The WestEdge Design Fair, in its fifth year, kicked things off with a festive opening night party Thursday at Santa Monica’s Barker hangar where hundreds of guests were able to get a preview of items in categories from furniture and lighting to kitchen, bath, floor coverings and lighting.
Also on display, the results of 20 street artists teaming up with Samsonite to create one-of-a-kind luggage pieces and travel packages that will be auctioned off throughout the three days of the fair. All of the proceeds from the opening night party benefited the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald house.
This year, more than 40 new exhibitors are on hand in the indoor/outdoor setup at Santa Monica Airport. Some of them include Pelle, Brizo, Juniper House, and Koncept. Another cool concept to check out: a pop-up store by Design Milk Products with home accessories and jewelry.
Also throughout the weekend, thought leaders and taste makers will share their insights on a variety of topics throughout the event with educational seminars and scheduled talks on subjects from environmentally friendly renovation to new concepts in lighting – and transportation.
WestEdge has always highlighted culinary programming, and this year is no exception. The fair’s culinary pavilion will host chef demonstrations and tastings and offer an opportunity for attendees to learn about innovations in appliances.
The outdoor lounge is sponsored by Juniper House, Southern California’s preeminent representative of unique outdoor furnishings. If collaborated with V Starr Interiors, the design firm led by tennis star Venus Williams to design this space, which is presented in partnership with the Wall Street Journal.
This year, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and the Thrive Tribe Foundation are teaming up to support their work of helping individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. DIFFAxThrive is an event that will feature one-of-a-kind customized Nambe wine buckets created by two-dozen artists and designers, all for sale at the show.
