On Feb. 12, Modernism Week will once again take over Palm Springs, California, to celebrate everything midcentury. The era’s design, architecture, art, fashion and culture will be highlighted by way of tours, lectures, films, exhibitions, and of course parties. In all it’s 180 events spread over 11 days.
Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs home, featured on an architectural tour during Modernism Week
In honor of Modernism Week’s 10th anniversary, Editor at Large has corralled 10 things one cannot miss during the extravaganza.
One—The Throwback Thursday Opening Night Party: DJ Jason Bentley, KCRW’s Music Director and host of radio shows “Morning Becomes Eclectic” and “Metropolis” will provide the atmosphere for the week’s first party, where attendees will enjoy open bar service, signature cocktails and retro hors d’oeuvres.
Todd Oldham and Alexander Girard
Two—Keynote with Todd Oldham on Alexander Girard: New York-based designer Todd Oldham will present a talk on the extraordinary career of one of his heroes, artist and designer Alexander Girard (1907-1993). The presentation will be followed by a VIP poolside cocktail reception.
Three—CAMP: The all-new 30,000-sf outdoor pavilion (think Coachella for modernists) will host an outdoor festival space with tents, lounges, and nightly happy hours.
Four—The Christopher Kennedy Compound Modernism Week Show House: Christopher Kennedy, Inc., Traditional Home magazine, and California Homes magazine celebrate architecture and the Coachella Valley’s re-emergence as an international design stage by assembling top interior designers for The Christopher Kennedy Compound: Modernism Week Show House 2015.
Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale 2014
Five—The 15th-Annual Modernism Show and Sale: The four-day Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale is jumpstarting its 15 year with an opening gala on Friday, Feb. 13. Then, throughout the weekend, guests can shop a world-class collection of midcentury furniture, art and decorative objects.
Six—Modernism Yard Sale: This isn’t your childhood yard sale. From chairs to tchotchkes, Modernism Week guests will find a carefully curated selection of midcentury collectables.
Nine—Modernism Week Signature Home Tour: This self-driven home tour will take visitors inside iconic architectural homes by some of the areas most noted architects. The featured residences, chosen for their structures, interiors, gardens and grounds, showcase all that made Palm Springs a hub for the wealthy and fabulous in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour
Seven—The Premium Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour: This series provides a comprehensive overview of the exteriors of Palm Springs’ finest architecture from the upper deck of a modern double-decker bus.
Eight—Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: The Movie Colony Historical Walking Tour: A guide will point out the houses of celebrities, regaling guests with tales of the lives that once circulated in them. On offer: the houses of Cary Grant, Dinah Shore, Van Johnson, Tony Curtis, Gloria Swanson, Jack Benny and, of course, Frank Sinatra.
Vintage Trailer
Ten—Vintage Travel Trailer Show: Here, authentic and beautifully restored trailers take center stage in a festive, outdoor showplace located directly behind the Hilton Palm Springs. Owners from across the West will be on hand to talk about their trailers’ histories, restorations and travels. There will also be booths with a mix of gifts, art, and vintage trailer products.
Palm Springs Modernism Week takes place from Thursday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 22. For a complete list of event times, locations and happenings, click here.
