It’s that time of year again when the global design circuit descends on London to showcase its wares. That the London Design Festival is growing year on year at such a rapid rate is testament to the sheer diversity of things on offer: from installations to shop and product launches, retrospectives and showcase exhibitions, talks and of course parties galore. This year sees the inauguration of the ever-developing Southbank as one of the key areas, alongside the more established hubs in West and East London. To save you traipsing the streets or worse – being at the mercy of London’s dire public transport system – we’ve eked out an edit of the very best things on offer throughout the ten days. Just don’t forget your umbrella…
100% Design London
London’s equivalent of Salone's Feria (albeit a great deal smaller and easier to navigate), 100% Design is the UK’s largest design exhibition. With over 750 exhibitors, workshops and talks, the focal point for the Festival incorporates under the design umbrella, 100% Detail (architecture), 100% Light (lighting), 100% Materials (innovative materials) and for the first time in 2007, 100% Futures (emerging design talent). Newly appointed Creative Director of the show, Tom Dixon, promises great things for the event, with sustainability being the word on the street. As such, a seminar programme exploring sustainable design solutions for architecture and interiors, is taking place throughout the event. Click back soon to read our exclusive interview with Tom Dixon as he talks us through his plans for the fair.
When: 20th to 23rd September
Where: Earls Court Exhibition Centre 1 & 2, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA
http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk
100% Norway
There's something inexplicably pure and comforting about Norwegian design- a little softer than Scandinavian functionalism yet every bit as beautiful in its organic simplicity. Last year’s 100% Norway stand was a surprise hit and bowled us over with its comprehensive and fascinating showcase of lifestyle and design. This time round the focus is a little tighter, promising an insight into the historical legacy of Norway’s glass, porcelain and textile heritages. New works will be shown by Norway Says, Catherine Maske and Anne Haavind amongst many others.
When: 20th to 23rd September
Where: Stand K4, 100% Design, Earls Court, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA
http://www.norway.org.uk
Agence Atelier
One of the younger exhibitor's at this year’s festival (the company has only been in existence for six months) Agence Atelier will be showing a selection of work by three of South America’s finest contemporary designers. Carlos Motta, an acclaimed architect and furniture designer, will showcase his collection of chairs made from certified Brazilian timber and reclaimed wood. Argentinian Gabriela Bellon has a more minimalist take on domestic furniture, working with European timbers in Bosnia Herzegovina. Paulo Castellotti, an emerging Brazilian designer, will be showing his latest collection of furniture, lighting and graphics.
When: 15 to 25 September
Where: Ground Floor Gallery, Rich Mix Cultural Foundation, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Alessi
Wiel Arets’ ILBAGNOALESSI Dot bathroom range was one of this Salone’s big talking points and the man himself is coming to London to show it to the British crowd. We’re getting rather excited about a small clutch of new products from Alessi’s Autumn Winter collection, being launched by the Italian label in London: Arets’ exquisite ‘Mix it’ hand blenders in black or white stainless steel, The Campana Brothers’ ‘Blow Up’ clock and the delicate ‘Colombina’ china collection by Doriana and Massimilianio Fuksas and the irresistibly charming ‘Pinocchio’ porcelain figurine, by Marcello Jori, infinitely more covetable than Jaime Hayon’s experiment on the same character for Bisazza.
When: 15th to 20th September
Where: Alessi, 22 brook Street, London, W1K 5DF
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