On May 19th, ICFF opened to professionals and several Dutch designers kicked off the opening with The Dutch Touch panel. The participants were asked to describe Dutch Design and what makes it unique. Designer Rick Tegelaar listed Dutch qualities: innovation, research-oriented, looking beyond aesthetics. Designer Antonia Wormer believes Dutch Designers ask more questions. When asked to make a chair, an Italian designer might ask about the material or size, but a Dutch designer would ask why do you need a chair? Design brand Cartoni focuses on its effect long-term. That is why Cartoni products are made to be broken down after use. The Dutch stay true to their identity despite expanding. You go back to what your system recognizes, even when going global. Dutch designers are reaching back to old crafts but with new perspectives. This could mean collaborating with others to make an impact. Working with textile manufacturing offers you expertise, utilities, etc. This is how Dutch Design makes the impossible possible.
The Netherlands Consul of New York, Dolph Hogewoning, attended ICFF and visited the Ventura Booth to see the high-quality Dutch Design.