The Door To Design

LDF

London Design Festival

13 -24 September 2014

London is buzzing with design inspiration and creativity as London Design Festival rolls into town.

London Design Festival celebrates all the essentials of modern day living from textiles, furniture, colour, pattern, art to product design.

The festival presents a vast mixture of events, exhibitions, debates, product launches , installations and pop-ups, not forgetting all the parties.

Here I have gathered some info on my "not to miss" happenings in town.

The V&A is the hub of all activity for the duration, hosting a few different exhibitions, talks and workshops and is home for a few astonishing installations.

Multi-disciplinary designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have been working in conjunction with BMW to create an installation of kinectic sculpture of mirrors on the ceiling of the Raphael Gallery.

The installation promises the viewer to appreciate the space and create a different perspective when viewing the art and architecture of the room.

Precision & Poetry In Motion

Image from V&A

Whilst exploring the stunning V&A and it's galleries, do drop by the John Madejski garden to check out the engaging feature, Crest, designed by the internationally credited Zaha Hadid Architects.

Crest- by Zaha Hadid Architects

Image from V&A

A Place Called Home

Trafalgar square has been transformed by four designers - Jasper Morrison, Patternity, Raw Edges and Studioilse, to design their vision of a room in a Place Called Home. The shell of each home will be similar in construction but individuality will most likely suprise, intrique and amuse all passing visitors. A great interactive way to showcase the sense of private space and belonging in a busy everyday world.

Trafalgar Square

Image by LDF

Design Destinations

100% Design, 17th-20th September, opens it's doors at Earls Court Exhibition Centre, 17th-20th September.

It is the largest design trade fair of it's kind in the UK, covering interiors both commercial and residential, not forgetting the ever increasing emerging talents. 100% Design also hosts a world-class talks programme with many famous names.

Image from 100% Design

An empty London sorting office will be transformed this month to a must-visit event DESIGNJUNCTION, 18th-21st September.

This event has a more trendy, street market vibe to it rather than a more composed traditional design trade show. This show is celebrating it's fourth year and showcases product launches, installations, pop-ups, bespoke eateries and a flash factory. It is also the space for a high end lighting show LIGHTJUNCTION.

Make sure you bring your wallet as cool stuff is also available for purchase. You never know what you might pick up.

If feeling fit, super cool bike brand, Tokyobikes, will also be hosting guided tours around the West End Design Quarter. Bookings vital.

designjunction 2013

Image by Katja

Trendy Tent & Super Brands London, 18th-21st September, can be found in the Old Truman Brewery in East London.

It has a strong showcase for national and overseas talent and it's inspiring exhibitors will lead the way in trend spotting and new design directions for now and time to come.

Tent & Super Brands London 2013

Image from Tent

Decorex International, 21st-24th September, is moving to a new, bigger and better location this year, Syon Park.

Decorex holds the trophy for longest-standing interiors and design show during the London Design Festival. It is the venue to discover contemporary, traditional and bespoke interiors of outstanding quality and craftmanship. It is the place to go for inspiration on high-end luxury design from exhibitors both homegrown and international.

I will be working this year alongside Nicky Heard of Nicky Heard bespoke furnishings. An outstanding collection of unique throws, cushions and wallhangings bursting with colour, luxury and elegance. Be sure to visit stand G60, it would be lovely to see you all.

Image from Nicky Heard

Last but not least, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour presents Focus/14, 21st-24th September. A well established hub for all interior needs and home for a vast selection of international brands. Focus promises a mix of inspirational talks, workshops and product launches.

Image by dccd

Design Districts

With the sheer number of events and venues to visit, it can seem a little daunting at first to plan your days. To help you, you might consider dividing London to sections by their location and think of them as their own design districts. Each district has it's own appeal, their own style, vibe, late night openings and functions throughout the duration of the festival. Districts to check out are Brompton Design District, Chelsea Design Quarter, Clerkenwell Design Quarter, Islington Design District, Queen's Park Design District and and Shoreditch Design Triangle.

Shop windows and displays will also provide endless inspiration and "food for thought" but beware of the many temptations...