New openings, wider circles
Design’s next opportunity might be a Copenhagen introduction, a Paris debut or a connection made closer to home. This edition of Names Making Moves follows the people and organizations opening doors, from festival and exhibitor calls to an award recognizing meaningful inclusion, a growing winter marketplace and a new face in retail leadership. Who gets invited, who gets seen and who helps shape the business are all part of the story.
A closer look at Copenhagen’s design scene comes with a chance to help bring it to life. 3daysofdesign is seeking Design Ambassadors from around the world for its summer 2027 festival, inviting design enthusiasts to volunteer their time and talents June 6–12. The role spans supporting exhibitors, setting up exhibitions, guiding visitors and documenting the festival with Leica Camera, with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and the creators shaping what comes next. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2027.
A welcoming showroom is a start. Creating access, visibility and opportunities for designers gives that welcome lasting meaning. The Diversity Advocacy Alliance’s 2026 Open Arms Award, presented to Crystorama at 2026 Fall High Point Market, recognizes that broader commitment, spanning hospitality, employment, marketing and industry relationships. Established in 2022 with the High Point Market Authority to advance BIPOC representation and equitable opportunities in home furnishings, DAA is transitioning to an independent nonprofit with year-round programming and national partnerships. Its recognition of Crystorama highlights the company’s Tastemaker program, which connects designers from diverse backgrounds through panels, education, collaboration and storytelling—putting the alliance’s mission into practice through opportunities to be seen, heard and grow professionally.
Have designs on Paris? Shoppe Object Paris is now accepting exhibitor applications for its January show at Porte de Versailles. Bonne chance!
NY NOW is giving buyers fresh reasons to walk the floor this winter. The twice-annual gift, home and lifestyle marketplace anticipates approximately 600 exhibitors for its Winter 2027 edition, including more than 75 brands absent from the recent summer show. Newly committed names include Fred & Friends, Steiff, Mary Meyer, Mon Ami and Peepers, alongside independent makers and stationery specialists such as Heartell Press, Big Wheel Press and Quick Brown Fox Letterpress. With DEMDACO and Transpac taking larger booths, the mix spans established wholesale resources and smaller studios, offering retailers a broad range of price points, styles and discoveries as NY NOW enters its first full show cycle under Rockview Management Group ownership.
Star Furniture is adding financial firepower to its executive team. Loren Mansell joins the Top 100 retailer as vice president of finance following 18 years at AT&T, most recently as director of finance and business operations. He succeeds Michele Koepke, who is retiring after more than three decades with Star, bringing experience across financial strategy and operations to the role.
