Brazil’s participation was organized through the Brazilian Furniture Project, an initiative led by ABIMÓVEL and ApexBrasil, drawing the attention of the international design community
Walking around the pavilions of the ICFF 2024 (International Contemporary Furniture Fair), held from May 19 to 21 as part of NYCxDESIGN in the United States, one trend stood out: the fusion of tradition and technology in pieces that are both innovative and timeless, bringing elegance into a mix of physical and visual comfort and practicality. These characteristics define the DNA of Brazilian design, known for applying traditional techniques to contemporary furniture. This design combines natural raw materials, industrial processes, and sustainable management to tell stories and bring luxurious warmth with a touch of Brazil’s unique spontaneity.
It’s no surprise that by addressing some of the key emerging trends in furniture design, the presence of the Brazilian Furniture Project at the fair did not go unnoticed. Celebrating its 35th edition, ICFF 2024 welcomed the largest Brazilian delegation in its history. This collaborative effort by ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) took 28 Brazilian companies on the ICFF Trade Mission, with the “Brazilian Pavilion” being highlighted by visitors and international media as one of the event’s standouts this year.
Among the total number of participants, 13 companies showcased their products in exclusive booths designed by Estojo, which emphasized Brazilian cultural and material identity; while all participants engaged in business rounds with international buyers, supported by the Consulate of Brazil in New York. These efforts generated significant businesses and promising partnerships, establishing 2,132 commercial contacts, 90.5% of which were new points of contact. This culminated in a total of US$ 76.12 million in closed deals and sales expectations for the next 12 months.
That’s only taking into account the trade fair and the trade mission, since it should be noted, too, that the project was also responsible for the “Design + Industry” exhibition, which brought together the work of nine companies and 11 national designers, connected through the industry-integrated design program, which is part of the scope of the Brazilian Furniture.
“Design + Industry” Exhibition and International Recognition
Curated by Liana Tessler, with the scenography also signed by Estojo, the “Design + Industry” exhibition demonstrated how collaboration between designers and manufacturers can further elevate quality, sustainability, and excellence in the furniture industry, with Brazil becoming a reference in this aspect.
Cândida Cervieri, executive director of ABIMÓVEL and project manager of the Brazilian Furniture Project, emphasizes that the Design + Industry program has proven to be an excellent strategy in developing new products “that not only meet current aesthetic demands but also respond to new international requirements, improving production efficiency, sustainable management, and economic viability, as well as the positioning and commercial promotion of businesses of all sizes.”
One notable partnership within the program was between the brand by Kamy and designer Sergio Matos, resulting in an award-winning collection. The “Tambaki” tapestry line was awarded “Best in Show” in the “Flooring” category at the ICFF Awards, recognizing the best launches in 12 categories among approximately 450 exhibitors. The name refers to a fish species common in the Amazon rivers, Tambaqui, combining ancestral techniques with modernity through the use of nautical polypropylene rope. This celebrates the integration of tradition and innovation, key themes at this year’s New York event.
Brazilian Design in Focus on the Global Market
In this context, the United States reaffirmed its position as the main importer of Brazilian furniture, reflecting the strong trading partnership between the two countries. However, the scope of businesses extended beyond the North American market. “Companies from various countries, both from the Americas and other regions, were present at the Brazilian actions and closed deals with our companies at ICFF, demonstrating the growing international demand for Brazilian design,” emphasizes Clarissa Franco, manager of the Brazilian Furniture Project at ApexBrasil.
Brazilian design, characterized by a diverse array of patterns and a noticeable influence of digital technology in finishes, coatings, and textures, stands out for its colors, shapes, and organic materials such as warm woods, natural fibers, fabrics, leathers, and stones. This results in furniture with rhythm and movement, as well as a humanized and intuitive design.
Thus, Brazilian-made furniture stands out by challenging the predictable, introducing new or revisited techniques each year, and always focusing on sustainability, social responsibility, and emotional design. This merges nostalgia and modernity, reflecting a philosophy that values natural resources, cultural diversity, creativity, and Brazilian artisanal skill.
One of the most respected American publications in design and architecture, Archi Expo Magazine, summarized Brazil’s presence at ICFF as a celebration of luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship that inspires both high-end and serial production: “Brazilian craftsmanship takes center stage at this year’s ICFF, where polished wood and rich leather infuse a sensual luxury into the showcased pieces. Intricately woven rope, particularly noticeable in the outdoor furniture, adds a tactile, handcrafted feel to the collection. Among the Brazilian exhibitors are renowned companies such as Bell’Arte, known for upholstered furnishings blending tradition and innovation, and Doimo, which prioritizes simplicity, creativity, and smart technology in their designs”.
Journalists from the magazine also highlighted the work of Folio + Domum Interiors, which impressed with innovative luxury furniture that blends native Brazilian woods with various materials like marble, granite, and metal. Feeling Estofados presented aesthetically pleasing contemporary sofas. while SOLLOS. jaderalmeida showcased meticulously crafted furniture and lighting by combining advanced production technologies with manual finishing for exquisite details. Modalle’s luxury handmade furniture and Ornare’s tradition of craftsmanship and customization in luxury furniture further highlighted the diversity and quality of Brazilian design.
CGS Móveis also displayed pieces that balance functionality and elegant design, while Florense showcased its expertise in combining technology and craftsmanship with a focus on sustainability, and humanized design. House Garden, deeply rooted in the heart of Pará, paid a contemporary and innovative tribute to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Amazon region. Sier Móveis captivated with furniture that combines sophistication and comfort with high technology; and Tidelli stood out with its collection of outdoor furniture that preserves Brazilian identity while embracing creative partnerships worldwide. Finally, Uultis impressed with furniture that combines the delicacy of handcrafted finishes and natural textures with the high technology and production capacity of the Herval Group, reinforcing the robust and plural presence of Brazilian design at ICFF.
Recall the Brazilian companies and designers at ICFF 2024:
Exhibitors and Trade Mission Participants: Bella’Arte, CGS Móveis, Doimo Brasil, Folio + Domum Interiores, Florense, Feeling, House Garden, Modalle, Ornare, Sier, SOLLOS, jaderalmeida, Tidelli, and Uultis.
Trade Mission Only Participants: Artesano, Barreto, Brazil Contemporâneo, Bortolini, by Kamy, Cabanna, Carraro, Decibal, Decoralle, Móveis Lopas, Multimóveis, Perfini, Robel Móveis, St. James, and Valdemóveis.
Design + Industry Companies: by Kamy, Delinear, House Garden, J. Marcon, Multimóveis, Ornare, Perfini, Sollos, and Uultis.
Design + Industry Designers: André Marcolino, Sergio Matos, Ibanez Razzera, Studio Alfaia, Rafael Oliva, Dimitri Lociks, Vivian Coser, João Demele, Jader Almeida, and Pedro Mendes.
In the exhibition space, visitors could also experience the Floresta Tropical hammock, provided by Akra Collection to add an extra layer of comfort and Brazilian culture to the ICFF 2024.
Brazilian Furniture Project
The Brazilian Furniture Project is an initiative led by ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) and ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), aimed at increasing the Brazilian furniture industry’s participation in the international market through a set of strategic actions based on the pillars of sustainability, competitiveness, and design integrated into the industry.
To be a part of the project and place your brand in the biggest events in the sector around the world, visit: brazilianfurniture.org.br.
About ABIMÓVEL
ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) has been working for over three decades to strengthen the national industry and furniture sector. With a purposeful agenda and in partnership with the public and private sectors, the entity works to boost production and improve the business environment in Brazil. Thus, creating opportunities and opening new markets for companies throughout the wood and furniture chain by implementing various initiatives focused on promoting competitiveness and innovation. These include export programs, sustainability, integrated industry design, factory adaptation, enhancement of micro and small businesses, and commercial intelligence, among others.
About ApexBrasil
ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investments to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. In order to achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives aimed at promoting Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim at strengthening the Brazil brand.
FURNITURE: OUR BUSINESS
Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association – ABIMÓVEL
Press Office: press@abimovel.com