As the London Design Fair returns this year with all new collaborations and exhibitions, Absolutely picks out the highlights
Words Victoria Peake
The London Design Fair returns for another stellar edition, again attracting thousands of visitors to the much loved Old Truman Brewery. The fair, will undoubtedly inspire, fascinate and enthral everyone who attends. Each year it accommodate the global tastes of many with a hand-picked line-up showcasing the best of contemporary design. Visitors can expect to see over 550 exhibitors from 40 countries with a comprehensive mix of country pavilions, brands, features, experiences, new launches and new talent.Â
Debuting at this year’s fair is The Bathroom Gallery, an entirely new element in partnership with ELLE Decoration UK. The exhibition will be designed by architect and artist Ioana Lupasc. The brands will be given a space to transform and are encouraged to think carefully and provide an insight into the features that shape modern bathrooms. This truly bespoke exhibition will spotlight some of the world’s most celebrated bathroom brands, including Laufen and Roca.
Adorno is also presenting something new and innovative called Crossovers. Comprising 10 curators, 10 collections and 10 global design scenes, Crossovers has been billed as ‘a cross-cultural collectible design journey’. Curators of all different nationalities, including Denmark, Mexico and Turkey, will celebrate global designers and communities from around the world that are striving to preserve local design and craft. Paola Bjaringer will curate Sweden’s presentation. Born in Stockholm, Bjaringer opened one of the first galleries in Paris to focus exclusively on contemporary collectible design.
This year, the Guest Country Pavilion is presented by the United Arab Emirates. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council will represent the UAE by debuting its first exclusive product collection. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council operates a pioneering programme of creative, cultural and commercial initiatives. Their main aim is to empower women through craft with another focus on preserving and promoting indigenous craft heritage. Over 40 female artisans have made an inspiring collection of handmade items for the audience to enjoy.
A collaboration we are very much looking forward to is between American artist Matthew Day Jackson and leading surface solutions company Formica. The pair have created Kolho, a series of tables and chairs for the Finnish design brand Made by Choice. For this collaboration, Jackson has been inspired by the surface of the moon, while Formica has developed bespoke steel press plates which create a textured laminated surface with depths. They have also played and manipulated plywood forms.
LONDON DESIGN FAIR takes place between 19-22 September at Old Truman Brewery. Spitalfields, E1 6QR
