COOL HUNTING

design.05 Miami made its debut last night as part of the art and design frenzy in Miami that is frothing to unknown proportions with Art Basel and its six concurrent shows (Aqua Art Miami, Frisbee Art Fair, NADA Art Fair, Pulse and SCOPE Miami, not to mention every museum and gallery in town and their concurrent shows). There is so much great art and design, such great people watching, such amazing conversations overheard (more on both of those in other posts we're working on) that your brain just can't process it any longer. And that's when the parties come in handy. A LOT of parties. Like the opening of design.05 last night (photo above left).

Guests entered through a bamboo garden adjacent to the beautiful Moore Buildling, whose four stories were filled with exhibitions from fifteen of the most well known furniture dealers in the world, assembled together for the first time, and some with their first show ever outside of their gallery. Each provided a specially-curated group of furniture and design highlighting masters old and new. All of this incredible work was surrounded by a breathtaking, four story high site-specific installation by Zaha Hadid, who was awarded with the design.05 Miami Designer of the Year award (photo above right).

design.05 Miami is attempting to make more than a furniture show—they are trying to create a new way for designers, collectors, scholars and sellers to celebrate the medium. From the looks of it they are off to a very impressive start. A few highlights from the show after the jump.

Light by Vernor Panton at Nilufar

Piero Fornasetti's chest of drawer's from his Villa Fornasetti in Varenna at Nilufar

Table at Demisch Danant

This lamp by Gio Ponti was my favorite item at the show. From Casati Gallery

Cocotte desk lamp by Serge Mouille from Patrick Seguin

Roger Tallon Series M400 table and chairs from Jousse Enterprise.

The Oragami table by Philip Michael Wolfson in a limited edition of 10 from

Wolfson Design auctioned by Phillips de Pury & Co.

Ultra rare Cité chair by Jean Prouvé from Patrick Seguin (and recently reissued by Design Within Reach). Behind the chair are wall dividers, also by Prouvé.

Joaquim Tenreiro's beautiful work had a strong presence at the show. Both Cristina Grajales and R 20th Century had several outstanding pieces. It's great to see his work getting the attention it deserves.