The 8 Cleverest Moments of Design Miami 2019

Think of it as the design lover's Super Bowl. Design Miami is that one time of year when we all congregate or tune in via social media to check out what's new and exciting in the world of high design. In the heart of Miami Beach, the annual fair welcomes collectors, gallerists, and consumers alike to discover what the world's top curators are loving right now. Whether everyone is obsessing over an up-and-coming designer ready for the spotlight or a group of creatives that are sparking conversation, we figured you'd wanna know. Even if we can afford the fair's blue-chip offerings, the show never fails to inspire us. Read on to see some of our favorite moments from this year’s Design Miami. Our finds just might inspire you to try something new in your own space.

Southern Guild

We were excited to see what South African designer Porky Hefer, known for his series of sculptural seating depicting endangered species, would bring to the table at Southern Guild's booth. This year, his famous hanging leather pods took the shape of different chemical compounds, but you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the allure of these sheepskin-lined creations.

Todd Merrill Studio

Over at Todd Merrill's booth, we met a Hannes Grebin sofa that spoke to all of our geometric needs. Surrounding said sofa? Three Brecht Wright Gander lamps that give off extraterrestrial vibes in the best way. The oversize lamps are illuminated by hidden LEDs that cast a mysterious glow.

Phillipe Gravier

The assortment of Odile Decq's squiggly Splash! tables presented at Phillipe Gravier are perfect for a sophisticated decorator who still likes to have a good time. We especially love the neon color palette.

Friedman Benda

The array of textures and colors laid out seamlessly by architect Lelia Arruda at Friedman Benda's exhibit completely captivated us. Several Campana Brothers chairs made from stainless steel, wicker, and handcrafted leather are a neutral counterpart to the Jonathan Trayte's Seussian pink lamps and funky lounge chair made from the unlikely blend of sheepskin, cowhide, marble, and woven polyester cord. The space is finished off with three Misha Kahn mirrors for a moment we won't forget.

Les Ateliers Courbet

In collaboration with the estate of 20th-century French filmmaker Jacques Tati—Les Films de Mon Oncle—Domeau & Pérès pay tribute to Tati’s iconic vision with whimsical midcentury designs and an exhibit that feels more like a playground. Walk down memory lane alongside a 1958 Jacques Tati Rocking Chair and a slightly impractical yet 100% necessary Mrs. Arpel’s Sofa.

Friedman Benda x Daniel Arsham

Quick shameless plug: If you look really close you can see a stack of our beloved AD December issue featuring artist Daniel Arsham’s Long Island getaway laid neatly atop his otherworldly foam and resin desk, also featuring in the magazine.

AGO Projects

Color was the name of the game over at the booth of Mexico City–based AGO Projects. Contrasting hues and textures ran rampant throughout the exhibition, making it a sensory experience of sorts. We don’t know about you but that Fernando Laposse glass-top hairy coffee table is calling screaming our name.

The Future Perfect

And no design show would be complete without the always dreamy display by one of our favorites, The Future Perfect. Chris Wolston's humanlike wicker chairs complemented by Seungjin Yang’s balloon chairs, which we've been eyeing all year…a truly clever scene if we've ever seen one.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest