Why was Macy’s Art in Trade Exposition important for American design?

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octagonal electric teakettle — Industrial design Octagonal electric teakettle of hammered silver, with cane-wicker handle, designed by Peter Behrens for AEG (Allgemeine Elektricitäts Gesellschaft), Berlin, c. 1909.

The 1927 Art in Trade Exposition at Macy’s was a landmark event for American industrial design because it served as one of the first major public efforts to showcase well-designed consumer products.1

Designed by scenic artist and Theatre Guild founder Lee Simonson, the exhibition was conceptually influenced by the 1925 Paris Arts Décoratifs exposition. By highlighting these items, the event helped validate the emerging profession of industrial design in the eyes of the public and encouraged a broader commitment to aesthetic and functional quality in mass-produced goods. This exhibition set a precedent for future efforts to inform consumers and promote well-crafted items, paving the way for later institutional recognition by organizations like the Museum of Modern Art.1