The day we’ve been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived! The inaugural edition of Design Miami/ Paris has opened to the public, and visitors and exhibitors alike couldn’t be more enthralled!

Much of the good cheer has been fueled by the magnificent setting, L’hôtel de Maisons—a lavish 18th-century hôtel particulier, ornamented with intricate boiserie and glittering crystal chandeliers, and nestled amid the posh residences and iconic landmarks of the 7th arrondissement. Not to be outdone by the historic architecture though, the collectible design objects presented by our exhibitors have the collectors in a jubilant state. It has proven true what our CEO Jen Roberts recently told the New York Times: “Paris is always a good idea.”

Félicitations to our 27 world-class Gallery exhibitors, each of whom exceeded expectations with their expert curation. Ditto to our 14 Design at Large contributors; together they transformed the venue’s sprawling courtyard into a irresistible sculpture garden as well as a popular hang-out spot. Our illustrious Vetting Committee—including Simon Andrews, Al Eiber, Lee Mindel, Jeremy Morrison, and Grela Orihuela—faced a wealth of worthy candidates in selecting the Best of Show Awards. We’re so pleased to announce these winners:

Monaco-based Lebreton received Design Miami/ Paris’ Best Presentation Award thanks to the gallery's striking installation of rare and iconic works by 20th-century ceramic masters.

Paris-based Galerie Mitterrand won the Best Design at Large Presentation Award for l'Âne Attelé (1989), a highly collectible masterpiece in bronze by François-Xavier Lalanne.

London’s Sarah Myerscough Gallery received the Best Contemporary Work Award for a new chair produced by Full Grown—and by “produced,” we mean “grown.” Full Grown, the UK-based studio-enterprise of Alice and Gavin Munro, employs ancient techniques to make furniture by manipulating the growth direction of live tree boughs.

Paris-based Galerie Jacques Lacoste was awarded Best Historic Work for an extraordinary suite of Polar Bear Seating (c. 1951) by 20th-century French design legend Jean Royère. What a sumptuous ensemble in cherry red.

The success we’re seeing from day one at Design Miami/ Paris would not be possible without our dedicated community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministère de la Culture as well as the members of the Design Miami/ Paris 2023 Honorary Committee for playing an integral role in bringing this show to life.

Sincere thanks to our exhibiting partners Manufacture de Sèvres and Miami Design District, as well as our contributing partners Audi (automotive), Kartell (furniture), COVA Paris (food & beverage), and Crozier Fine Arts (shipping).

And thank you to our champagne supplier, Maison Ruinart.

The show is just getting started, but we're already excited to come back to Paris and do this again next year!