Former Wallpaper* Interiors Director Suzy Hoodless, has carved out a formidable name for herself amongst the great and good in the design world. With a store in West London and countless impressive consultancy jobs, the reputation and skills she garnered from her time at Wallpaper* have been put to very good use. In celebration of the design festival, Hoodless invited five hand-picked design graduates to take over her store and showcase their wares to fantastic effect.
The mix is interesting and complementary and the display is refreshingly digestible, which makes a change from so many other venues where quantity, not quality takes precedence. Two names in particular we'll be keeping tabs on: Jenny Beardshall and Laura Coburn. Beardshall's glass balloon pendants are striking and playful but not in a gimmicky over-the-top trap others have fallen into on a similar theme.
Coburn's two wallpaper designs are wonderfully conceptual. In 'Tea Room Wallpaper', the designer has taken tea stains from the bottom of mugs and turned them into a surprisingly graphic, 1970s print. For 'Ten Pound Wallpaper' (sadly referring to design, not cost, it's actually £300 per 10 metre roll) she subverted the designs found on a £10 note, into a repetitive pattern. Both are very clever and at the same time covetable.
We caught up with Hoodless to ask her about her work, the exhibition and her thoughts on the festival...
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You're opening up your showroom at this year's Design festival to some bright lights of next generation's design talent- what are your intentions and vision for the show?
The show is a mix of young designers all specialising in different disciplines: two ceramicists, a glass designer, a textile designer and a wallpaper designer. All have a strong sense of aesthetic and vision. It’s essential to support new talent, to give them a platform.
How does the London Design Festival differ in your opinion from other design fairs around the globe?
I have watched LDF grow from its conception. It’s managed to achieve the difficult balance of being an important festival for international manufacturers and press as well as still being a very good showcase for young designers. It’s reached a level where people in the industry know they need to be here.
What are you most looking forward to seeing at this year’s festival?
As with all shows and fairs, you have to carefully edit, I always take away a feeling of energy and it’s a great time to catch up with people.
What do you feel are the biggest concerns at present affecting designers?
I think it's very hard for designers to be noticed. Budgets are increasingly tight and the press are always fixated with what’s new. Pieces are often given coverage simply because they will look good on the page.
It seems environmental concerns are getting more and more integrated in the design world- what and who do you attribute this to?
Environment issues have and continue to be the key focus across all industries. The major push has come from Al Gore, right at the top and it’s filtered down. Individuals have realised that we are all responsible and we can all make a difference.
What projects are you working on at present?
I am working on the supermodel Erin O’Connor’s Georgian house, a large family house in Holland Park, as well as launching a collection of cashmere throws for this winter and a new wallpaper collection early next year. A book is in the pipeline for autumn next year.
Would you ever draw the line at collaborating with or for anyone/anything?
I have always enjoyed being involved with lots of different projects and I am always interested in new ideas. Working with clients creating interiors and working with manufacturers producing product is always collaborating. The essential ingredient is the chemistry and making sure it works.
What one product in the history of design do you wish had your name on it?
A wall light by Serge Mouille, French 1940s. I recently bought one for a project in Barbados, It's sculptural and elegant.
What excites and/or terrifies you on a daily basis?
Getting out of bed.
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The exhibition runs until 28th September at Suzy Hoodless, 10 Clarendon Cross, W11 4AP
- Website
- http://www.suzyhoodless.com
