Lumens Is Helping the Trade Find New Design

Lumens is known for supporting emerging talent, bringing the newest and most interesting designers to the A&D community. The online retailer—which made its name in contemporary lighting, and now also sells furniture, fans, and décor—was the first to distribute products from blockbuster independent manufacturers Lee Broom and Roll & Hill.

Yet it also supports more established European brands, such as BD Barcelona, in their efforts to gain a foothold in the U.S. “Lumens has a fantastic presence in North America, and [working with it] has given us visibility across the continent,” says Nacho Alegre, president of the Spanish furnishings company.

At this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), Lumens is doubling down on its efforts to nurture the next generation of designers. The retailer is reprising The People’s Choice Award for Launch Pad, WANTED’s showcase of furniture, lighting, and home accessory prototypes. The Lumens team has identified 18 finalists for the honor; all will be exhibiting at the Fair.

The public can vote online or in person at ICFF for the winner, who will be announced May 21. Aside from bragging rights, the designer or team will receive a $1,000 Lumens gift certificate.

Furthermore, Lumens will sponsor the WANTED Lounge, which is being designed in concert with frequent ICFF collaborator Rodolfo Agrella Design Studio (RADS). The space will feature product from nine of Lumens’ partners, including Audo, BD Barcelona, Davide Groppi, FLOS, Gubi, Gus, Kartell, Moooi, and Roll & Hill.

The Lounge also will have information about the Lumens Trade Program, which carries luxury, custom, and bespoke furniture and lighting for projects across all categories, as well as about the company’s new Portfolio Collection. The latter features a curated selection of trade-specific products sourced from global in-demand brands, many of which have very limited distribution outside of Europe.

“The WANTED Lounge x Lumens is a perfect example of Lumens being the platform that bridges the gap between designers, manufacturers, and the trades,” says Laura Walsh, Lumens CEO, of the space.

Adds Lumens Senior Director of Brand and Trade Marketing Ann Petersen, who will be representing the company on the Launch Pad jury: “Lumens has always prided itself on finding what is new and next in the design industry.  So, it really is an extension of our company DNA to participate in the Best of Launch Pad and sponsor the WANTED Lounge.”

See the nominees and vote for the People’s Choice Award at https://www.lumens.com/the-edit/icff-wanted-launch-pad-peoples-choice/