New York gets new hub during design week

Following similar initiatives in Soho and the Meatpacking District, the Noho Design District in New York will open its doors (to the public!) for the first time May 15, running concurrently with the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF).

Organized by Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov - former editors of I.D. Magazine, which, to the chagrin of many, folded last year - the new design week hub aims to bring together brands, young designers, local businesses and retailers via pop-up shops, exhibitions, and performances, which Singer and Khemsurov hope will create a "festival-like atmosphere in a neighborhood that is already considered a new hub for design and creativity."

Highlights will include a sale of gently used designer items (Relative Space, 2 Bond Street, May 15-16), an emerging talent showcase called Noho Next (350 Bowery, May 15-18), and a new exhibition by Japan Premium Beef, which describes itself as a mix of an art gallery and a meat market and which has teamed up with Sam Baron to present his collection of sausages rendered in glass. Sounds strange? Yes, indeed, but then again it's Sam Baron, who is also the art director of Benetton's design research center Fabrica, so it might be worth a look (57 Great Jones Street, May 15-18).

The Noho Design District will be located primarily on Great Jones Street and Bond Street between Lafayette and the Bowery, and run through May 18. More information on all events can be found online at http://www.nohodesigndistrict.com.