Design Miami 2025 preview drew a bustling crowd with over 70 exhibitors under the theme "Make Believe." Highlights included Katie Stout's whimsical carousel featuring marine animals, Roham Shamekh's biomorphic "Roots" sofa with integrated headphones, and ATRA's futuristic "Intelligence of Evolution" seating system upholstered in Hermès fabric. The Spanish silver brand Garrido showcased collaborations with Peter Marino, while the fair's 20th anniversary edition embraced a carnivalesque atmosphere with popcorn and mirrored walls.
The fair matters because it marks a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of Design Miami—and reflects current trends in collectible design, blending whimsy, technology, and luxury craftsmanship. The absence of refined London-based galleries like Sarah Myerscough and Gallery Fumi signals a shift in the fair's character toward more playful, immersive experiences. Katie Stout's dual role as both exhibitor and recipient of the Miami Design District's Annual Design Commission underscores the growing integration between art fairs and urban cultural districts during Miami Art Week.