One last look at 2008, here's the second of four posts inspired by the shows we attended in '08 (see Toronto here).

ICFF was the anchor for New York's spring design event, and this was the venue where we found some of the most memorable and vivid souvenirs, such as Yothaka's pineapple fiber paper from Thailand and the Periodic Table by One & Co for Council Design, but we had to go farther afield for Finland's Marimekko print and Ingo Maurer's Tu-Be lighting. Periphere's pretty concrete seats and Jocelyn Warner's Bloom rug were also personal hits, along with almost anything from Artware Editions, while Knoend and Nick DeMarco brought us back to earth.

This bold print from Finland's Marimekko was one of the most memorable designs we saw during Design Week in New York. Facing a herd of sad-eyed cows on a ground of bright orange is enough to put anything in perspective.

Seating made from Yothaka's pineapple fiber paper from Thailand was a fresh hit of colour. The material was unexpected and the stripes were lively without being over the top.

The exhibition of new work by Ingo Maurer was one of our favorite satellite shows and the Tu-Be hanging lamp was a creative mix of form and material.

These concrete seats from Montreal's Periphere combined a rough material with a graceful form. The mix of texture, stability and a delicate aesthetic is what appeals.

The Periodic Table by One & Co for Council Design was eye-catching, attention-grabbing and bound to elicit strong opinions. Why do we still like it? The mix of wood and silver, two elements that are not often bedfellows.

Jocelyn Warner's Bloom rug was strikingly bold and at the same time the eight shades of red made this peony seductively soft. Plus, we happen to know a floor that is crying out for it ...

Artware Editions had one of the most intriguing stands at ICFF. Yeni Mao's Chukar Chandelier is made up of 110 gold-plated cast skulls in hanging flock formation.

Markus Linnenbrink's table and wallpaper for Artware Editions burst with colour: how to resist the high-gloss?

Ivy and Ahmed from Knoend were some of the most enthusiastic exhibitors we met at ICFF. They were so happy to demonstrate their ecodesigned products and this strong belief in what they are doing stood out more than many of the bells and whistles all around the Javits Center.

And last, but not least, Nick DeMarco's XS chair is a sure sign of the times. The vinyl shell comes empty and can be filled with almost anything, but using your trash and recycling can be a practical solution.