textiles are my favorite part of any show, so i was happy to see so many beautiful fabric ideas in the british section (note: this section is dedicated to designers working in the uk, not necessarily from there) of icff this year. my instant favorite in the textile design category would be chae young kim. chae lives and works in london and created this stunning computer-generated image which was printed onto fabric and tufted in sections to enhance the pattern. i could have stared at this piece for hours (the pattern had a slightly hypnotic feel to it), and i’m excited to see what chae works on next.

i also loved the deep blue fabrics at aboubakar fofana’s booth. the designer spends part of his time in west africa, and part in london- and his textile designs (displayed in these inviting, nap-friendly tents) were such a beautiful blue. i wanted to lay down, take a nap and let the soothing colors of his work wash over me.

michelle butler of isolyn debuted a beautiful series of felt wall panels that were lit from within. it was hard to capture the effect with the strong overhead lights at the javits center, but these pieces were really special in person.

these interested felt panels were from designer palvinder nangla (no website currently). palvinder uses found odds and ends to create these truly unique designs. i loved the level of detail that went into each piece- and the way that they reminded me that icff can be about much much more slick, high-end, retail-ready design.

one last textile related piece- i loved the simple but sweet upholstery on this chair at the deadgood booth. would be fun for kids and adults alike.