After 4 fun-filled days, 30+ parties and 500+ exhibits, we are ready to announce our first annual ICFF Blogger’s Choice Awards.  While the Javits may not make the list as Top Convention Center, the products, people and parties associated with ICFF certainly deserve recognition.   Here are our picks for the 2009 edition of the famed contemporary furniture fair:

Best in Show: Japan By Design

This show-within-a-show featured exhibits from 17 furniture manufacturers and more than 120 products.  The epitome of feng-shui, the space deviated from the typical grid-like structure of the surrounding area and offered a more free-flowing and zen-like environment.

Most Creative Display: Kikkerland Design

Designed by Jan Habraken for Kikkerland Design, the booth was made out of 2000 cans of soup – which we understand will now be donated to City Harvest.

Most Sought After Bag: Tox Dixon

It don’t mean a thing, if you ain’t got that bling.  This copper-colored tote had everyone heading over to the Tom Dixon booth (as if anyone needed an excuse to see his exceptional new lights).   We were fortunate enough to get a hold of one early on in the week at a Dwell sponsored party at Soho Mews where pieces from Dixon’s 2009 Utility collection were scattered about the luxurious 4th floor penthouse.

Most Inspiring Conference: A Conversation with Michele De Lucchi and Paola Antonelli

So accomplished and yet so humble….his candid conversation about his life and philosophy with MoMA curator Paola Antonelli drew hundreds to the Metropolis Theater at ICFF.  He spoke about his mentor Ettore Sottsass and the development of the playful, colorful and sophisticated style that became known as Memphis.

Best Party: Metropolitan Home’s Design 100

Last night’s party at the Four Season’s Restaurant was a veritable who’s who of the design industry.  Donna Warner, editor-in-chief Metropolitan Home, took a moment to honor the lovely and talented Eva Zeisel, who at 103 years of age, was in attendance.  David Rockwell’s interactive lighting installation added to the festive mood.

Best Dressed: Deborah Burns, chief brand officer Metropolitan Home at Design 100

Favorite Off-Site Exhibit: Royal Botania’s Street Lounge

Like an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the NYC streets, this exhibit of outdoor furniture helped to get us all in the summer mood.  Set up directly in front of Spice Market, at the intersection of 13th Street and 9th Avenue in the Meatpacking District, the exhibit featured pieces including the new Sunday loungers and the iconic KOKOON 3-person hammock.

Most Thought-Provoking Exhibit: Indisposed

Congrats to Jen Renzi and Dan Rubinstein – the co-creators of this amazing exhibition which highlighted the twin dichotomies defining contemporary design: sustainability versus wastefulness, and preciousness versus mass production. Some of our favorite pieces included: Jeff Miller’s Bread Bird Feeder, a bird feeder made of stale bread; Carlos Salgado’s planters made from coffee grinds; and Suzanne Tick’s weaves, created out of leftover dry cleaners plastic bags and hangers.