Collectible, the international fair showcasing contemporary collectible design, debuted in New York City in early September 2024. The event presents unique pieces, commissions, limited editions, and new works from emerging designers and galleries, bridging art and functionality. With seven prior editions in Brussels this year’s expansion into the United States solidified the fair’s commitment to fostering international exchange in design communities.
ST VINCENTS, an Antwerp-based gallery founded in 2016 by Henri Delbarre and Geraldine Jackman, was featured in MAIN, a section of Collectible New York that showcased presentations from emerging galleries. The exhibition it showcased, called “ST VINCENTS Edit by Michael Hilal”, was a fluid collaboration between the gallery and San Francisco-based designer, Michael Hilal. As the gallery’s first-ever exhibition in the United States, this featured Hilal’s Big Sur collection alongside the works of Brian Thoreen, EWE Studio, Hadge, Haring, Nick Valentijn, Samantha McCurdy, and Studio Kuhlmann, bringing the artistic sensibilities of North America and Europe together.
“Collectible design is new,” says Geraldine Jackman, reflecting on the gallery’s journey. ST VINCENTS was involved in the world of collectible design long before it became a recognized term. Delbarre and Jackman began by collaborating with independent designers, searching for pieces that conveyed compelling narratives through their work. Today, St Vincents continues to grow and evolve alongside its designers.
Uniqueness is far more celebrated here.
The ST VINCENTS exhibit had a noticeably homey feel, peaceful and welcoming, staying true to the gallery’s foundations in effortless craftsmanship in tandem with the relaxed, easy living vibes of Hilal’s native California. The melding of ST VINCENTS and Hilal’s vision is embodied by the monochromatic pastel blue theme. Hilal’s new edition modular Big Sur sofa made of soft, naturalistic shapes, unifies the diverse, thoughtfully curated works within the space.
Another standout piece was Brian Thoreen’s Rational/Irrational Elephant Chair. This added a point of contrast by bringing in an industrial look, while also reflecting St Vincents’ eclectic taste. Made of cast bronze and red neoprene rubber, the materials seem almost intimidating amidst the calm cool tones of the exhibit. Yet, it brings an element of surprise: comfort. Jackman describes the chair as ‘made to be interacted with’. As she sat down and leaned back against the chair’s rubber folds, its functionality and ergonomic design became evident, blending artistry with comfort and inviting guests to incorporate interactive, evocative pieces into their homes.
“It’s personal,” says Jackman, on the individual tastes and feelings involved in the curatorial process for bringing collectible design into homes. The world of collectible design fills the gap between art and design through functionality. St Vincents fulfills this as a platform for boundary-pushing pieces made from sustainable materials to last through generations, facilitating an emotional connection between clients and their furniture.
This exhibition offers an exciting glimpse into future collaborations between the gallery and Hilal, planned for the United States in 2025. With St Vincents Edit by Michael Hilal at COLLECTIBLE as their US debut, Delbarre and Jackman noted an energy shift in New York City compared to Antwerp. “Back home is more sleepy,” they say. “Uniqueness is far more celebrated here.”
