Design Miami is preparing for its 2026 edition under the curatorial concept ‘Unveiling’, an initiative that invites visitors to discover the stories, creative processes and artisanal traditions hidden behind each object. From 1 to 6 December, Miami Beach will once again become an international hub for galleries, collectors, designers and firms linked to the world of collectible design.
Under the curatorial direction of Charlene Prempeh and with Bank of America Private Bank as the main sponsor, the fair will bring together more than 75 exhibitors across its Gallery, Special Projects and Curio sections. This year’s programme will place particular emphasis on the value of materials, the recovery of historical archives and new forms of artistic expression, establishing a dialogue between tradition and contemporary trends.
Craftsmanship will feature prominently in the offerings from some of the participating brands. Range Rover will present ‘Aura’, an experience that explores the relationship between materials, precision craftsmanship and automotive design. Among its features are a ruby gemstone developed in collaboration with Garrard, an embroidered headliner and details handcrafted by the Royal School of Needlework, an institution which will showcase some of its work during the fair.
For its part, the historic Venetian house Venini will present ‘A Grain of Light’, an installation inspired by sand as the origin of glass. The exhibition will bring together a reinterpretation of Colonna Luminosa – a 1970 design revisited by Sabato De Sarno – and a limited-edition sculptural creation by Peter Marino. Both pieces reflect the continuity of a tradition of craftsmanship linked to the Murano glassworks since 1921.
The connection between art and fine watchmaking will also be on display through Hublot, which will showcase the MP-14 Origin, a creation by artist Jeff Koons featured in its experimental ‘Exceptional Timepieces’ collection. Meanwhile, Gaggenau will explore the integration of technology and craftsmanship with ‘The Art of Presence’, a concept centred on panels of black walnut hand-carved by John Vugrin.
The 2026 edition will also set aside a space to honour the memory and legacy of the great design houses. Giorgetti will make its debut at the fair with From Curiosity to Collection. From Collection to Icon., a presentation commemorating its 128-year history through objects from the private collection of Carlo Giorgetti, the founder’s grandson. The exhibition will also feature a limited edition of the Move armchair, designed by Rossella Pugliatti, to mark its tenth anniversary.
In the world of fine jewellery, the Brazilian firm SAUER will celebrate its 85-year history with a selection of unique pieces crafted from precious stones that have been preserved in its archives for decades. Aquamarines, imperial topazes and emeralds will take centre stage in a collection that revisits the house’s historical elements from a contemporary perspective.
Beyond the major houses, Design Miami will showcase new interpretations of furniture and the decorative arts. Among the announced highlights are ESPASSO’s reinterpretations of pieces by Lina Bo Bardi, Sylvie Johnson’s textile creations, and works that explore the expressive possibilities of materials such as travertine, resin, alabaster and wood.
Public participation will also form part of the exhibition experience. Interactive installations, immersive experiences and projects incorporating movement and technology will enable visitors to explore new ways in which the viewer relates to the artwork. These will include a virtual presentation of the future 619 Brickell residential complex, developed by Nobu Hospitality and Foster + Partners.
With this new edition, Design Miami invites reflection on the cultural value of collectable design and the importance of preserving craftsmanship whilst developing new creative languages. This perspective connects history, innovation and artistic expression, placing the object beyond its mere function to recognise it as a testament to an era, a culture and a way of understanding beauty.
