LOS ANGELES, CA -- Dwell on Design, America's largest design event, and imm Cologne, the international furnishing and interiors show, have announced the beginning of a multi-year partnership, to commence at Dwell on Design Los Angeles 2016. A first for both brands, the partnership expands the shows' reach and establishes a cross-platform global presence. The imm Cologne at Dwell on Design L.A. will combine the international brand presence and in-depth exploration of the world market for which the imm Cologne is known, with the innovative exhibitions and content tracks that have made Dwell on Design a favorite among North American architecture and design communities.
"Los Angeles is the creative crossroads of the world -- a vibrant and diverse city that is home to top creators and a natural selection for Dwell on Design, the largest design showcase in the nation. Art and design in Los Angeles isn't just marking history -- it's making history. We are nurturing artists and architects, entrepreneurs and innovators, designers and darers and are proud to welcome so many of these talented individuals to our City for this marquee event," said Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles.
Considered the global meeting place and trendsetting event for all forms of the design trade, imm Cologne, owned and produced by Koelnmesse, is held each January in Cologne, Germany. By bringing more than 50 international brands and the unique "Das Haus" installation to North America, imm Cologne will support Dwell on Design's continued effort to explore the design industry's most relevant topics through an international lens.
Another key component of the collaboration between imm Cologne's presence at Dwell on Design Los Angeles will be onstage programming, which will be co-curated by imm Cologne creative director Dick Spierenburg and Dwell editor-in-chief Amanda Dameron. Presented content will complement Spierenburg's "Pure" programming at the imm Cologne in Germany, highlighting emerging designers, product and material explorations, and other facets of the business of design.
"As one of the most lively and by far most progressive trade fairs for furnishing and designing, imm Cologne in future wants to not only increase its international importance as the traditional order trade fair, but also profile itself to an even greater extent in the fields of product development and trends in interior design. I am therefore pleased at the cooperation with Dwell on Design in Los Angeles, the best design show in America," said Arne Petersen, Koelnmesse Vice President of Trade Fair Management. "Together, with Dwell, we want to bring together the best architects, designers and products under one roof in and for the American market. From my perspective, Los Angeles is the ideal location to present new and innovative products to a dynamic and growing sales market. With this cooperation we will strengthen our global position in the interior and design segments."
Since its birth in 2012, "Das Haus" has been a thought-provoking, distinctive element for imm Cologne in Germany. The concept, a living installation created annually by a renowned designer, is the simulation of an ideal residence -- on-trend in its furnishings and socially aspirational in its design. The hope is that through the designer's imagination, "Das Haus" will offer inspiration that transcends culture and geography. Dwell on Design Los Angeles 2016 will host "Das Haus" in its first appearance in North America. Respected designer Sebastian Herkner has been selected to bring "Das Haus" full circle in its fifth year. "Those who expect a conventional, familiar experience will surely be disappointed," said Spierenburg, who in his designation of Herkner has identified the young designer's ability to walk the line between skilled craftsmanship and high-tech innovation. Get a sneak preview of imm Cologne's "Das Haus -- Interiors on Stage" 2016 in the imm Press Packet.
"This new collaboration with imm Cologne illustrates Informa's commitment to grow the international footprint of Dwell on Design, which was acquired by Informa earlier this year.
We are honored to add imm's incredible design and interiors lifestyle approach to Dwell on Design in Los Angeles," said Dana Teague, Informa Global Exhibitions Vice President.
After 10 years of revolutionary exhibitions, Dwell on Design Los Angeles has become the largest design trade show in the U.S., touting more than 30,000 attendees and 350 exhibitors in 2015. Through a myriad of content explorations curated by the editors of Dwell,modern home tours, innovative show floor exhibitions, and face-to-face networking opportunities -- Dwell on Design provides a one-of-a kind experience for design professionals and enthusiasts alike. This key partnership with the imm Cologne is just one example of the expansion opportunities Informa has planned for the Dwell on Design brand in years to come.
"The largest design event in America is chosen by imm Cologne as its global partner because no other event in this country is dedicated to the design discourse like Dwell on Design. And, the design culture that Dwell has helped to cultivate in cities across the U.S. is embodied in all that imm Cologne stands for," said Michela O'Connor Abrams, Dwell President and CEO. "It signifies a growth of the design-centric audience in North America such that an expansion of the presentation and conversation taking place in Germany was in order. I am thrilled that the imm Cologne has designated Dwell on Design L.A. and the city of Los Angeles as the platform for their international growth."
Online registration for Dwell on Design Los Angeles will open in February 2016. For more information about Dwell on Design, visit www.dwellondesign.com. To find out more about imm Cologne, visit www.imm-cologne.com.