The West Coast and design shows have a long and rocky relationship. A number of events have been attempted, but all have faltered. It’s difficult to get designers to drive through one of the most congested cities in the country to look at furniture.
Yet one show has succeeded where others have failed. WestEdge Design Fair, the West Coast’s premier contemporary design fair, returns to Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar this week for the first time since 2019. Celebrating its eighth year and relaunching post-pandemic, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest in design and furnishings featuring a highly-curated selection of domestic and international manufacturers as well as independent designers and makers.
It is a true design show, but WestEdge Principal Troy Durst said the event is beginning to explore the office, especially as people continue to work from home — at least some of the time.
“WestEdge Design Fair is proud to showcase the rich diversity of brands and exhibitors from across the globe. From established industry leaders to emerging talents, the fair represents the best in contemporary design” said Durst. “We’re building a platform where creativity, innovation and the power of design come together and can’t think of a better place to do so than in Los Angeles given the city’s diverse makeup of innovators and creatives.”
The WestEdge Design Fair is expected to attract thousands of design professionals to source from the industry’s established and up-and-coming brands. Offering furniture, lighting, art, kitchen, bath and more, WestEdge Design Fair will bring together more than 175 brands from across the globe for an immersive experience set in Santa Monica’s indoor/outdoor Barker Hangar venue. Attendees have the opportunity to engage with more than 45 presenting speakers, 20 food and beverage demonstrations and various meet-and-greets with notable design influencers over the course of the three-day event.
Highlights for this year’s event include:
MADE:MODERN, a curated section of the fair showcasing independent designers, makers and artists with one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting and accent offerings with exhibitors including Art’s Tree House, Black Crow Studios, Buzzell Studios, CarbonShack, Ever Atelier, whyrHymer and dozens more.
The PIRCH Culinary Pavilion offers daily demonstrations and samplings Including a Thanksgiving wine pairings seminar and a “Taste of Italian Cuisine” series.
WestEdge XTERIORS offering an outdoor portion of the fair and showcasing the latest in outdoor design from outdoor furnishings and kitchens/grills, to outdoor saunas and more.
WestEdge ‘Convo By Design’ Theater offers attendees two days of panel talks, industry forums and engaging conversations filled with education and inspiration on a variety of topics.
The IIDA/WestEdge Design Fair Booth Awards where the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is teaming up with WestEdge to launch two new design competitions.
To commemorate the return, an Opening Night Party presented by PIRCH will kick off the fair November 16 from 6-10 p.m. Ticket proceeds and an auction of designer items will benefit Hollywood Food Coalition whose mission is to feed and serve the immediate needs of the hungry every day of the year so they can build better lives. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle ahead of the weekend crowds with food and cocktails, entertainment and early-access to shop hundreds of design products.
WestEdge Design Fair will be open to the trade and public on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission to the daytime event hours is complimentary for design professionals who pre-register. To learn more and register for the fair and Opening Night Party, visit www.westedgedesignfair.com.
