I have come to learn about a large number of design related events that are either first timers or events of only a few years returning to celebrate and support design happening this time of year. These events include a design fair, a trade show, a makers fair. The term design is very broad but upon describing the following group of events you'll see that there is something for everyone, buyers, sellers, aficionados, creatives in large and small venues. Design is a very large market and as a collector it is important to understand what you are looking for. Is it a unique ceramic piece to decorate your table or will it be an iconic chair, perhaps you'd like to support a local artist or understand the use of new technologies in design. What these events all have in common is an interest in promoting original design. Which one would you go too?
took place October 11th and 12th in High Falls, New York. Organized by Interior Designer Brad Ford, studios and workshops were brought together to showcase a high end version of a traditional arts and crafts fair, set up in the field and inside the refurbished Black Barn. Ford is part of the founding collective of the Collective Design Fair which takes place in NYC. With Field + Supply, Ford was looking to create a less serious version of a design fair found in the city. The exhibitors included Future Perfect, Egg Collective and Apparatus Studio.
was held October 18th, for it's fifth year at the Ace Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Atelier Ace invited Portland designers and artists to build immersive installations, taking over 28 rooms on the second floor. No rules, besides reflecting their inspirations and identities. Rill Rill, Mazama and Caravan Pacific were among some of the makers that participated in the one-night-only event. The Ace Hotel, empathetic towards art and design has been able to collaborate with and celebrate the artists that inspire them in every hotel location.
in it's second year, is a platform for quality industrial design set in Dubai, UAE. Organized by the team behind Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai, Downtown Design might well be the next Salone Internazionale del Mobile. The trade show was divided in exhibitor segments including lighting, kitchens, wall coverings and new technologies. Some of the highest quality brands participated such as Bang & Olufsen, Fritz Hansen, Kohler & Vitra. From October 28 - 31, running parallel to the show, comprehensive talks focused on brand perspectives and business insights from some of the leading figures in industrial design.
a design pop-up sale hosted in Austin, TX, took place this past weekend on November 2nd at The Palm Door in the Entertainment District. Independent designers and makers from Austin and around the country exhibited in a one day sale. A kick off party hosted by Madewell and workshops taught by participants were held the week prior. Exhibitors included Dusen Dusen, Watchmen Woodworks and Helen Levi among others.
These are just a few of the many new design events that are taking place worldwide. It's important to notice that no matter how big or small the design event there's a growing passion to learn more about design, lifestyle and support unique creativity in a variety of venues.
If you'd like to read about other design events visit my posts Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair 2018 to view highlights from this trade show or NYC X Design, 3 Days of Design and then Some from my visit to design events in New York and Copenhagen.