Prototype Casting

One of the most exciting new developments at this year’s Fair is the debut of ICFF Studio, a joint venture between the ICFF and Bernhardt Design that offers exhibition space for promising young designers to display prototypes. “It’s very difficult for industrial designers to have their products seen by manufacturers and to get recognition from the press,” says Jerry Helling, president of Bernhardt. “The ICFF is the only thing I know of in this country that offers that kind of exposure.” Selected through a juried competition, the designers will display their work in a group area with individual booths specially designed for the Fair by TRUCK Product Architecture. “We wanted this to be a truly professional presentation,” Helling says. “These designers will be able to show their work on a level where people will really take notice.”