The art world descends on Basel, Switzerland with a crazy fervor and appetite every June to snatch up big ticketed contemporary and modern art. Right next door to the main art fair (which opened today) is the relatively young, but incredibly prestigious Design Miami/Basel fair which focuses on 20th century and contemporary design.

36 international design dealers from around the world exhibit museum quality (or just incredibly expensive) design than spans over 100 years in scope. French Modernism and Scandinavian design seem to have the strongest presence (and often highest price tags). If you seriously collect Royere, Prouve or Kjaerholm this is the place to be.

Unlike at Art Basel where there is a major American presence, there are only 5 American dealers at Design Miami/Basel including R20th (showing vintage Brazilian), the understated but super chic Cristina Grajales and Todd Merrill (presenting a pair of enormous Harry Bertoia sound sculptures and some major Paul Evans).

This is the first fair under Marianne Goebl's direction. Goebl, who was formerly a bigwig at Vitra, has brought a new maturity and commercial sensibility to the fair. There is a much stronger presence of important historical material which balances nicely with contemporary design.

Here are my snaps of the fair - more information can be found by checking out Design Miami/Basel daily blog.

Images: Troy Seidman