Estonian Design Spotlight: Reet Aus Shines at UPMADE IN EE Exhibition in NYC
Prepare to be captivated by Reet Aus as it takes center stage at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition during the NYCxDESIGN Festival. This exclusive event brings together top design leaders from Estonia, showcasing the country's rich heritage and pioneering spirit in sustainability and digital innovation.
UPMADE IN EE exhibition: Tradition Meets the Future in Circularity and Digital Innovation
UPMADE IN EE is taking place for the first time in New York City, with top design leaders from Estonia. The exhibition serves as a guiding light for the future of design. In today's world, where overconsumption leads to an abundance of waste and ephemeral products, Estonia presents efficient and creative alternatives.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Estonians have maintained a deep connection with nature and their Northern European heritage whilst creating the world’s first 99% digital society with unparalleled Government as a Service user-experience. The result is a model of sustainable environment that is a balance of ancient practices as well as future technologies.
UPMADE IN EE exhibition showcases the innovative spirit of Estonian designers and their contribution to more sustainable world creating products that are not just durable but also integral to a circular economy, emphasizing the judicious use of resources and minimizing waste. Through their work, we see a commitment to the circular economy and fully digital governance.
Estonia´s design contributions to sustainability unfolds in five engaging sections:
- upcycling
- recycling
- biomaterials
- traditions and craftsmanship
- digital society and service design
You will also find out why this tiny country is now recognized as having the “most unicorns per capita in Europe” and “the most start-ups per capita in Europe,” and how it became the world’s first 100% digitally transformed society. You will hear the backstory of the startup culture where products like Skype were born, and how Estonia became the world leader in digital governance, its innovative e-Residency program, and how this is revolutionizing the creative and entrepreneurial landscape.
Mark Your Calendars & Meet Reet Aus in NYC
Monday, May 13
11am at Pratt Institute
Workshop "UPMADE system and Digital Product Passport"
A lecture and workshop “UPMADE system and Digital Product Passport” by Upmade pioneer, Reet Aus, PhD, at Pratt Institute.
In the workshop, we will analyse how to transfer valuable information gathered through the UPMADE system into a Digital Product Passport.
Thursday, May 16
11am at Lafayette Gallery, 188 Lafayette, SOHO
UPMADE IN EE exhibition doors open
Explore UPMADE IN EE - an exhibition that bridges traditional Estonian design, where circular design principles, novel materials, and the essence of Estonian culture converge. Curated by Ilona Gurjanova, President of the Estonian Association of Designers, and Reet Aus, PhD, an environmental activist.
Discover unique artifacts that celebrate traditional craftsmanship and take home a piece of Estonia from our pop-up shop.
Exhibition and pop-up shop is open May 16-22, 11am - 8pm. Free entrance.
Friday, May 17
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
5pm at Lafayette Gallery
Official opening: Design Talk: Estonian designers & e-Residency
Engage with thought leaders and design visionaries, including talks moderated by Surya Vanka, the Chair-Elect of the Industrial Designers Society of America, offering insights into how Estonian design can be a model for global design futures.
Design talk participants:
- Ilona Gurjanova (President of the Estonian Association of Designers)
- Reet Aus, PhD (Senior Researcher at the Estonian Academy of Art, Lead of Circular Design Research Area at the The Sustainable Design and Materials Lab (DiMa) & Founder and Head Designer of Reet Aus)
- Katrin Vaga (Head of PR at the e-Residency)
Are you looking to expand your creative endeavors into Europe? Learn about the advantages of becoming an e-Resident of Estonia and meet with industry experts who will guide you to get started on this exciting journey.
INVITATIONS ONLY
Saturday, May 18
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
Sunday, May 19
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
5pm at Anthony Luciano Studio
EAD Fundraiser Event with Sip and Stitch
Leather workshop “Sip and Stitch” with accessory designer and a recent e-resident of Estonia, Anthony Luciano, at his glamorous studio in the Garment District.
Monday, May 20
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
Tuesday, May 21
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
7pm at Scandinavian House
Screening of Reet Aus documentary “Out of Fashion”
Screening of Reet Aus documentary “Out of Fashion”. Q&A with Reet Aus, PhD, at Scandinavia House.
REGISTER (coming soon)
Wednesday, May 22
11am-8pm at Lafayette Gallery
Exhibition "UPMADE IN EE"
12pm at Lafayette Gallery
Guided Tour
Guided tour at the UPMADE IN EE exhibition. Free entrance.
Interested in meeting the Reet Aus team in New York City?
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the visionaries behind the eco-conscious designs reshaping the future of fashion. Reach out to Krislyn at krislyn@reetaus.com to schedule a meeting and discover more about the innovative and sustainable ethos driving Reet Aus brand.
Contact us now to book your appointment!
This event is a collaborative effort between the Estonian Association of Designers, the Estonian Academy of Art, and e-Residency. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Endowment, Enterprise Estonia, and the Consulate General of Estonia in New York, it showcases the collective commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.
