Design Miami 2017: A Spectacular Edition Despite Logistical Challenges

The 2017 edition of Design Miami, held from December 1 to 6 in Miami Beach, proved to be a muscular and compelling platform for design debate, despite significant logistical hurdles. The fair's usual venue, the Miami Beach Convention Center, was undergoing a major renovation with the main building completely dismantled, forcing a single entrance on the opposite side. This made access more difficult, but the quality of the fair compensated. Founded in 2005 by Ambra Medda with substantial financial backing from Craig Robins, Design Miami has evolved into a spectacular and engaging event. Galleries from France, the UK, and the US, along with Italian surprises like Erastudio and Antonella Villanova, presented a wide range of projects. A notable trend was the focus on jewelry, with at least four dedicated stands, reflecting the growing contemporary jewelry scene, as also seen in a recent Maxxi exhibition. Sponsors played a key role, with Audi, Fendi, Officine Panerai, and Airbnb among those contributing to the blend of culture and commerce. The fair also featured a Curio section for small curatorial projects.