Episode 2: Design Fairs and the Mexican Design Boom

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo dive into the evolving landscape of design fairs, with a focus on the growing scene in Mexico. They discuss the distinct visual language of Mexican designers, notable voices shaping the region’s creative culture, and their own experiences engaging with design in Mexico. The conversation expands to the broader challenges of participating in fairs—from financial barriers and market dynamics to questions of exclusivity and access. They also explore the contrast between selling in cities like Los Angeles and New York, the intersection of design and luxury fashion, and the growing influence of private equity in the art and design world. Throughout, they return to a core question: what would a new kind of independent design fair—centered on transparency, sustainability, and American designers—actually look like?