I’ve been going through a lot of photos over the last week since Troy Hanson’s passing. For every ‘good’ photo I have with him, I have another of him giving me the side-eye. He hated having his picture taken… 🤪
As I plan to head to NYC this week for NY design events, I’m realizing that this will be the first year I’m there without him. It still feels surreal.
Troy was more than a colleague or business partner—he was over 20 years of my adult life. From the moment I moved to NYC in 2005, he welcomed me with a generous and easy spirit. He was already established, already respected… the cool guy with a little edge, some scruff, usually in a beanie hat and aviators. He kept a suit in his office just in case our senior execs showed up unannounced from Chicago, despite the fact that he hated suits. That was Troy.
After years as coworkers, we became business partners. The early days were scrappy: Airbnbs, Trader Joe’s dinners while traveling, figuring it out as we went.
On one trip to Milan for Salone, we rented an apartment off Craigslist (yes… questionable in hindsight). What was supposed to be a ‘two-bedroom’ was actually a one bedroom plus tiny loft. Troy, all 6’2” of him, insisted I take the bedroom while he climbed a sketchy ladder each night to sleep on what can only be described as a decorative shelf.
What we didn’t realize? At exactly 3 a.m., street cleaning would start outside his window—sounding like thousands of glass bottles being aggressively rolled down the block for a full hour. Every. Single. Night.
He never complained. Just laughed it off like it was part of the ambiance. That was Troy.
We used to joke he was the good cop and I was the bad cop, and that was so true. Troy had this effortless, disarming charm you couldn’t fake. People loved him! He believed in people, lifted them up, connected dots, and helped build so many careers. How many show directors after all have had a chandelier named after them (thanks @ziapriven !).
Even after stepping away from WestEdge, he never really left. He kept showing up, helping and being part of our team.
You will be so missed Troy. 🤍 Hope you are somewhere beautiful dancing with Tina Turner.
MADE:MODERN is where design becomes personal. 🤍
At the heart of WestEdge, the MADE:MODERN section celebrates the designers, artists, and makers redefining luxury through craftsmanship, individuality, and work made by hand. Discover limited-edition and custom furnishings, lighting, and décor made to tell a story and endure. Connect directly with the people behind each piece, their process, and their inspiration.
Pictured here is lighting by Facaro Studio led by artist Carolina Fontoura Alzaga. Working across sculpture, lighting, and material practice through her studio Facaro, Caro creates pieces that explore transformation, connection, and presence. From her internationally commissioned sculptural lighting series Connect to her suspended glass works Lucienne, her practice reminds us that the spaces we inhabit can shape how we feel, think, and live.
Her work lives at the intersection of art, sustainability, and intentional design, proving that the future of luxury is deeply human, thoughtful, and made with meaning.
Because the best design doesn’t just fill a room.
It changes the energy of it. ✨
#WestEdgeDesignFair #MadeModern #CollectibleDesign #DesignStories #InteriorDesign
Still dreaming of our recent trip to Vietnam and our stay at the Capella Hanoi which left a mark. Not to mention a masterclass in hospitality…
Tucked into Hanoi’s French Quarter, this three Michelin Key hotel is inspired by the Opera House next door, and you can feel that theme throughout. Each of the 47 rooms is unique and each named after a different artist, actor or yes, opera. Antiques and rich textiles in every room. A lobby that feels like a glamorous living room. Hidden bars. Daily live jazz. A golden-era art deco pool. And more.
The extraordinary design and service made every moment feel above-and-beyond special.
Having just come back from HD Expo in Vegas last week where hospitality design was on full display has me seeking more… What’s your favorite, most inspiring hotel?
#HospitalityDesign #CapellaHotels #WestEdgeTravels
Getting to spend Mother’s Day weekend with these two is not something I take for granted. 🤍
Wishing all the mothers and those who mother a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend. And for those missing their moms, my heart is with you.
A quick trip to Vegas for HD and some hospitality design inspiration. A few things that especially caught my eye:
1— Playful Puffiction collection by @mullerobject
2— @livdendesigns tile and colorful, sustainable wallpapers
3— @concretti_designs outdoor furniture
4— @dedon_official is always a fan favorite
5— @wolfgordon X Lenape artists beadwork wall coverings
6— Business & Pleasure @businessandpleasure_co
7— TrueCraft Millwork sculptural accessories
8— Colorful Look wallpaper @lookwalls
9— @tidellicalifornia Pentagrama collection1
10— @rsbarcelona fun-filled gaming tables
We are saddened to share that Troy Hanson has passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Troy spent his last months surrounded by his loving family, facing this challenge with the same grace, humor, and quiet strength that defined his life.
Troy cofounded WestEdge Design Fair in 2013 with a vision that extended far beyond a traditional trade show. He created a dynamic, inclusive platform that brought together designers, makers, brands, and design enthusiasts in a way that fostered genuine connection, creativity, and opportunity. Under his leadership, WestEdge became not just an event, but a true community, one that continues to reflect his spirit.
Before establishing WestEdge, Troy played an instrumental role in launching the AD Design Show in NYC. Its “MADE” section was his brainchild, a platform that championed independent makers and artists, and a reflection of Troy’s unwavering commitment to lifting others up. That same spirit carried into WestEdge, where he created space for thoughtful, original work and helped both emerging voices and established talent shine. He helped launch products, people, and others’ careers, all with a generous and selfless spirit.
Troy also supported numerous philanthropic organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, Heal the Bay, DIFFA, and Housing Works, among others. He served on the board of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and NYCxDESIGN during its inaugural, most formative years.
But beyond his professional accomplishments, it was Troy’s character that truly set him apart. To know him, was to love him! He led with kindness over ego, generosity over convenience, and grace without seeking recognition. And he did it always with an effortless, irresistible charm that made people feel instantly at ease. Not to mention his quick and often self-deprecating sense of humor that people loved.
Troy will be remembered as a beloved friend, trusted colleague, and an integral part of the WestEdge family. His legacy lives on in the community he helped build and the many lives he touched. He will be profoundly missed.
Please join us to honor Troy at WestEdge 2026 in October; details will be forthcoming.
Wow, that was fast. How has it already been a year?! So many fun moments and adventures with you. Happy anniversary, Christian! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. 🤍 @c_groff
We scored a last-minute spot at Noma recently and it definitely lived up to the hype. Noma has been named ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ for five years, and for this pop up, they relocated 130 staff from Copenhagen to LA.
Every course was phenomenal-beautifully plated, and rooted in local, sustainable ingredients. One sauce had over 300 ingredients.
Yes, 300! It really was food as art.
Three magical hours at the Paramour Estate above
Silver Lake that we’re still dreaming about... 🌿
#nomaprojects #foodasart #hospitalitydesign
As some of you may know, our dear friend and WestEdge cofounder Troy Hanson, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year.
Right now, Troy is in the fight of his life.
And if you know Troy, you know that to know him is to love him!
In our partnership and with his friends, clients and family, Troy has always shown up and gone the extra mile.
When my parents’ home in Fort Myers was hit by Hurricane Ian a few years ago, Troy, living on the other side of Florida at the time, immediately offered to drive across the state to help. No hesitation. No conditions. Just, “Tell me what you need.” That is who he is at his core.
He never fails to show up. He sacrifices his own comfort for others without thinking twice. Whether it’s hauling supplies or rolling up his sleeves for exhibitors, being the consummate gentleman, or simply being there when someone needs support—Troy does it all with kindness, grace, and zero ego. He is modest (thanks to those South Dakota roots!), thoughtful, endlessly patient and has a dry sense of humor that anyone who knows him finds so charming. And now, the person who has shown up for so many people needs us to show up for him.
Troy’s friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to help with his medical bills and treatment. The link can be found in my bio above and also in our WestEdge Instagram bio. Pasted here too:
https://gofund.me/07dbe14d3
If Troy has ever supported you, encouraged you, helped your business, made you laugh, or simply made your life better in any way…
Please consider donating today.
Share this message.
Show up for Troy the way he has shown up for so many.
Your support and encouragement means the world to him.
THANK YOU in advance for helping in any way you can.
Hoi An has our 🩷
A glowing dream of lanterns and more lanterns, endless charm, and some of the best bánh mì we’ve had anywhere. Easily our favorite city in Vietnam so far. @c_groff
#hoian #vietnamtravel
