June 1 will see the inaugural market for Connecticut’s Stamford Waterside Design District, with daylong festivities designed to introduce locals and industry pros to the area’s design resources. Companies including Dedar, Duravit, Fordham Marble, Stark and Kravet will participate in the market, which will be presented by the district along with Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. Among the highlights of the day will be Candice Olson’s presentation of her new line for Kravet; a discussion on craftsmanship with Gretchen Gabrielli, owner of Old Biscayne; and John Robshaw’s book signing and introduction at Duralee.

“The Stamford Waterside Design District was created as a means to introduce and expose the architectural and design community to the incredible resources that exist right here on Fairfield Avenue in Stamford,” says organizer Jeff Goldblum, managing partner at Goldblum Properties. “SWDD has the full array of some of the greatest design-driven companies in North America, all consolidated together within a few walking blocks.  Designers have direct access to fabrics, furniture, carpet, flooring, marble and tile, antiques and other related service companies. Best of all, they can walk from showroom to showroom, making it very convenient for the designers’ local clients who live right here in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.”

“Stamford has become a very important destination for Connecticut and Westchester designers,” says D.J. Carey, editorial director of CTC&G. “Stamford not only offers many fabric and furniture showrooms, but a fantastic selection of antique centers, an art center, and many artisans call Stamford their home. Designers love that all of these resources are in their backyard! It is honestly one-stop shopping for designers.”

Check out the full schedule.