Design Miami.LA’s Inaugural Event at Holmby Hills Estate

This past weekend, from May 16-20, Los Angeles hosted the highly anticipated inaugural Design Miami.LA event where it was presented at the stunning historic Holmby Hills Estate, one of the largest houses designed by the renowned architect Paul Williams. As the first Black architect to become a member of the American Institute of Architects, Williams also designed the homes of many 20th-century Hollywood legends. Spanning 30,000 square feet across three separate buildings, the estate features a blend of 1930s Georgian Colonial Revival architecture and contemporary interiors, making it the perfect setting for Design Miami’s Los Angeles debut.

Have you heard about Design Miami? 

Design Miami is a global forum for design that attracts influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators, and critics from around the world. Founded by Ashlee Harrison, it aims to celebrate design in all its forms, highlighting its cultural and societal impact. The biannual events, held in Miami and Basel, showcase an array of collectible design pieces, including furniture, lighting, and art objects, emphasizing both contemporary and historical significance. Harrison’s vision was to create a platform that appreciates design not just as a functional aspect of daily life but as a form of art that influences and inspires.

The event was a resounding success, offering attendees a perfect blend of art, culture, and luxury. The theme of this year’s Podium Exhibition, “Master Works: Important Design, 1938-Present,” paid homage to the pioneers of design, showcasing masterful innovation and refined craftsmanship. This exhibit underscored Los Angeles’ role as an international arbiter of taste. Throughout the weekend, attendees could also participate in Design Talks held in the estate’s theater, featuring speakers such as Essence Harden, Zanele Muholi, Ben Tollefson, Key Jo Lee, Dr. LeRonn P. Brooks, Maristella Casciato, Jamie Bush, Rich Mnisi, Rogan Gregory, Darren Romanelli, Ryan Murphy, and Mayer Rus.

On the second floor of the Holmby Hills Estate, the Galerie Negropontes was one of the most chic and meticulously curated rooms. As soon as I entered the estate, I felt compelled to go upstairs. What first drew me in were Ulrika Liljedahl’s wild, rainbow-colored horsehair vertical sculptures. The horsehair flowed beautifully down to the floor, each piece brighter than the last, showcasing a stunning interplay of color and texture. These sculptures commanded attention, evoking a sense of beauty and wildness that compelled me to explore the room further.

Perrin & Perrin create dense and compact blocks, sculpting both monumental and intimate pieces in unique shapes and colors. A distinguishing feature of their work is the constant interplay of transparency, porosity, and, above all, light. They draw inspiration from scriptural and musical constructions, as well as the revelation of geological processes and phenomena. Their creations, born from the four elements, possess an intrinsic coherence and unique beauty. The 3D effect and the light, earthy color palette of their sculptures brought a sense of calm and luxury to the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience.

The 20th Century French Ceramics exhibition at Gallery Lebreton in Monaco offers an extraordinary journey through the evolution of French ceramics, showcasing a meticulously curated collection of ceramic sculptures, vessels, and luminaires. Among the highlights are the works of Suzanne Ramié – Studio Madoura, renowned for her collaborations with Picasso, which exhibit a unique combination of artistic intent and technical mastery. Jacques Pouchain’s creations stand out for their distinctive forms and textures, while André Aleth-Masson’s pieces reveal a deep understanding of material and form, bringing a modernist sensibility to traditional techniques.

Les 2 Potiers’ contributions further enrich the exhibition with their unique approach to pottery, merging functionality with artistic expression. The collection spans a wide range of styles and techniques, from the earthy, tactile quality of wood-fired stoneware to the intricate and vivid patterns of hand-glazed ceramics. This exhibition not only highlights the aesthetic diversity of 20th-century French ceramics but also underscores Lebreton’s dedication to preserving and promoting the legacy of major post-war French and European artists. Each piece tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, making this exhibition a profound tribute to the art of ceramics.

Also on the second floor was the eclectic Salon 94. One of my favorite pieces was the Wall Organizer by Jay Sae Jung Oh. At first glance, it appeared to be a beautiful sculpture, which it certainly is, but it also functions as a wall organizer. And who doesn’t need more beautiful wall organizers?

Upon closer inspection, you can see it’s made from an array of objects like plastic and metal items, including a gasoline container, kettle, stool, amplifier, toy spaceship, planter, frying pan, shelf, water bottles, metal tumbler, jewelry box, and more. These objects are meticulously assembled using plywood, adhesive, natural leather cord, and leather finisher, creating a striking and functional piece of art.

On the second floor of the estate, The Future Project showcased some outstanding contemporary designers who skillfully blended classical decor with modern design. Standouts for me included Bower Studios and Genesis Belanger’s Mirror Curtains, as well as Chris Wolston’s Mafafa club chair. These pieces exemplified the seamless integration of traditional elegance and contemporary innovation.

Making its West Coast debut, Todd Merrill Studio presents a diverse array of 20th-century, contemporary, fine, and custom art. As a lover of the ocean, Erik Speer’s Sit Down / Do Nothing chairs immediately caught my attention. Speer has been creating experimental fiber art collages using various techniques, including macrame, crochet, knitting, felting, and weaving. His sculptural “tapestries” are thoughtfully detailed and expressive, naturally evocative and deeply rooted in his personal narrative.

Much of Speer’s inspiration comes from the ocean, reflecting his experiences in the water and his time traveling the globe as a scuba instructor. I can literally see the sea life in his textiles.

In the pool house, Nick Thomm’s unmistakable hyper-color spectral paintings were on full display. His use of abstract imagery and vibrant color systems, featuring blues, pinks, purples, and reds, created a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring effect. Thomm’s work explores the merging of traditional art with technology, resulting in installations that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. Seeing his creations in person was truly a treat.

In the greenhouse of the estate, I encountered a delightful surprise from the designers of Raise the Moral. As I entered, I was greeted by a sign that read, “It’s not the mushrooms, it’s me talking.” The space was scented with the freshest dirt I have ever smelled, creating an invigorating and earthy atmosphere. The greenhouse was adorned with beautiful mushroom sculptures, clocks, and furniture in a perfect pastel baby blue, adding to the whimsical charm.

Walking through, I felt as though I had fallen down into the rabbit’s room of Alice in Wonderland. The designers had crafted an experiential and multi-sensory environment that captivated all my senses. It was a truly enchanting part of the Design Miami.LA event, leaving a lasting impression on me.

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On the second level of the guesthouse, walking into the PIZZASLIME room felt like stepping back into my teenage years in LA. The room was filled with pop culture references, from a Spongebob poster and an Erewhon bag on the floor to skateboards and a Takashi Murakami Flower Plush Cushion. There was even an Ice Spice American poster and various toys scattered around. 

The warning signs on the front door added to the charm, especially one of the room rules that read, “Messiness is a sign of genius. Tidying up could impact negatively on my mental development.” This room perfectly captured the essence of a Los Angeles teen’s room, giving me a good laugh and a wave of nostalgia.

Visitors were captivated by the exquisite pieces, each narrating a unique tale of artistic evolution, while savoring delicious cocktails and caviar. The fashion was equally noteworthy, with guests dressed in elegant and eclectic attire that perfectly matched the event’s ambiance.

Los Angeles was the perfect addition for Design Miami to start showcasing their artists. The city’s rich arts and culture scene made it an ideal backdrop for the event. Angelenos showed up in full force and did not disappoint. The inaugural Design Miami.LA event was a celebration of design, innovation, and the unique artistic spirit that defines Los Angeles. This event sets a high bar for the next one in 2025.

In case you missed Design Miami.LA this time, Design Miami has upcoming exhibits scheduled in Basel from June 10-16, Paris from October 15-20, and Miami from December 3-8. Design Miami/LA 2024 was truly unforgettable, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of design.

Written by Kimberly Mortensen