Focus/16 opens with a mix of exhibition and 15 new showrooms

Focus/16 opens at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour with its yearly contribution to London Design Festival. This year, Wallpaper* are getting involved in the action with an installation of our favourites from the new collections at the show (pictured).

(Image credit: Jessica Klingelfuss)

By Sujata Burman

published 9 September 2016

in Buying Guides

The ever-growing Focus/16 opens at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour for its yearly contribution to London Design Festival, and this time Wallpaper* are getting involved in the action with an installation of our favourites from the collections at London's essential one-stop-shop.

This year’s iteration promises more range than ever, with 15 new showrooms, and 127 events set across the six days. Since its upgrade from specialising in the decorative side of design, to becoming a retail panorama and crucial point of reference for the capital’s design firms and international visitors, the west London space now harbours a refined offering of the unique portfolio of luxury European brands and local marquees. Fresh in from Milan’s Salone del Mobile are highlights including Galotti & Radice's sophisticated vanity table, playful side tables from Porada, and an indulgent velvet sofa from Edra. These are joined by the talks from the likes of Patricia Moroso, and a specialised exhibition that explores that narrowing bridge between art and design with featured works from international designers from David Collins Studio and Formafantasma to Kelly Wearstler.

With Wallpaper* following the Design Centre’s evolution, our editors trawled 120 showrooms and 600 brands to present our top Design Centre picks. In a layered set up, starting with intriguing textured materials from Rubelli and Kirkby Design, these are enriched by a decorative 1950s Cole & Son wallpaper. The range of the wondrous finishes extends to the furniture pieces, with Cecccoti’s curvaceous wood and verde mediterraneo marble 'Fagiolo' tables, and Armani Casa’s 'Halcon' vase of pure Murano.

And the diverse blend doesn’t stop there, Focus/16 is having a moment for craft too with a bespoke 3ft aerial installation as their centrepiece to the event, and workshops from talents including RCA graduate Stuart Carey ceramics.

Galotti &amp; Radice&rsquo;s &rsquo;Selene&rsquo; vanity table — Pictured: Galotti & Radice’s ’Selene’ vanity table

Since its upgrade from specialising in the decorative side of design, the west London space now harbours a refined offering of luxury design players from across the globe.

Velvet sofa from Edra — Many of the show’s highlights include new pieces fresh from Salone del Mobile in Milan, like this indulgent velvet sofa from Edra

&rsquo;Circle&rsquo; carpet Rug Star at Stark Carpet — Pictured: new ’Circle’ carpet Rug Star at Stark Carpet

These are joined by the talks from the likes of Patricia Moroso, and a specialised exhibition that explores that narrowing bridge between art and design.

Flexform&rsquo;s Cogito Tavolino table — Pictured: Flexform’s Cogito Tavolino table

Honing in on our favourites from the show, the Wallpaper* installation is an eclectic mix of the most compelling pieces in a layered set up.

Playful &rsquo;Jenny&rsquo; and &rsquo;Jonny&rsquo; side tables from Porada — Pictured: Playful ’Jenny’ and ’Jonny’ side tables from Porada

This year’s iteration promises more range than ever, with 15 new showrooms, and 127 events set across the six days.

And the diverse mix doesn’t stop there, Focus/16 is having a moment for craft too with a bespoke 3ft aerial installation as their centrepiece to the event, and skilled workshops from talents including RCA graduate Stuart Carey ceramics.

INFORMATION

Focus/16 is on view from 18 until 23 September. For more information, visit the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour website

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Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.