Maison France and Homemade Brooklyn: A Tale Of Two City Markets

One of my favorite things about living @NYC is the mixed bag of sights, sounds and tastes that is offered here on a daily basis. The excitement of the “you never know what you’re gonna get around the next corner, behind the next door”- is probably the number 1 reason I packed up my Southern bags and headed to the big city in the first place.

I’m totally inspired by these experiences- and believe you me, New York (especially in the Summer) is chock full of them. In many ways I like to think of the city as a great equalizer. One minute you might be surrounded by lush “old school” opulence, the next you find yourself knee deep in “modern day” grittiness. The key to knowing if you’ve come to the right city: when both experiences leave you happy as clam!

So last week, when I received 2 invites (1 for work, 1 for play) to 2 very different city markets, I thought- if ever there was a way to illustrate how fun exploring both the established and the up and coming in stylish New York can be– this would be it. Of course (as only a true NY’er can be) I am equally estatic about both!

The first up is the Maison France Design Expo.

Maison France, hosted by The French Trade Commission (UBIFRANCE), will exhibit at the Felissimo Design House (10 West 56th Street) in New York City, from June 22 to June 24.

Offered as an exclusive press & trade ONLY showcase featuring a curated‐selection of the hottest home furnishings coming out of France, the showcase serves to establish the 30 designers as haute décor and introduce their newest luxury collections to the US market.

Where: Felissimo Design House, 10 West 56th Street, NYC (btw 5th / 6th Ave)

When: Tuesday June 22 and Wednesday June 23 (press and trade only) 9:00am-6:00pm

Thursday June 24th-Open to the general public 12:00pm-5:00pm (No RSVP Necessary)

I’m am so psyched about going to this event because:

1.) anything including the descriptive words French, Artisan and Luxury is bound to be beautiful and

2.) having never been inside the famed Felissimo Townhouse, I figure this will be my last chance. Sadly- this expo is to be the last event hosted within it’s fabled walls. After Thursday- its doors will be shut forever.

“Luxury artisans represent a large part of the economic fabric in France. As a part of the French economic and cultural identity, these companies ensure the conservation, valuation and transmission of the know-how of excellence, and are essential in preserving the heritage as well as representing contemporary creation.” (Christophe Lecourtier, General Manager Of Ubifrance)

A few of the “goods” of Good Taste: Over 30 French design houses will be showcased, for some this marks the first time their products are being introduced into the U.S. Market.

1. Tisserant 2. Taillardat 3. Elie Bleu 4. Bronze De France 5. HB-Henriot 6. Maison Fey 7. Maison Gatti 8. Henryot & Cie 9. Lapparra 10. Diversion 11.Ulagador and 12. Valombreuse

The creators of this market have done something pretty brilliant: created a free app to guide iphone users through the show. For you Blackberry et all users- you can download the catalog HERE.

You can follow along on event via Twitter @HeadandHand

Now the second event, though very different is just as culturally exciting to me because:

1. When I moved to NYC, Williamsburg, Brooklyn was the first place that I lived and this is where the market is “popping up” this weekend plus

2. I love most things artsy and handmade and supporting entrepreneurs. I remember how much talent was there “back in the day”. I’m sure that’s true even more so now that the hood’s population and popularity has completely exploded.

A traveling pop-up shop and showcase where local artist and designers are able to show of their talents!

Homemade: Brooklyn is a showcase for all locally made products and performers. It is a tightly curated collection of artists, designers, chefs, and enthusiasts from around the borough and promotes the diverse creativity that is happening in Brooklyn today and give a platform for new and established businesses. (founder- Jessica Goldfond)

Put Your Hands up for Handmade: previous vendors have included: 1. Odette NY 2. mgmy 3. sew Mon! 4. every little counts 5. Brooklyn Rehab