Friday night was the opening of the WestEdge Design Fair at Market Hall — its first-ever in the Dallas market. It was, as the pre-show publicity promised, a festive three-day event packed with uber-cool exhibitors and covet-worthy wares.
Case in point: Quadra by ibbq, an innovative table grill I promise you’re going to want in your backyard. Smaller than the company’s original Angara model, this stunner sports a square gas grill in the middle and seating for four to eight guests.
“It’s a game-changer,” said company co-founder Karim Pirani. “Great for guests, but also perfect for everyday family meals.”
Turns out, WestEdge principal Megan Reilly was in the ibbq booth at the same time we were. “We’re thrilled to offer show-goers 150-plus unique exhibitors, engaging design talks, culinary demonstrations, and endless design inspiration,” she said.
Megan also offered a very special offer to Candy’s Dirt readers: Complimentary tickets to attend the fair on Sunday.
To redeem, log onto the WestEdge website and enter online promo code DESIGN2022.
Next, we ran into Dallas A-lister Chad Dorsey, on hand to tout his newly-launched STRIKE fireplace line. “I was creating so many custom fireplaces for my design practice that it was just sort of a natural.”
His fireplaces are just what you’d expect: Sleek, modern, and supremely stylish.
Other notables we spotted: Showroom owner Amanda Taylor in the Scott + Cooner booth (check out the ping-pong table and nature-inspired upholstered sectional), artist/designer Debra Ferrari (her new rug assortment is a knock-out), and Ever Atelier’s Sarah English and Ashley Leftwich (the rose design wall covering will blow you away).
Also not-to-be-missed: Jason Mizrahi’s custom contemporary furniture, Swadoh’s handcrafted lighting, and Natufia’s smart indoor gardens.
In addition to the design fair, your free ticket will also get you into the adjoining Art Expo, featuring contemporary works by both new and established artists.
“Art and design are always great complements,” said Megan. “It’s like two experiences in one.”
Front and center is a ginormous sculpture by Santa Fe-based sculptor Gino Miles—the first thing you see entering the exhibit area. Back in his booth, the personable artist showed us his latest work, Curiosity, inspired by the morning glories growing outside his studio. “Somehow, it captures people’s imaginations. I’ve made over 1,000 of them for clients all over the world.”
Sunday’s schedule of events also includes panel discussions with designers Sherry Hayslip and Benjamin Johnston. And in the SKS Culinary Pavilion, the focus will be on sous vide cooking.
“We want people to feel like they’re coming to a lifestyle event rather than a trade show,” Megan said.
