In a sketchy economy, collectible design has proven resilient, especially when there is a fashion component, said Collectible founders Liv Vaisberg and Clélie Debehault. Born in Brussels in 2018, the Collectible design platform has gained recognition for its finesse in linking pillars of design, art and fashion. Driven by the approval of attendees like Dries Van Noten, fashion boutique architects Gonzalez Haase, and Alexis Martial and Adrien Caillaudaud, former artistic directors of Carven, Vaisberg and Debehault took the plunge and debuted in New York City in 2024. Its second New York City edition will run Sept. 4 to 7.

“We’re in a moment where the market feels slightly tighter, but collectible contemporary design has proven remarkably resilient. People still want meaningful, tangible pieces for their homes, and the functional nature of design keeps it relevant and desirable. More broadly, the rise of collectible design reflects a lasting shift in how design is valued — toward more critical, material-driven and culturally engaged practices,” Vaisberg said.

The upcoming event will span more than 30,000 square feet in New York City’s WSA building, an office tower located in the Financial District that has been turned into a culture and events hot spot.

The showcase is divided into special sections: the Bespoke section provides a stage for independent design studios, while its newest section, Vignettes, invites designers to spark compelling conversations between contemporary and vintage works.

The fashion section explores intersections between design and fashion. This year it will present works from 27 global exhibitors that incorporate tailoring and fashion textiles into their designs. Each one will present functional yet experimental works that support retail environments. Within the fashion section, designers and ceramicists Giulia Cosenza and Jonas Lutz will debut sculptures suitable for retail display, creating totems for bespoke fashion spaces. Spacial designer Caroline Chao will present the Roll-Up Chair, a work that was originally commissioned by G-Star and is made entirely by-products from construction and fashion industries.

“Fashion enhances Collectible’s appeal by adding a dynamic, cross-disciplinary layer that opens up new creative and professional opportunities. It has become a meaningful source of commissions for our designers, who are increasingly invited to create bespoke furniture, scenography, and spatial installations for fashion houses and boutiques,” enthused Debehault, adding that the fashion section was introduced last year to coincide with New York Fashion Week and took place at the WSA building, which is also home to several fashion headquarters including fashion brands Luar and Bode. 

Luar founder Raul Lopez is now part of Collectible’s honorary committee, which includes designer Jackson Wiederhoeft of Wiederhoeft.

Making Key Connections

French design duo Heim + Viladrich will return to create the scenography for the Curated section. Heim + Viladrich was discovered by Van Noten at Collectible in Brussels in 2020, went on to design the furniture for his Los Angeles store and have since collaborated with brands like Stone Island, Debehault explained.

“We’ve loved watching relationships flourish and practices evolve within the Collectible ecosystem, and this year’s Fashion section speaks to just that,” she added.

Heim + Viladrich also created the set for Collectible’s booth at Matter and Shape in Paris, another collectible art fair on the rise. Following its 2024 debut, Matter and Shape doubled in size from 32 exhibitors to nearly 60, and its organizers told WWD they are considering expansion into new cities. Since its own inaugural event, the Paris-based event attracted the participation of Rick Owens, Chitose Abe’s Sacai, Charlotte Chesnais, Delfina Delettrez Fendi and Kym Ellery as exhibitors.

Outside of the realm of fashion, upscale online home platform Abask will exhibit at Collectible with enthusiasm. The London-based firm, founded by Matchesfashion founder Tom Chapman and Nicolas Pickaerts, its former e-commerce director, will unveil 200 pieces from 200 makers worldwide, pairing newly launched works with standout pieces from their current curation.

Looking ahead, Vaisberg sees New York City and the U.S. market key to its expansion.

“While the market isn’t growing exponentially in size, it is deepening in relevance, with more galleries entering the field, museums paying attention, and a maturing collector base. That’s where our focus lies: supporting bold, forward-thinking practices that are shaping the future of design.”