At this year’s NeoCon design fair, no company stood out more than Hickory, North Carolina–based HBF, which unveiled a complete overhaul under the leadership of new president Dan Chong—now one year into his role—with strategic direction from Todd Bracher. The standout piece, Nao Tamura’s Kanso seating system (shown below), was among the many forward-thinking releases from an impressive roster of designers, including OEO, Space Copenhagen, and Studio Gorm. Fresh energy in the American furniture sector was also found at Gunlocke, which debuted a collaboration with designer Brad Ascalon, and at the trade-show stalwarts Allsteel, Herman Miller, Knoll, Steelcase, and Vitra. Here, we pick our favorite launches out of the thousands of products on display.
Design
Best of NeoCon 2017
Our selection of this year’s breakthrough releases from the annual design showcase at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
Our selection of this year’s breakthrough releases from the annual design showcase at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
HBF’s Kanso seating system by Nao Tamura.
Vitra’s Pacific task chair by Barber & Osgerby.
Humanscale’s Infinity task light.
(Photo: Nathan Kirkman)
…
Maharam’s presentation, featuring an installation by Leon Ransmeier.
Allsteel’s Retreat seating collection by Niels Bendtsen.
Gunlocke’s Calia chair by Brad Ascalon.
Herman Miller’s Prospect freestanding workspace-solution system by Richard Holbrook.
Janus et Cie’s Katachi seating collection.
Steelcase’s Umami lounge system.
Oi Side’s Valet outdoor seating collection by Andrea Radice and Folco Orlandini.
Knoll’s “Unscripted” presentation by Rockwell Group.
Read our interview with Philippe Starck during NeoCon at Haworth’s showroom.