Ralph Pucci, the iconic US furniture and lighting house, is set to captivate the design world with the grand opening of its new gallery in Miami on December 6th, 2023. Nestled at 550 NW 28th Street, this 10,000 sq ft space is housed in a meticulously renovated 1960s former warehouse, echoing the industrial aesthetic established at the Ralph Pucci headquarters in New York and the Los Angeles gallery.
The official launch of the Ralph Pucci (Miami) gallery is strategically aligned with the prestigious Art Basel Miami, adding an extra layer of glamour to this momentous occasion. This expansive venue provides a vast exhibition space, serving as a canvas for the globally renowned artists and designers in Ralph Pucci’s stable, along with showcasing its own distinguished collections.
To mark this significant event, the gallery will feature striking exterior murals titled “Strange Vegetation,” hand-painted by the iconic French designer, Elizabeth Garouste. This celebration of creativity continues with new works from artist-designer Hervé Van der Straeten and the multifaceted talent, Patrick Naggar, who is an architect, artist, and designer.
The Miami gallery’s unveiling comes on the heels of a comprehensive renovation at Ralph Pucci’s New York headquarters, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its sculpture studio and gallery space. This shift in focus from mannequin making, prompted by the challenges of the pandemic, underscores Ralph Pucci’s adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving world of design.
In 2022, Ralph Pucci made its mark internationally with a pop-up in London’s Albemarle Street, establishing its first European outpost. While retaining its sculpting and manufacturing roots in Manhattan, Ralph Pucci International has solidified its reputation as one of the world’s premier design galleries.
Ralph Pucci himself expresses excitement about the venture into Miami, stating, “Miami is an exciting, vibrant city where many cultures and creatives come together. The local community and visitors appreciate quality design, and we have enjoyed a decade of success there already in our previous gallery. We look forward to having more space to show the diverse works of our collaborative artists and designers.”
The inaugural exhibits at Ralph Pucci (Miami) promise to be nothing short of spectacular. Iranian-French architect India Mahdavi brings forth a collection featuring a 6 m-long Oedipe sofa, a new coffee table, and the Tartagnan screen. Hervé Van der Straeten‘s vibrant collection, “Fun Ride,” makes its USA debut, showcasing unique pieces and limited edition creations in furniture, mirrors, and lighting fixtures.
Lighting designer and artist John Wigmore illuminates the space with colorful, oversized wall lights and introduces a new Triptych light, “Gold Lines.” Over 70 ceramic side tables and lamps by Wigmore add a touch of artistic brilliance to the gallery.
The gallery will also house the works of legendary photographer Christopher Makos, featuring large format pieces, contact sheets, and portraits of iconic figures such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring. Photographer Marjorie Salvaterra‘s collection, “Almost Spring,” will be showcased, featuring works in white on white embellished with crystal detailing.
In addition to creating exterior murals, influential Parisian designer Elizabeth Garouste unveils “Beans,” a new collection of lighting and furniture pieces characterized by free-flowing forms and arresting colors, crafted using Ralph Pucci’s proprietary Plasterglass material.
As the curtains rise on Ralph Pucci’s latest masterpiece in Miami, the gallery promises to be a haven for design enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience into the world of luxury furniture and lighting, curated by some of the most celebrated artists and designers globally. The opening during Art Basel Miami is poised to be a landmark event, solidifying Ralph Pucci’s continued legacy in the world of design and innovation.
