No Fast design
The weekend after Easter, De Kromhouthal will be transformed into a ‘Mid-Century Design’ mecca for both interior professionals and the grand public. The popularity of vintage design continues to grow. According to the organization, that’s not without reason; "People don’t want fast food, fast fashion nor fast design, that they grow tired of within a single season; they choose sustainability and character," says Margriet Akkerman, organizer of Design Icons Amsterdam. The furniture and lamps at Design Icons are often 50 years old—they have a ‘story to tell’. Consious shopping over ‘fast food’ consumption: choosing second hand design fits perfectly within a sustainable lifestyle. And it must be said that it is the high quality of 20th-century furniture that makes it póssible to enjoy these pieces for a lifetime.
A Little Help
From cabinets to fine art, from Pierre Paulin to Verner Panton, and from Eames shell chairs to the ‘Arne Jacobsen Egg chair’: the 4,000 square meter venue offers a vast array of design classics. Visitors can expect grand icons and statement pieces alongside affordable vintage items from anonymous designers. Many of the timeless pieces designed in the 20th century remain highly sought after today. Exhibitors each have their own specialty: bulky lounge chairs, modular sofas, Italian lighting and complete dining sets will fill the former marine engine factory on the banks of the IJ. Exhibitors often set aside pieces months in advance for this event. Familiar exhibitors like Vervlogen Jaren, De Vreugde Design, and Van OnS from The Netherlands will return, joined by newcomers such as Il Modernist from Italy. Because many vintage dealers operate out of warehouses without regular opening hours, this event offers a unique opportunity to browse their collections, test a sofa, peek inside cabinets, and chat with owners who are passionate about their selected pieces. The ‘thrill’ is scoring the perfect vintage find—each piece is unique. Not an expert in vintage? You’ll be fine, because the fair participants áre, so there will be no fake replicas at Design Icons. Every item seen at the stands is for sale and ready to take home right away. For large items, on-site transport service by Magic Movers is available.
VNTG
Design Icons is organized by VNTG. The marketplace VNTG.com combines the collections of over 500 vintage design sellers from across Europe, making it easy to compare items from a complete selection. A key benefit is that VNTG does not charge high commissions on purchases; buyers can contact sellers directly for any questions or to buy. Listed sellers pay a small fee per click to their own site, allowing them to display their own fair prices.
Amsterdam Getaway
A visit to Design Icons is the perfect excuse to spend a day or a full weekend in Amsterdam. Explore the shopping streets, visit a museum or stroll along the canals. Little time to spend? The neighbouring Restaurant ‘Lowlander’ has an excellent lunch and dinner menu and, on a sunny day, a lovely terrace by the water.
Early Access
While the stands will be well-stocked all weekend, trade, collectors and those looking for something specific should opt for ‘first entry’ on Saturday at 12:00 PM. Unlike other fairs where dealers might scout the floor a day early, at Design Icons Amsterdam, you are truly the very first visitor.
Details:
De Kromhouthal (Next to Jumbo Foodmarkt)
Saturday 11 April
14:00 - 18:00 uur *
Entrance €10-€15, depending on the time of your ticket
Sunday 12 April
10:00 - 18:00 uur
Entrance €5-€10, depending on the time of your ticket
Entrance tickets available online and on arrival
* First entry during stand build up on Saturday as of 12:00 hrs, tickets €30
