Modernism Week in Palm Springs blasts off with parties and events.

The living legend icons of the desert and all that is modern come together every year for one reason and one reason only, to celebrate “All Things Modern”. Martinis and all things Mid-Century, 2011’s Palm Springs Modernism Week was a “Blast from the Past” with over 50 events and swank parties to attend! This article is an overview with full articles on individual events coming soon!

Modernism Week Palm Springs 2011

The Palm Springs mayor, Steve Pougnet helped kick off the beginning of the 2011 Modernism Week with the The Illuminated Modern Official Opening ceremony at Trio restaurant, Thursday, February 17th. Many of the local media made their presence with T.V coverage galore!

Palm Springs Modernism week 2011 was one of the most elegantly celebrated of years yet, filled with the most glamorous parties, events, architecture, lectures and design film series enveloped in the most stylish modern surroundings.

This year architects, Donald Wexler, William Krisel and special guest architect Barry Berkus from Santa Barbara, CA who celebrated 50 years since he designed the modern iconic homes, Park Imperial South in Palm Springs in 1961.

The City of Rancho Mirage had its Historic Commission announce February 18th as architect William Krisel Day, with a plaque honoring the architect after his lecture at the Rancho Mirage Library. Afterwards, a cocktail party reception was held in one of Krisel’s homes.

As with all the years prior, the 11th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Show was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center with all of the Mid-Century Modern furnishings accounted for in abundance!

Famed fashion designer Trina Turk made the lecture series with her Palm Springs Inspiration of the desert modernist esthetic and how it influenced a whole brand identity.

Historic Canyon Country Club designed by Donald Wexler

The PS Modcom, Palm Springs Modern Committee, hosted “A Swinging Affair”, at the Historic Donald Wexler designed Canyon Country Club, magically transformed back to it’s glory days of the swinging’ 1960’s. The setting and the lighting was simply amazing! Featuring Pat Rizzo & His Orchestra as you danced the night away!

“If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It!” Braniff Airlines fashion Exhibit was a fun event with a cocktail party opening which brought new heights in fashion to the Riviera Hotel, Palm Springs. Braniff Airlines featured a fashion exhibit of designer Braniff Airline Hostess flight ware from the 1960’s, sexy and sleek uniforms with psychedelic colors by designers Holston and Pucci, branding this collection, “The end of the plain plane” A collection of 90 pieces provided by Chelsea Marketeers.

The Riviera Hotel, Palm Springs also played a large part in this retro modern arena and festivities hosting many of the design films series and lectures. Included was the Australia Modern lecture, presented by Chris Osborn of Brisbane Modern design magazine, with gust speaker Annalisa Capurro, a design educator from TASF, Sydney Australia and hosted by JR Roberts of PS Modcom.

As Modernism Week came to a close, the last of the fabulous cocktail parties were a great send off for all the mod hipsters who were there to say fair well till next year!