At ICFF 2026, Bespoke: The Art of Making returned as one of the fair’s most immersive and intellectually engaging destinations, celebrating the enduring value of craftsmanship in an increasingly digitized world. Presented in partnership with Hospitality Design magazine and Mayfair Design District, the expanded showcase gathered an international roster of artisans, studios, and makers whose practices champion material integrity, specialized techniques, and one-of-a-kind production.
(Image above courtesy of Jenna Bascom Photography)
Anchoring the feature was the Bespoke Salon, an architecturally expressive installation conceived by Post Company as both a gathering space and a living narrative. Inspired by the imagined residence of an archivist, the salon explored the bespoke as a counterpoint to mass production and visual uniformity. Through layered materials, curated objects, and richly textured environments, the installation invited visitors into a world where contemporary design and historic craftsmanship coexisted in thoughtful dialogue.
Designed as a residential setting viewed through a hospitality lens, the salon unfolded across two distinct spaces: a Living Room dedicated to conversation and programming, and a Dining Room centered around communal gathering. Floating ceiling panels and soft textile partitions created moments of intimacy within the larger energy of the fair, encouraging visitors to slow down, engage with materials, and experience the showcased works as part of a cohesive environment rather than isolated displays.
The Art of Making: Where Material Meets Meaning (Image courtesy of Jenna Bascom Photography)
Daily activations hosted by Hospitality Design magazine further animated the space through conversations centered on process, collaboration, and the evolving role of craft in contemporary interiors. Highlights included The Art of Making: Where Material Meets Meaning, featuring Jessica Gersten, Aurelie Laure of Andrée Putman Studio, and Loic Turpin of Manufactures Nationales, as well as an inside look at the creative philosophy behind Post Company with partner Jou-Yie Chou and creative director Anton Anger. Across both discussions, themes of material storytelling and artisanal innovation emerged as defining threads.
This year’s exhibitors reflected the global breadth of contemporary craftsmanship, from decorative arts and heritage techniques to experimental surface treatments and sculptural furnishings. Participating studios included Acht Studio, Atelier Francois Pouenat, Atelier Viollet, Boccara Gallery, Hadil Alkhatib Studio, Hyland Glass, La Compagnie du Verre, Prelude Design, Stone Yard Inc., and Manufactures Nationales, among many others. Together, they demonstrated how handmade processes continue to shape the future of design through individuality, precision, and emotional resonance.
Bespoke Booths (Image courtesy of Jenna Bascom Photography)
Supported by sponsors Ferreira de Sá and Andrée Putman Studio, with contributions from Episode NYC, Frama, Idaho Wood, Jouffre, Roll&Hill, and Wrensilva, the Bespoke Salon ultimately offered more than an exhibition. It created a contemplative environment where craftsmanship became both subject and experience, reinforcing ICFF’s commitment to design that values authenticity, human connection, and the artistry of making.
