Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS returned to Pier 94 this year to host its annual Dining by Design benefit, showcasing 43 installations created by architects, artists, design students, and fashion, interior, and event designers. Diffa's five-day event, which ran alongside the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, kicked off with a cocktail party on March 22, followed by three days of public viewing, and ending with a gala dinner and silent auction on March 26.
This year, one of the most prominent trends was the lack of floral centerpieces (and in some cases, no centerpieces at all). Instead of flowers and greenery, designers made objects like vases, books, wine bottles, and elaborate chandeliers the focus of the settings. And apart from a few installations that employed vibrant patterned fabrics, many of the tables took a conservative turn when it came to color, opting for a palette of subdued, neutral tones. Finally, several designers took inspiration from the home, creating tables with homey, residential styles. Here’s a look at the most inspiring ideas and trends on display.
DESIGNLUSH's setting was an homage to 1970s fashion designer Paco Rabanne. Housed inside a golden pool cabana, the focal point of the look was a two-tiered, rectangular gold paillette chandelier commissioned from Le Lebow, the Paris firm that made the paillettes for Rabanne's mini dresses. The table displayed wine bottles coated in real gold using a process adapted from industrial use.
Students from the New York School of Interior Design (working with design mentor Clodagh) used rope to create a dramatic setting. In lieu of any type of centerpiece, a chandelier of Lucite and filament bulbs was reflected in a mirror running down the table's center.
Stephanie Goto also skipped a centerpiece, instead creating what she called a "chan-dine-lier." Designed to feel like dining inside of a chandelier, the quirky table was encircled by fluorescent PVC strips. Inside, a circular bench surrounding the table was interrupted every few feet with a 2-D cut-out of a seated person.
Echodesign's space had a modern tribal feel, with a feather chandelier, printed fabric panels, and a patterned table runner that extended down to the floor.
A burlap-wrapped filament bulb fixture lighted Marc Blackwell's bar-height table for La Crema. Moss centerpieces inside glass cloches completed the rustic yet elegant look.
Ralph Lauren went with a cozy, ski-chalet-inspired look. Centerpieces of snowberries and wrought iron lanterns created a runner down the center of the rustic wood table. Other striking details included a faux fireplace, Pendleton-inspired bench cushions, and an antler chandelier.
For the first time, Diffa expanded beyond dining installations to feature a custom bar and lounge area, sponsored by EFFEN Vodka and designed by the brand’s designer partner, Richard Chai. The modern space showcased a sculptural blonde wood bar inspired by the circular shape of the EFFEN bottle.
Roger Thomas's setting for Maya Romanoff had the feel of a fancy dining room in a penthouse apartment. The organic centerpiece—a mound of moss dotted with mushrooms, quartz, and orchids—contrasted with the luxe gold place settings.
