Image Courtesy of Show Hamptons LLC

Rick Friedman, founder of the art fair empire Hamptons Expo Group, has launched a new luxury living design fair. The inaugural Hamptons Contemporary Design + Decor Fair will take place in a magnificent, 40,000-square-foot pavilion at the Southampton Elks Fairgrounds. Friedman, who sold the Hamptons Expo Group—the producer a number of influential fairs, including ArtHamptons—back in 2015, says, “After I sold the fine art fairs, I took inspiration from the landscape and luxury synonymous with Hamptons living to create a new experience. Art doesn’t have to be something that hangs on a wall—with Hamptons Contemporary, our canvas is the entire home and the paint is all of the elements that contribute to an artful environment.”

Cloud Mesa pendant, aluminum, white linen, polycarbonate. Offered by Lampa LLC.

Hamptons Contemporary, which runs June  3-5, 2016, will feature over 160 exhibitors offering a range of design and lifestyle-driven luxury goods, including bespoke furniture and lighting, fine and decorative arts, fabrics, fixtures, flooring, and much more. While many design shows are tailored to trade professionals, Hamptons Contemporary hopes to get consumers in on the fun. Guests can explore collections from a plethora of leading designers and brands to get a better sense of what’s trending in the design world as well as their own personal style.

Acorn lounge chair, black walnut. Offered by Visilek Furniture.

The three-day event will also feature a full schedule of educational events. On Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, guests can take guided tours led by Hamptons ASID members, including Glenn Gissler, Robin Baron, Bonnie J. Steves, Kim Radovich, and James Rixner. The designers will also hold a number of round table discussions over the course of the weekend. The 45-minute talks will touch on a range of topics, including the psychology of color, the perks of working with an interior designer, and breakthroughs in home technology.  On Saturday, June 4, furniture enthusiasts will want to catch a spotlight exhibition featuring the American studio furniture master David Ebner. Ebner, who is known for his spare, sculptural works, will discuss his artistic approach to woodworking.

An interior by Glenn Gissler, who will lead guided tours at Hamptons Contemporary.

Hamptons Contemporary will open with a VIP preview benefiting the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) on Friday, June 3. The stylish event is hosted by Architectural Digest, ARF board president Lisa McCarthy, and a bevvy of design world luminaries, including ARF board member Alex Papachristidis, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan, Chesie Breen, Thom Filicia, Alexa Hampton, Celerie Kemble, Scott Nelson, Ann and John Pyne, Elizabeth Pyne, and Vicente Wolf. Guests will be treated to a sneak peek of the show, while mingling with top interior designers and Hamptons influencers.

For more information about Hamptons Contemporary, please click HERE.