Even with heavy showers sweeping across Los Angeles, the line outside Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on Thursday night had the unmistakable buzz of a much-anticipated reunion.
Designers, architects, tastemakers and locals filed in with dripping umbrellas in hand for the Opening Night Party of the WestEdge Design Fair—now officially celebrating its 10th edition.
The wet weather even seemed to energize the crowd. More than 2,600 guests streamed through the doors for the event, eager for a first look at one of the West Coast’s most beloved contemporary design showcases.
This milestone year arrives at a meaningful moment. Los Angeles is still in recovery mode after catastrophic wildfires, and WestEdge has leaned into that reality with a sense of purpose and creativity. Proceeds from the Opening Night Party once again supported Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and its ReBUILD LA™ Recovery Fund—a theme that echoed throughout the fair.
“The response to this year’s Opening Night speaks volumes about the strength and generosity of our design community,” said Co-Founder Megan Reilly, reflecting on both the turnout and the mission. “Our 10th anniversary feels especially meaningful because it demonstrates how design can rise to meet a moment—with creativity, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors rebuild.”
Inside the hangar, guests drifted between food stations, craft cocktail bars, and a labyrinth of curated booths representing the latest in furnishings, lighting, décor, and materials from both global brands and independent manufacturers and craftsmen.
One of the biggest attractions—continuing through the weekend—was the silent auction, where attendees bid on furniture and accessories displayed in a series of designer-curated vignettes. Each winning bid directly supports the ReBUILD LA™ Recovery Fund, giving guests a chance to leave with a beautiful piece of design while contributing to wildfire recovery and affordable housing efforts.
As always, Opening Night also doubled as an industry moment, thanks to the third annual IIDA/WestEdge Product Awards and Booth Awards. A panel of design leaders selected winners that stood out for innovation, functionality, aesthetic ingenuity, and visual impact. For many exhibitors, it’s a rare chance to be recognized not just for what they make, but for how they present it—an aspect WestEdge has elevated into an art form.
The fair continues Friday and Saturday and guests will find Barker Hangar transformed into more than a marketplace. The fair’s Main Stage—designed this year by Kim Gordon Designs—debuts an immersive concept titled “Seeing the Forest Through the Trees.”
Rooted in the environmental realities of Southern California, the installation prompts visitors to consider design’s role in resilience and sustainability. Fittingly, panel programming on the Main Stage digs into those same themes, with industry leaders tackling everything from materials innovation to future-forward architecture. The sessions are presented in partnership with Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home and Convo By Design, which will release a 10-episode podcast series inspired by the discussions in early 2026.
Other standout experiences this year include:
• American Style Connoisseurs’ Club – A hospitality-driven lounge curated by Julee Ireland, celebrating American-made brands with chef tastings, workshops, and lifestyle demos.
• WestEdgeXteriors – A newly expanded outdoor showcase featuring full-scale vignettes of outdoor kitchens, lighting, furniture, and grills.
• MADE:MODERN – A juried collection of independent makers offering one-of-a-kind art, furniture, and accessories.
• ReBUILD LA Designer Vignettes – Eight small-space installations packed with “shop the look” inspiration, all benefiting Habitat LA.
• Team Palisades Rebuild Connect Zone – A special pavilion offering expert resources and fire-resistant solutions for homeowners looking to rebuild smarter and stronger.
Co-Founder Troy Durst summed up the fair’s enduring appeal: “From the beginning, WestEdge has been a space where the entire design ecosystem can come together—exhibitors, trade groups, media partners, and the broader creative community. Great things happen when the right people are in the same room. That’s the true value WestEdge brings to the industry.”
