The International Furniture and Design Association (IFDA) has announced the winners of its prestigious International Honorary and Pioneer Awards for 2023. Ellen Gefen, co-founder of Gefen Productions, will receive the International Honorary Recognition Award, while Patti Carpenter, principal of Carpenter + Company/Trendscope, will be honored with the Pioneer Award.
Ellen Gefen is a recognized visionary in the home furnishings industry. As a home furnishings broadcast journalist and co-founder of Gefen Productions, she has made significant contributions to multimedia production and the delivery of relevant interior design content to consumers. Her television program, Home Fashion Report, has been on the air for over 25 years and has featured thousands of interviews with renowned business leaders, designers, and celebrities such as Martha Stewart and Alexander Julian. Gefen has also appeared as an industry expert and trend forecaster on national broadcasts such as CBS Morning News and NBC’s Weekend Today. With her extensive experience and knowledge, Gefen has become a respected figure in the industry.
Patti Carpenter, principal of Carpenter + Company/Trendscope, is another winner at this year’s IFDA Awards. She is known for her talent as a microbusiness specialist and her exceptional work in artisan development, small producer training, and economic development. With a notable career spanning 57 countries, Carpenter has been a global trend ambassador for Maison & Objet and has worked as a consultant for Pantone. She has designed and created innovative private label products for recognized brands such as Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Ralph Lauren. Additionally, Carpenter is actively involved in supporting various organizations, serving on the board of directors of SERRV International and as a member of the advisory board of the Black Artists and Designers Guild.
Both Gefen and Carpenter will be celebrated at the IFDA Annual Gala in Boston on September 29th. The event, hosted by the New England Chapter of IFDA, will feature luxury designer and HGTV host Taniya Nayak as the emcee, as well as Judy George, founder of a creative think-tank and industry-recognized figure. The awards recognize these exceptional individuals for their contributions to the interior design and home industries.
Sources:
– International Furniture and Design Association (IFDA)