The first of our local spring season trade shows, the Architectural Digest Design Show, was suspended   and the disappointment is heavy in our community. Trade events and show houses, among those our beloved Kips Bay Decorator Show House and ICFF, continue to postpone. Our ability to get together, participate in our industry and celebrate our colleagues is at a standstill. New Yorkers have a tendency to soldier on in the face of adversity; however, COVID-19 is creating unprecedented uncertainty. The Manhattan Chapter Council will continue to monitor this situation and look forward to resuming our schedule of events.

 

Our disappointment, while understandable, pales when compared to the hardships some are facing. The NKBA will help our industry rebound when circumstances improve. In the meantime we will continue to post interesting industry-related information on our Facebook page. If you have a story about your experience during this pandemic: how you are coping, servicing clients, finding new ways to engage in business, or simply staying sane, please share with us by contacting Charlotte Barnard, our Communications Chair at charbarnard@yahoo.com.

 

The Council has been collectively feeling the spring-earth-love trend and looked forward to sharing a variety of feel-good programming. The sustainability bug has been buzzing around for some time, and in our design circle, wellness is the buzzword of the year. As we consider practicing wellness for ourselves at this tough time, we want to share that planet wellness and eco-friendly practices are on our coming agenda. The chapter will be introducing awards (see above) to honor sponsors that honor the planet. We want to stay connected during this time and will find ways to reach out, share and inspire. Please watch for additional information regarding the chapter’s Eco Awards as well as other initiatives via social media. In the meantime, focus on self-wellness and the wellness of our friends and families as we wait out the virus. We look forward to seeing you soon. 

 

—Toni, President, Manhattan Chapter