A preview of NYCxDESIGN’s anchor shows

What has evolved into a nearly monthlong celebration of furniture and product design started in 1989 as a four-day event known as the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. The show hit a civic nerve and over the next few decades, snowballed into a five-borough affair. May became the unofficial month of design for international and local crowds alike. Four years ago, then-mayor Michael Bloomberg made New York City the official host, labeling it NYCxDesign. Today, it’s a not-to-be-missed extravaganza. Here’s what to expect from the “big three” shows, running May 3 to May 24.

Collective Design Fair (May 3–7)

R & Company booth at Collective 2016