MIAMI, FL.- Continuously expanding and enriching its programming, Design Miami/ is the first design forum to combine both high-end limited-edition design with rare, historic works. With annual events in Basel Switzerland (June) and Miami, USA (December) Design Miami/ broadens worldwide awareness of modern and contemporary design, fuels the market for collectible design, and provides an exciting yet accessible destination for art and design enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The 2007 show will feature installations by 26 of the world's leading historical and contemporary design galleries. The program also includes a series of Design Talks covering the current design culture; Design Satellites curated by leading commercial and cultural institutions; and Design Performances showcasing the creative processes of rising-star designers. The 2007 Designer of the Year Award will also be presented to Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka.

Eight of the 26 galleries participating will be making their Design Miami/ debut, including: Albion (London); Casati Gallery (Chicago); DeLorenzo1950 (New York); Donzella 20th Century (New York); Galerie de Casson (Paris); Geoffrey Diner (Washington DC); Moss Gallery (New York); and Reform Gallery (Los Angeles).

The remaining eighteen galleries participating will be returning to Design Miami/, including: Antik (New York); Contrasts Gallery (Shanghai); David Gill Galleries (London); Friedman Benda (New York); Galerie Downtown–François Laffanour (Paris); Galerie Kreo (Paris); Galerie Patrick Seguin (Paris); Galerie Philippe Denys (Brussels); Jousse Entreprise (Paris); Magen H. Gallery (New York); Nilufar (Milan); R20th Century (New York); Cristina Grajales Inc. (New York); Demisch Danant (New York); Galerie Dansk Møbelkunst (Copenhagen); Kenny Schachter ROVE Gallery (London); Johnson Trading Company (New York); and Sebastian+Barquet (New York).

Throughout the Miami Design District, prominent design companies, designers, galleries, and museums will host thought-provoking Design Satellites and Design Performances intended to complement the main fair. The “Performance/Process” theme explored during Design Miami/Basel 07 drew attention to objects of design formed through performative moments of creation. For Design Miami/ 07, the focus will shift to how finished design objects interact with their end-users in a performative way, by affecting users’ behavior, mood, and/or thought process. Design Satellites will explore prevalent ideas and issues influencing contemporary design.

Design Miami/ will present a series of stimulating dialogues with some of today’s most influential design luminaries. This year’s offerings will include topics on: preserving the human element in 21st-century design, strategies and how collecting affects the art market, how innovative new materials are shaping contemporary design. The talks are free to the public and will take place in the Media Lounge of the Chatham Building on December 7-9, from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Designer of the Year - Japanese born and based designer Tokujin Yoshioka has been selected as the 2007 Design Miami/ Designer of the Year. The award annually recognizes a prominent designer, whose work demonstrates quality, originality, and influence, pushing the boundaries of art, architecture, and design. In celebration of the award, Tokujin will present new and existing work within an installation design that marries minimalism with indulgence, once again surprising us with a reinterpretation of mundane materials.

Design Miami/ 2007 will take place at the Moore Building in the Miami Design District, on 40th Street at NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137. The show will be open to the public from Friday, December 7 – Sunday, December 9 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Invitation only events will occur during the evening hours.

HSBC Private Bank is the Principal Sponsor of both 2007 Design Miami/ shows (Basel and Miami). The bank’s dedication to the exploration of innovative international design is an example of the banks “Assume Nothing” philosophy. Audi AG is the exclusive automotive sponsor for the 2007 Design Miami/shows.