Joel Escalona was one of the recipients of the Bernhardt Studios Award this year.  I liked his Dancing Table, inspired by the waves created by a twirling women’s dress.

Elisa Werbler’s stunning piece at the RISD booth titled “Pour” is made entirely of liquid plastic.

Pratt Institute won best design school this year.  Their concept was Design for a Dollar.  David Steinvurzel showed these votives made of soy-based wax and orange peels.  To me it was the most honest stab!

The wick is actually a part of the orange.  Very smart!!

I spoke with Maarten De Ceulaer a little about his suitcase piece, and how he ended up at the ICFF.  He told me it had been his thesis project at the Design Academy Eindhoven.  It was recently picked up by Nilufar gallery and through them it is available in leather.  I looked at their site, and they have some pretty nice storage.   Maarten also mentioned he will be selling his Rubber Iron Book Ends at Moss soon, so look for that.

So, how did Maarten and his suitcases get here?  I asked him that question and we talked a little about his experience since school.  He is taking advange of a government program in Brussels that helps people to start their own business by providing a stipend.   He said the government is very supportive to young designers there.  We both agreed young designers should buy cheap cell phones ath this point in our careers.