The WestEdge Design Fair is returning to Santa Monica for its fifth year, over October 19 to 22, with more exhibitors signed up than ever before. This year, there is enhanced focus on the MADE:MODERN section, which has been steadily growing in its number of exhibitors. WestEdge is planning on hosting over 150 exhibitors during the four-day event, including 40 that are new to the fair.
“We’re proud to see the level of participation grow year over year, and the fact that more organizations and companies want to be a part of WestEdge is a testament to our longevity in L.A. and the broader West Coast market,” says co-founder Megan Reilly. “Our ability to support both established brands and emerging brands as they build and grow their businesses is what makes us most proud as we celebrate our fifth year in 2017.”
MADE:MODERN, which is presented by Design Milk this year, casts a spotlight on independent designers and makers. Some of the exhibitors this year include Fyrn, John Sheppard, Jason Mizrahi, Katy Skelton, Croft House, Siemon + Salazar, Studio Endo and Bend Goods. Products on display will be available for purchase, and the makers will be accepting custom orders.
The sponsors for both the indoor and outdoor lounges have also been selected, and their designs are underway. Foscarini, Bolon and the Botanicals Wallpaper Collection by Resource Furniture will be designing the indoor lounge, while Juniper House and V Starr Interiors will be collaborating on the outdoor lounge.
“V Starr Interiors is based in South Florida, so we all appreciate an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, which was a source of inspiration for our lounge design at WestEdge,” says the firm’s design director, Sonya Haffey. “We love to infuse a bit of whimsy whenever possible, so we’ve added fun glow-in-the-dark seating as well as ping-pong and foosball tables to the space. We are so excited to partner with Juniper House, which provided all of the beautiful furnishings.”
Other notable events to watch out for during the fair include the opening night party (October 19), which will feature an auction of luggage designed by street artists to support the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House; the Milk Stand pop-up, presented by Design Milk; a wine bucket auction presented by DIFFA and the Thrive Tribe Foundation to support individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS (October 21); and the DIEM Talks Design symposium, tackling the theme “Everything Is Disrupted” (October 20).
