The Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale will celebrate its 25th anniversary this Feb. 14-17, bringing together premier exhibitors and design lovers to celebrate midcentury modern style and timeless innovation.
Gae Aulenti “Locus Solus” lounge chairs from Original in Berlin, with custom fabric by renowned German sculptor Michael Sailstorfer; PHOTO COURTESY OF ORIGINAL IN BERLIN
The Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale (palmspringsmodernism.com) has grown into a centerpiece of the city’s renowned design scene, drawing the global design community with its showcase of midcentury modern style. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this February, the event now features a record-breaking 138 exhibitors presenting cutting-edge pieces and attracts over 15,000 attendees annually—highlighting the community’s increased passion for preserving and celebrating midcentury design.
It was 2000 when Rosemary Krieger, president and CEO of Dolphin Promotions, was approached by Jacques Pierre Causin, the former producer of the Miami Modernism Show. “He had recently moved to Palm Springs and approached us about the possibility of bringing a vintage 20th-century show to Palm Springs,” explains Krieger. “He felt it was the perfect backdrop for a midcentury modern show.”
With iconic retro-era buildings by famed architects, Palm Springs proved to be an ideal setting. The show continued to grow past the original 40 exhibitors and 1,500 attendees and even encouraged guests to stay through the week for the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Council Symposium the next weekend. This sparked a “small but mighty” volunteer group to launch the first Modernism Week event in 2006.
Actress Tippi Hedren drives a convertible on the 101 freeway in Los Angeles as film director Alfred Hitchcock, seated in the back seat, is reflected in the side mirror, 1962, Lawrence Schiller Photography; PHOTO COURTESY OF LAWRENCE SCHILLER PHOTOGRAPHY
“Among the members of the initial steering committee were representatives from the Modernism Show & Sale, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, the Palm Springs Modern Committee, the Palm Springs Historical Society and the Palm Springs Art Museum,” states Krieger. “These local groups are the founding partners of Modernism Week and are still considered the prime beneficiaries of Modernism Week programs.” Due to its direct partnering ties, the Modernism Show and Sale benefit the same organizations, including student scholarships for those entering the field of architecture and design.
This year, the show itself features a stately lineup of merchandise spanning the 20th and 21st centuries—with a 75% renewal rate among vendors offering these designs. “We always try to keep fresh merchandise coming to the show to further enhance the interest of collectors,” adds Krieger.
When checking out the sale within the Palm Springs Convention Center, expect to see anything from fine art and furniture to ceramics, photography, vintage clothing and new this year, four Airstream travel trailers available for viewing. While there is a diverse array of international and national exhibitors, the lineup will see a select two that have been with the show for all 25 years, Rosebud Gallery and Z Modern, presenting rare pieces as a part of exclusive collections.
Attendees browse last year's Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale; PHOTO BY DAVID A. LEE
There’s still much to be revealed about commemorating the milestone, but Krieger hints at book signings, booth chats and the opening night party on Feb. 14—one of the most well-attended events of Modernism Week. In past years, the star-studded guest list ranged from Heidi Klum to Kourtney Kardashian and even Barbara Bush.
The event will take place from Feb. 14-17 and shows no signs of stopping in the near future. As the show and sale become increasingly popular, Krieger affirms, “Our plan is to continue to focus on the things that have worked over the past 25 years while we keep updating with new ideas, fresh exhibitors and continued support of Modernism Week.”
