Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2018 36 G uests enjoyed an evening under the stars while getting a sneak peek of the fair. Partygoers mingled among participating exhibitors while enjoying cocktails and hospitality throughout the venue, including the outdoor lounge furnished by Vondom, Les Jardins Solar, and El Portico and San Ysidro. Music for the evening was presented by DJ Esteban Lopez, and the evening's hospitality sponsors included TRUE Residential, Kona Brewing Co., Ravella Tequila, Woodford Reserve and WTSO. Launched in 2013, the annual WestEdge Design Fair has experienced steady growth including a 50% increase in exhibitors and a nearly 100% rise in attendance since its inaugural year. 2018 presented new exhibitors to the roster including Vondom, Personal Space MB, Newell Design, Delta Light, Graff Faucets and many others. "We were proud to add so many new and important exhibitors to our 2018 lineup," said Troy Hanson, co-founder of WestEdge. "In addition to significant growth within the residential arena, we also experienced considerable growth within the hospitality, commercial, and "resimercial" space this year. The 2018 fair was completely sold out, which is a testament to the growing recognition of Los Angeles as a global center for premium contemporary design." HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2018 WESTEDGE DESIGN FAIR • CONVO BY DESIGN PROGRAMMING LOUNGE – WestEdge teamed with Convo By Design and designer Julia Wong to create a stylish lounge to host all WestEdge panel discussions and talks throughout the event. Guests heard from leading names in the design industry on a variety of topics with a robust schedule co-produced by WestEdge and Convo By Design, a media platform dedicated to providing inspiration to the design and architecture community. • MILK STAND POP-UP – This year's edition of WestEdge offered attendees the chance to purchase unique contemporary design items at "Milk Stand", an on-site pop-up store presented by Design Milk. Products included home accessories, architecture-inspired jewelry, and more. • "WOMEN'S WORK" EXHIBITION – For the first time, WestEdge debuted "Women's Work" — an exhibition presented in partnership with MUSE by Robb Report. This showcase featured the work of leading female designers who are driving the future of design including: Amy Genser, Antrobus + Ramirez, Avram Rusu, Black Crow Studios, Brenda Houston, Debra Fold, Egg Collective, Gulla Jónsdóttir, Kelly Lamb, Londubh Studio, Pamela Sunday, and (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS. • MADE:MODERN – Now in its fourth year, this sought-after section at WestEdge is one of the fastest-growing feature areas of the fair. MADE:MODERN is dedicated to highlighting independent designers, makers, artists of limited edition, one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting and more. The exhibitors in MADE:MODERN presented work for both the residential and commercial sectors. Exhibitors this year included Bend Goods, CBM Design Group, Fluxco Design, Jarvis Furniture, Jason Mizrahi, Katy Skelton, Studio Endo, Newell Design, whyrHymer, and dozens more. Attendees had the chance to meet the designers firsthand and learn about their craft and inspiration. • KARMA AUTO LOUNGE – Karma Automotive welcomed guests to experience the 2018 Luxury Green Car of the Year, the Karma Revero, at the Karma lounge. The lounge, designed by CHACOL and styled by Madam Chair, offered a peaceful sanctuary and highlighted Karma's unique innovations in power and technology. Karma Revero is a luxury electric car powered by dual electric motors that embodies the company's goals of offering leading automotive design, technology, customization, and an outstanding customer experience. • CITI CULINARY PAVILION – WestEdge continued to highlight culinary programming this year by hosting chef demonstrations and tastings in the official Citi Culinary Pavilion, co-presented by Sub- Zero/Wolf and Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. Attendees learned about the latest appliance innovations and enjoyed a schedule of daily demonstrations and samplings by Southern California's leading chefs and culinary personalities. Notable programming included a "Taste of Italy", presented by the Italy America Chamber of Commerce West, an exclusive CITI wine seminar, and a "Design of Bourbon" presentation hosted by Woodford Reserve. The seventh-annual WestEdge Design Fair will be held October 24-27, 2019 at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Please visit www.westedgedesignfair.com for more information on WestEdge Design Fair. RO WESTEDGE DESIGN FAIR 2018

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