MAISON&OBJET Americas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/503691
in 2005 many of them crossed the bay for the launch of Design Miami/, with that fair attracting another wave of showrooms and stores, sharpening the area's identity: urban, authentic, sophisticated, and culturally engaged. With new openings in the Design District nearly every week—Givenchy, Ermenegildo Zegna, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, and Versace have recently joined marquee names like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier—and construction beginning on 20 new buildings to house another 50 brands, Robins and his partners are determined to cement the neighborhood's status as "the most comprehensive collection of luxury fashion and jewelry in South Florida" without losing the creative spirit on which the district was built. Which makes the arrival of Maison&Objet— renowned for showcasing the best in global design while fostering its evolution in bold new directions— particularly timely. "In the past decade, Miami has firmly established itself on the international design radar," says Robins. "The arrival of Maison&Objet in Miami is further testament to the city's transformation into a laboratory for cutting-edge design." Among the showrooms rolling out the red carpet (literally) for Maison&Objet is The Rug Company, which opened its Design District space six years ago in the Moore Building. "Miami has increas- ingly become an important design city," says cofounder and CEO Christopher Sharp. "Being part of this excit- ing community is essential." In a special exhibit, the London-based brand will display its hand-knotted collaborations with fashion designers like Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, and Rodarte. As for M&O's expansion to Miami Beach, Sharp is optimistic: "It's a good plan. Americans love all things Parisian, so it'll be un succès fabuleux." Other not-to-be-missed showroom events during the fair include Luminaire Lab's installation by designer Omer Arbel, creative director of Bocci, who will also be on hand for the debut of a Bocci light- ing collection that unites fabric and glass. Artisanal craftsmanship meets ironwork at Holly Hunt, as the company will introduce new furniture designs from Pouenat, founded in 1880 in Moulins, France. For Susane Ronai, whose Susane R. Lifestyle Boutique has been a fi xture of the district for more than 20 years, the international trade fair offers an opportu- nity to show visitors how this design and fashion hub continues to evolve. She sees the Design District and Maison&Objet as "a perfect match of taste, culture, and design." During the fair, Ronai will demonstrate the Luxury storefronts in the Design District. Twenty new buildings are being constructed to house 50 additional brands. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN HILL; OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD PAT TERSON M I A M I M&O M&O 86 M A I S O N - O B J E T. C O M