Last year, more than 35,000 people attended the Palm Springs Modernism Week.
Event officials expect that to increase for the eighth annual, which runs Feb. 14-24.
“Based on the enormous enthusiasm we have seen for months in advance, early indications are that 2013 will bigger and better than ever,” said Jacques Caussin, Board chairman of Modernism Week. “As early as this past summer, our loyal fans began requesting information about the exciting new events that we’ve scheduled, and we think returning attendees and new visitors alike will be very impressed with the lineup.”
Modernism Week celebrates the popular design aesthetic, originating in the 1950s and ‘60s, which typified clean, simple lines and elegant informality, and came to define desert modernism as a sought-after architectural genre.
The 11-day extravaganza will feature more than 100 events, including the Modernism Show (Feb 15-18) at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Here are some of the highlights.
What’s New
Modernism Week’s Hospitality Lounge
Hilton Hotel, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, in Palm Springs.
Just inside the main entrance, attendees will find the Hospitality Lounge, offering information and ticket sales (by credit card), which will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also visit the ModShop at the Raymond-Lawrence Gallery in the Uptown Design District for a variety of private-label and branded Modernism Week items and exclusive products.
Modernism Week PreFab Showcase and Modern Living Expo
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all days: Parking lot on North Calle El Segundo between Tahquitz Canyon Way and E. Andreas Road, in Palm Springs. The Modernism Week PreFab Showcase will be expanded to include several prefab structures that combine world-class architecture with green, eco-friendly, and sustainable construction. A new component of the PreFab Showcase is the Modern Living Expo, which will feature exhibitors displaying smart living ideas. The Modern Living Expo will take place over two weekends, Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-24, and will present the best in cutting-edge modern home design and everyday living.
Pan Am Exhibition
All days: Saguaro Hotel, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. View a colorful exhibition of memorabilia, uniforms, and nostalgic items from the now-defunct, iconic airline.
Marrakesh Country Club Designer Showcase
Starts Feb. 14 and continues throughout the remainder of Modernism Week. Tour begins at the parking structure at the Gardens on El Paseo. Buses leave for Marrakesh Country Club every 15 minutes beginning at 10:45 a.m. The tour includes four Hollywood Regency homes with distinctive features including Pullman entries, mansard roofs, private courtyards, and back terraces.
Fashion Forward: A Vintage Clothing Retrospective
5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Hilton Hotel, Horizon Ballroom, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, in Palm Springs. William Miller and Déjà Vu Vintage Finery present a fully accessorized, highly stylized fashion show featuring the glamorous trends of yesteryear.
The Bad and the Beautiful: Film Costumes of the Silver Screen Fashion Show
11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Temple Isaiah, 332 W. Alejo Road, in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Historical Society presents a fashion show featuring a rare and unique look into the world of film costume design of the Golden Age of Hollywood, from the late 1920s through the early 1960s. A light brunch, champagne, coffee, and tea will be served. As a special treat, Bill Marx, son of the legendary Harpo Marx, will provide piano accompaniment. Temple Isaiah is also offering tours of E. Stewart Williams’ 1952 hidden gem – their original sanctuary – plus a striking art display of the work of renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, and a rare collection of photos and memorabilia.
“A Mad Men Evening”
7 p.m. Feb. 21, at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, 300 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. The Architecture & Design Council’s most unique and entertaining event featuring the 1960s retro glam theme of Mad Men, the hit AMC television series. This event will be held at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, the site of Mad Men actor Jon Hamm’s photo shoot for GQ Magazine.
For a complete list of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.modernismweek.com.