Co-founder of Design Miami
WHITEWALL: You’ve said that because of design’s recent momentum, it might not be as effected by the economy. It’s the fourth day of the fair, how are things going?
CRAIG ROBINS: I think that everything is effected and we all have to readjust. Personally I feel very satisfied with the cultural experience that people have when they come to the design district. We’re continuing in our mission of advocating design. Because we’re making it an experience and not an attempt to sell a luxury item there are also a fair amount of transactions occurring. I have to admit I was worried and it also isn’t the same as it was – there was a very robust economy and people were spending money much less discriminantly than they are now. I think we’re all going to be less materialistic about it and more experiential – which I see as positive.
WW: And keeping the number of galleries at Design Miami under 30 also helps to make that experience less overwhelming.
CR: There’s more demand than we actually had space this year, which is nice because we like to give the galleries luxurious amounts of space to exhibit. And the show looks phenomenal. It’s our first foray into contemporary architecture. We’ve always been in beautiful historical spaces. We really wanted to experiment with the conventional tent structure materials but do something innovative and I think Aranda Lasch did a fantastic job. The Degner of the Year recipients, the Campanas, couldn’t be more deserving and could not have given more to the show.
WW: What was your reaction when you saw their design for the HSBC lounge?
CR: I loved it because the relationship between Design Miami and our sponsors is so dynamic so it’s not just about giving the shows money and putting their logo up but they’re advocating design as much as we are. Getting the Designer of the Year recipients to design their lounge and making it an incredible experience just to be in there. Things like Nadia Swarovski’s installation, Audi’s participation, Fendi sponsore our talks – advocate design and add to this experience. And that’s why Design Miami is much more of a cultural happening than a commercial fair that buys and sells.
WW: Are you looking at all to expand to other cities beyond Basel and Miami?
CR: A lot of people have contacted us and it’s possible that we’ll do something cultural in another city. I don’t think we’re ready to bring a proper show. What we don’t want to do is dilute the potency of the show.
