Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services
Retailers and media looking for trend-setting, high design products at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show head for Discover Design in SouthBuilding. The inspiring Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features products submitted for the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design.
Specialty retailers, editors at influential websites and print publications, trendspotters and independent designers serve as Discover Design judges. They review exhibitors’ entries to choose six products as finalists, three of which will be honored as Global Honorees. They also select three companies as gia finalists for best product collection; one will be named the Global Honoree.
Let’s get acquainted with some of the industry experts who will determine the winners of the Show’s gia product awards. Today we are speaking with Asko Ahokas (photo courtesy of Pasi Haaranen), an international design and trends consultant.
Asko, please tell us a bit about yourself and your work.
I run a boutique consulting agency that has been based in New York City for the past 18 years. With a background in business and design journalism, I have provided consulting services across a range of industries from urban planning to housewares and service design.
What motivates you in your work?
I’ve been always passionate about understanding the evolution of trends and how they will impact our lives, whether we are talking about home design, urban planning or social media. I am also inspired by beautiful, good design that elevates our everyday life. I feel very fortunate that these are also essential aspects of my work.
How many years have you been coming to the International Home + Housewares Show?
I have been coming to the International Home + Housewares Show since 2012.
What are you looking forward to seeing at the Show?
Innovative, well-designed products that improve our daily lives.
What do you find exciting and inspirational at our Show?
Besides great selection of leading housewares brands and designers, I am excited about Discover Design section and Innovation Theater presentations.
How does Discover Design enhance the Show experience?
Discover Design is an essential part of the Show experience. A curated collection of new products is an excellent tool for media and buyers. Most of us visit many international Fairs during the year and expect to see high-quality, design-driven and professionally curated productions that give us new ideas. They are also a good indicator of the Show itself, as well as the local style, sophistication and sensibility.
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
Price, quality and sustainability.
What attractions, locations or stores do you visit while you are in Chicago?
I love Chicago! – and therefore I try to see as many places as I possibly can when I visit there.
Thank you, Asko, for telling us about yourself and sharing your thoughts about the Show. We’re happy to hear you enjoy coming to our great city! Learn more about Asko’s work at www.askoahokas.com.
Visit Discover Design and See the Products Chosen by the Judges
In these final weeks before the Show, our blog introduces Discover Design and Design Debut exhibitors to give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see in March at McCormick Place.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by visiting www.housewares.org/discoverdesign.
Photo credit: Pasi Haaranen
