UK stars seek Miami slice

A clutch of UK design superstars will be hoping to attract collectors, as one of the most anticipated design art fairs of the year – Design Miami – takes over the US city this weekend.

The Swiss design art expo will feature furniture, installations and objects from 26 of the world’s top design galleries.

Among those exhibiting will be Dutch designer Maarten Baas, with work inspired by Piero Fornasetti and pieces by the pioneer of 20th-century DIY furniture, Mario dal Fabbro.

Running until 9 December 2007 in the Miami design district, the fair has already courted a number of celebrity buyers such as film director Dennis Hopper, who made an appearance at the preview party last night.

Architect David Adjaye is hoping for a slice of the action, with his first foray into furniture. He launches Monoforms, a range inspired by ancient civilisations, commissioned by the Albion gallery.

Architects Zaha Hadid and Nigel Coates, in conjunction with David Gill Galleries, are among the UK design luminaries hoping to steal the limelight, with specially commissioned work for the event.

Hadid will present Dune Formations, while Coates will unveil New Tryst tables.

Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka is set to receive the Design Miami Designer of the Year award.

For further information, visit www.designmiami.com.