29 Mar Report Back: Dining By Design 2016
One of the most talked about nights in the design industry is DIFFA’s Dining By Design event.
Talented designers come together to create elaborate table installations. Using playful dining environments as the form of display, professionals are determined to go over the top to showcase their design aesthetic and make impactful, creative and social statements. All in an effort to aid the fight against HIV/AIDS, DIFFA is the largest fundraising event for the foundation. If you have a knack for design or just love to get your creative juices flowing then this is definitely an event for you!
One of my favorite installations from DIFFA was designed by Julia Buckingham for Benjamin Moore & Cosentino. The elegance this display reflects is endless and simplistic; I love the sophisticated taste that is in every component. The great Paris fashion houses are a big inspiration for Buckingham as we can see in the details that were chosen for this table. The clean feel with a feminine touch is reminiscent of a silk-charmeuse white gown with sparkling chandelier earrings, chunky lacquered bracelets and a modern sculptural necklace; which was all part of Buckingham’s inspiration. This installation screams high-fashion and looks like something you would see in Vogue Paris.
I was also drawn to many of the geometric and sculpturally constructed vignettes such as the space designed by students at Parsons New School for Design and Pratt Institute School of Design. The space designed by the New York School of Interior Design specifically stood out from rest with its simple yet stylish dining table. After speaking with a few of the designers of the space, they informed me that they did not buy one thing in the process of this installation. Each piece was hand-made and crafted to fit the inspiration of dynamic geometry evoking action. The triangle represents the 3 most important characteristics of a fighter-strength, courage and perseverance. The goal of the display was to remind us of all those who are fighting with HIV and AIDS.
Lastly, the display designed by Sasha Bikoff for Luxe Interiors+ Design with LIAIGRE was one that I really enjoyed. It brought all of the aspects that you would find in the rainforest inside a dining sized room. Christian Liagre is known for chic and sleek woodwork which is definitely something much appreciated in this installation. Everything from the ceiling florals to the “Le Eden” wallpaper translate into an earthy atmosphere that is fresh and vibrant. I like that there were no boundaries in creating this space and it really makes you feel like you are looking outside!
About DIFFA:
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $41 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.
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