What’s Next For Design Miami? A Launch In Los Angeles And A Fresh Look

Design Miami, the world’s foremost design fair, is heading west to Los Angeles, adding a fourth location to its roster of fairs in Basel, Paris and Miami Beach.

Inspired by the city’s design heritage, the first Design Miami LA will run from May 16 to 20, and is one of the major announcements in this pivotal year, which marks the 20th anniversary since its first flagship fair launched in Miami.

“2024 is a year of evolution for Design Miami, as we continue to reach wider audiences through our expanding programming and ever-growing creative network. It feels perfectly fitting to start the year with our inaugural LA exhibition, which promises a dynamic and thoughtful gallery program that is deeply rooted in the city’s cultural and creative ecosystem,” says Jen Roberts, Design Miami’s CEO.

Here’s what you need to know about Design Miami’s new fair and what else is in store for them in 2024:

California Calling

The first-ever Design Miami LA will be held at the 1938 Holmby Hills estate, a historic private home designed by renowned architect Paul R. Williams. The expansive 30,000sqft estate was the former residence of late fashion designer Max Azria.

Celebrating the immense influence and contribution of Southern California to the design landscape, the debut will feature a series of exhibitions from leading galleries across the globe.

“A land of dreamers and creators, California has always been fertile ground for risk-taking and avant-garde thinking across all realms of design. This edition of Design Miami LA will center on the themes of eclecticism, imagination, and nostalgia that have informed the city’s design landscape, bringing together some of the world’s leading international design galleries and voices for the first time under one roof,” says Ashlee Harrison, Design Miami’s Los Angeles Curatorial Director.

Harrison will also curate a Podium exhibition themed “Master Works of Collectible Design, 1938-Present” that will showcase a selection of old and new works sourced from various galleries.

A Brand Refresh

The launch coincides with a global rebrand by Henrik Purienne, Design Miami’s Global Creative Director for 2024, who decided on the theme of “Living With Design”. The concept will be showcased through “photography of celebrated creatives within their lived environments” alongside a refreshed graphic identity that aims to streamline the visual direction across Design Miami’s four editions.

Known for his fluid practice and multidisciplinary approach, Peter Shire will be the subject for the first Design Miami LA. He was chosen by Purienne not only because of his contribution to the industry but his impact in the Los Angeles creative scene.

“His work not only reflects the dynamic and eclectic spirit of Los Angeles but also continues to inspire and provoke dialogue in the wider creative community,” notes Purienne.

The Highlights

Influential galleries will be bringing their A-game to the launch of Design Miami LA, with most of them showcasing a range of new works from notable artists and makers.

Friedman Benda (New York/Los Angeles) will be presenting a group exhibition that highlights LA-based design practices, while Moderne Gallery (Philadelphia) will showcase rare and important works by George Nakashima.

Well-loved gallery The Future Perfect (New York/Los Angeles) aims to respond directly to the classical decor within the Paul R. Williams estate and present works by Genesis Belanger, created in collaboration with Bower Studios. There are a total of 16 participating galleries including the likes of Southern Guild (Cape Town/Los Angeles), R & Company (New York), and Gallery FUMI (London).