Launch Pad: Where Emerging Designers Shape Their Future

In 2024, a small group of emerging designers were given the opportunity to present their work at the destination for North American Design, ICFF. The spark came from designer Smruti Mulchandani, whose initiative was nothing short of groundbreaking. Having worked with WantedDesign founders, and ICFF Brand Directors, Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, she understood both the rigor of design education and the importance of visibility for emerging talent. Smruti reached out to ICFF organizers, secured a booth, and personally managed communications, logistics, and curation. What began as a handful of designers eager to share their ideas soon evolved into a full-fledged exhibition on the show floor. This article is from Smurti’s point of view as an emerging designer participating in ICFF for the first time.

A Showcase That Opened Doors

Industry leaders, retailers, employers, and brands didn’t just pass by, but rather they engaged with our exhibition. They asked questions, offered feedback, and made introductions that were carried forward long after the fair closed its doors.

For our group of emerging designers, the fair wasn’t simply about displaying a project. It was about seeing our work in dialogue with other voices, institutions, and practices, and realizing we belonged in that conversation.

The impact of the event was immediate—and enduring:

• Jason Bergein met Wooj Lamps and went on to launch his own brand, BY J.WU.
• Sree Pilarisetti found collaborators in the upcycling and bio-materials space and, a year later, secured a freelance role with Particle because of a connection made at ICFF.
• Walker Wolfe built relationships with peers from SCAD and Politecnico di Milano, connections that still ripple forward today.
• Jisu Han Jung forged ties with RISD students that ultimately inspired them to enroll there.

I leveraged the experience gained at ICFF into my first professional roles in New York in furniture design and 3D modeling, while continuing to build a network that brought referrals for years afterward.

Why ICFF Matters

Looking back, I realize that the showcase did more than provide a platform — it built momentum. ICFF has a way of doing that. It’s not just about presenting polished pieces to a large audience; it’s about stepping into a space that amplifies new voices and connects them with industries eager for fresh perspectives.

The exhibition didn’t just mirror established showcases — it rivaled them. The quality of the work, the thoughtfulness of the curation, and the energy of the participants all pointed to a future where emerging designers could claim their space at the table.

A Message to Future Designers

If you’re on the edge of graduation, wondering what comes next, here’s my advice: apply. Step into that showcase, bring your vision, and trust that it will resonate. ICFF is more than a platform; it’s a springboard.

For me, and for so many of my peers, it was just the beginning of something far greater.

✨ Emerging designers: this is your moment. Apply to be part of ICFF WANTED’s Launch Pad and see where it can take you. Application opening soon!

More from ICFF:
ICFF 2026 International Preview
Navigating the U.S. Market Amid a Time of Flux