December 1st marks the commencement of the latest edition of Design Miami, the semi-annual fair surrounding the culture of high design. The energetic mix of design performance, limited edition works by the design world’s high fliers, and significant design pieces from modernism’s history has again been put together by Design Miami co-founder Ambra Medda.

The annual Designer of the Year distinction is awarded to Maarten Baas, who is putting on a theatrical installation of his collected work in dialogue with found objects, inspirations, product samples, and other mental artifacts – creating a looking glass into his mind.

Design Miami sponsor Swarovski’s latest incarnation of their Crystal Palace series showcases a magnificent new piece by architect Gregg Lynn. Relying on the advanced technology used to create high-performance boat sails, Lynn created monumental billowing panels composed of carbon & aramid fibers, Mylar, and a dusting of thousands of Swarovski crystals. The soaring installation is suspended at the designers lounge entrance.

This year’s Design Performance is a collaboration between designer Moritz Waldemeyer and the rock band OK GO. Waldemeyer pimped Gibson guitars out with a series of lasers projecting the strings and instruments movements onto a video wall and the surrounding space. Furthermore, the instruments have received a material upgrade thanks to Fendi. Luxury handcraft meets high tech performance.

Other highlights from the hand-picked commercial galleries and satellite exhibits include: Moss Gallery’s .MGX exhibit, ‘Cappellini Forever’ at the brands new flagship store, and Studio Job at Bizazza.

Design Miami, Dec. 1st – 5th, 2009.

Design Miami/ Temporary Structure
NE 39th Street & 1st Court
Miami
USA