Collective Design Fair 2016: 10 Must-See Highlights at the Show

It's May, which means NYCxDESIGN, a nearly month-long celebration of design around New York City, is back. One of the first and finest shows to open during this extravaganza is Collective Design Fair, which, since its birth in 2012, has showcased the most innovative collectible works of contemporary design.

This year's show features a few special presentations, including a provocative exploration of "Fine Design for the End of the World" from graduate students at the historically freewheeling Cranbrook Academy of Art and Collective Concept, special spotlight on five independent studios without traditional gallery representation, and a clever entrance exhibit by the hyper-creative Japanese design brand Nendo.

What's common to these special exhibits and many other impressive pieces at the show is a boundary-pushing attitude towards all kinds of materials and what they can be. Take a closer look at how this plays out in these highlights from the show.

Collective Design Fair is open until May 8 at Skylight Clarkson Sq in New York City.