Sunday, November 13, 2016

Recap of Los Angeles 4th Annual WestEdge Design Fair 2016

By Karen Ostlund
Custom designed Schwinn Bicycles at WestEdge Design Fair 2016
 
The Interior Lounge, anchored by Mah Jong sofas from Missoni Home and Roche Bobois, featured Bolon, Farrow & Ball, Vondom, Green River Stone, Smith & Stephan and Matt Gagnon's sculptural installation

 
West Hollywood Design Group Exhibit booth

Appliance brand Alfresco culinary stage

The fourth annual WestEdge Design Fair brought a wealth of design talent and conversation to Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar this November 3-6th. 
The fair kicked off with an Opening Night Party for 1,400 guests who celebrated design while supporting the evening’s beneficiary, Los Angeles Ronald
McDonald House. Sponsored by DCS, Fisher & Paykel, Pez Cantina, Reilly’s Whiskey, Schwinn, Tequilla Arette and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
The festive evening featured a silent auction of more than two dozen, one-of-a-kind Schwinn bicycles, all customized by design luminaries, artists and brands such as Aaron Axelrod, Amy Devers, Bend Goods, Erin Condren, Gregory Siff, Hancock Design, Kelly Edwards, LA Closet Design, LA Galaxy, McGuire Denim, Nicole Facciuto, Peter Gurski, and Portola Paints.
Opening day party
 Proceeds went toward the renovation of the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House’s 75-room facility, which provides accommodation and support to families of seriously ill children. 
 
Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced the latest designs and products from 150+ exhibiting brands. The audience included high-level architects, interior designers, set decorators, educators, art directors, speakers, consumers and members of the press, among others. In addition to riveting displays of design and art, a multitude of panel discussions and intimate conversations offering tips and insights on the industry took place in the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio and Convo by Design Social Lounge. 
Culinary Pavilion, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel
Special highlights included the all-new Culinary Pavilion, sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, where guest chefs hosted continuous live cooking demonstrations and tastings. 
The show also hosted the first-ever Grilling Showdown between appliance brands Alfresco and DCS; Chefs Glenda Galvan-Garcia (for DCS) and Chef Keith Mecutchen (for Alfresco) went head-to-head preparing seasonal Thanksgiving dishes on the grills with Chef Keith Mecutchen being declared the winner. 
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)’s Picnic By Design provided another charitable element to this year’s show with its live auction of spectacular picnic baskets coupled with an exclusive gathering in the Outdoor Lounge. 
WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly & Troy Hanson
“We had our largest turn-out to date, both from an exhibitor perspective and attendee stand-point,” says WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly. “To us, that indicates the strong enthusiasm for seeing, showcasing and learning about premium, innovative home design.” 

Exhibitor Brenda Houston of Brenda Houston Design seconds this, “As an exhibitor at WestEdge for the past three years, I was thrilled to see the growth of the fair this year. I connected with so many top residential and commercial design firms. The show has evolved so beautifully – it’s the best opportunity to meet West Coast trade and keep in touch with current clients.” 
Jenn-Air built-in refrigerator

Other WestEdge highlights included the popular MADE:MODERN section, sponsored by Design Milk and showcasing more than 40 independent designers and artists; the Outdoor Lounge, outfitted by Roche Bobois; the Interior Lounge, anchored by Mah Jong sofas from Missoni Home and Roche Bobois, and featuring Bolon, Farrow & Ball, Vondom, Green River Stone, Smith & Stephan, and Los Angeles designer Matt Gagnon’s towering Alder wood sculptural installation, which became the central spot for attendees to mingle and gather throughout the weekend. 

“The energy and excitement at WestEdge was omnipresent. We received endless feedback that this year’s fair was the most compelling to date regarding exhibitor diversity and quality, and that our participants engaged top-level architects, designers and homeowners,” says WestEdge Co-Founder Troy Hanson. “We are very much looking forward to expanding the footprint of WestEdge in 2017 following the momentum of this year’s event.” 
Nick Lopez beds
 
Magdalena York Collection

 
Made Modern Section: PRIVEN

2016 show sponsors included Bolon, DCS, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Fisher & Paykel, Jenn-Air, Matt Gagnon Studio, Missoni Home, PEZ Cantina, Roche Bobois, Schwinn Bicycle Company, Snyder Diamond, Southwest Greens, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Wallpaperdirect.
Outdoor Lounge outfitted by Roche Bobois and Southwest Greens

WestEdge is a three-day event that offers the best in modern design, all in an environment designed to engage, entertain and inspire. The fair offers the opportunity to shop from premium home furnishings brands-many new to the West Coast and meet the designers behind thousands of inspiring products. In addition, attendees gain insight from leading names in the design industry with a full series of educational programs and special events. 
Myself at WestEdge photobooth 2016

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