themselves. I had no idea they could do that! I thought they only designed them.
Did you meet anyone interesting?
Your friend with the red hair!
Huh?
She said she knows you.
...Oh you mean Lisa Albin from Iglooplay?
Yes! She was very nice. She gave me chocolate, a ruler, and a postcard from her company.
Iglooplay Booth - Photo by Ayla
I also met the designer that made the playing card table, slinky table, and sofa with zippers and silk ties. I was able to take pictures of him, but I can’t remember his name****.
***Benjamin Rollins Caldwell from BRC Designs. Photo by Ayla
Was there anything there that you would recommend for Modern Karibou?
There was a big brick house with lots of things inside. Everything there should be available at Modern Karibou. (I am still trying to find out which brick house she meant.)
What was your favourite part of the trip to New York?
The Beast! It’s a speed boat that we took to go see the Statue of Liberty. We were able to see it up close. Really!
Our special correspondant, Ayla, taking a well-deserved rest on a Molo stool.
You can view more of Ayla’s photos on flickr.
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