Design Miami/2024 was off to a glamorous start. PALMER and B&B Italia hosted “Living with Art and Design” at the brand’s flagship store. The panel—which was moderated by PALMER’s Editorial Director, Stefano Tonchi—featured collector Kelly Williams, art dealer Dylan Brant, and designer Jeffrey Bernett (who is a long-time collaborator with B&B Italia).

B&B Italia CEO Demetrio Apolloni introduced the group to a rapt audience which included Rachel Hovnanian, Victoria Hagan, Dillan Brandy, Cindy Willams, Logan Horne, Deborah Abroal and Peter Ehrlich.

Dylan Brant, Kelly Williams, and Jeffrey Bernett on the panel.

The conversation explored the intersections of design and art in contemporary living as panelists mused on design’s aesthetic value in connection to its function. Bernett explained his design process, while Williams and Brant opined on their favorite designers and how they cultivate their collections.

At one point, Tonchi asked him what he thought about collectors asking for commissioned pieces such a specific blue or to match an interior. “Did you know the Mona Lisa was commissioned?” replied Brant. “Guernica as well and also some of Andy Warhol’s greatest pieces.”

“I think what makes design so special is the community,” he continued. “There are so many people out there that have such wonderful opinions, that are really looking at interesting things, that are thinking about space in really amazing ways. And once you realize that living with design, particularly what you define as good design, it can really enrich your life.”

Brant, Williams, and Stefano Tonchi

“It is highly likely that whoever the craftspeople and artisans are—whoever is making furniture—part of their circle are the artists,” added Williams. “At the Norton, our collection does not include decorative art, other than our Asian collection, which is mostly ceramics. We don’t have furniture or other aspects of design. But the CEO of our museum, Ghislain d’Humieres, his expertise is in decorative arts. He’s looking for ways to incorporate that.”

Later that night, the brand hosted an exclusive cocktail event for industry leaders and design enthusiasts to celebrate the week, which was a big one for the storied Italian house. In addition to Wednesday’s events, B&B Italia collaborated with Design Miami on its collector’s lounge and also has pieces featured at the Kohler x Remedy Place Beach Club at The Miami Beach EDITION.

B&B Italia’s Miami flagship. Photo by Emilio Collavino.

B&B Italia’s Miami flagship. Photo by Emilio Collavino.

Meanwhile, in its Miami showroom, B&B Italia is unveiling its latest additions: Dambodue and Narinari, two designs first introduced as part of The Collection at Milan Design Week in April.

Click below to see more photos of the panel discussion.