We are now well into September, which can only mean one thing: London Design Festival is in full swing. Following the fash-pack influx for London Fashion Week, the city is abuzz again – this time with design junkies and interior trailblazers. Running from the 16th until the 24th, the annual London Design Festival (LDF) continues to promote London as the design capital of the world. Now in its 15th year, the ‘festival’ is really a celebration of design across London, and includes many different exhibitions, launches, shows and celebrations. It’s an exciting time for artists and designers to showcase their work, and be recognised internationally for their visionary prowess. It’s also an exciting week for all those interested in interiors, as there is inspiration around every corner.
Arguably one of the most anticipated shows is Focus/17 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour (DCCH). Here, between the 16th until the 22nd September, designers, architects and interior junkies descend on the Design Centre for a packed programme of collection launches and talks from industry insiders. It’s a hub of excitement and creative exchange, where visitors from all aspects of the design world are able to ask questions and connect with the creatives behind the collections on show.
During the event, showrooms turn into a hive of activity, rife with inspiration, whilst designers and skilled artisans take visitors behind the scenes, sharing their latest innovations, ideas and processes.
Missed it? Here are a few of the highlights from this year’s show:
The installations
The stunning Floral Designscope by Tony Marklew in the Centre Dome was a breathtaking 14-metre drop of cascading circles.
The Sensory Salon
The Sensory Salon was a new space dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation that stimulated all five senses. You could be uplifted by the simple pleasure of a perfect cup of tea from JingTea and watch artist DD Regalo, represented by ArteMea Advisory, create a meditative piece of art.
Sensory Series workshops
The Senses Series Workshops was a new initiative that speaks to the senses. Sessions included those with award-winning chef Tom Aitkens and Emma South of Jo Malone London (who were also offering complimentary hand massages – another highlight)
Tom Aikens hosting a cookery workshop
Access all areas
This year the Access All Areas programme saw the biggest offering to date.
Peter Gomez talking about the Alchemy of colour
Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli talking about the new collections
Inspiring talks
So far there has been a pretty stellar line-up of international designers that have taken to the main stage to share rare insights at talks and panel discussions. Speakers included Patricia Urquiola, Nipa Doshi, Katharine Pooley, Audrey Carden, Madeline Weinrib, William Yeoward, Kim Wilkie, Niall McLaughlin, Tiffany Duggan, Sally Mackereth, Fernanda Marques, Samantha Todhunter, Michael Ruth, Linda Morey-Burrows, Bill Amberg, Witney Bromberg Hawkings, Jo Littlefair, Kate Maclaren, Louise Wicksteed and Bernie de Le Cuona.
