This September, the Capital will transform into a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation as it celebrates the multifaceted world of design. Here’s our top picks from the London Design Festival.
Lee Broom’s 1970s inspired Chant chandelier
DIVINE INSPIRATION
Lee Broom will showcase new editions of acclaimed pieces at its expanded flagship showroom on Rivington Street. The eponymous lighting brand is known for its boundary pushing exploration of the intersection between architecture, art, and design. The new editions include the Altar wall light, an ode to the angular forms of mid-century churches and altars; and the Chant surface light, which references the pressed glass bricks often used in places of worship in the 1970s.
Amechi Mandi’s colourful new collection for FLOOR STORY
ART UNDERFOOT
Design-led rug makers FLOOR_STORY will introduce new autumn/winter collections at LDF, including an exciting new collaboration with textile designer Amechi Mandi, whose work typically draws on indigenous African cultures and traditions. The collection, inspired by water and childhood memories of time spent in the ocean, sees six rugs and runners in unconventional, graphic shapes and unexpected colour combinations, awarding the carpets an illustrative, cartoon-like feel. floorstory.co.uk
Lasvit’s Herbarium chandelier in Crafted Wonder at Sketch
CRAFTED WONDER
Our favourite 18th century Mayfair townhouse Sketch is set to host a new exhibition, exploring the boundless realm of handmade forms. Set across three distinct spaces, we can see the work of French rug atelier, La Manufacture Cogolin, London-based multi-disciplinary studio, Julian Carter Design, and Czech glass designers, Lasvit – expect to be dazzled. Entirely to type for the avant-garde destination, masterfully crafted bespoke cocktails and cakes, each taking inspiration from the installations, will be served. sketch.london
See Smile Plastics’ innovative and eco-friendly surfaces at Material Matters
MATERIAL MATTERS
This popular design fair returns as part of 2023’s LDF celebrations. The four-day event will bring together a global line-up of leading brands, designers, makers, and innovators to explore material’s importance in design and architecture. With exhibits from the likes of bespoke furniture makers, Goldfinger, sustainable surface makers, Smile Plastics, and the brilliantly innovative and eco-friendly Solidwool, whose unique composite material is nothing short of revolutionary, the fair considers how material shapes our lives. materialmatters.design
Elizabeth Gorouste’s sculptural Ara side table at Ralph Pucci
PLAYFUL SHAPES
Ralph Pucci International presents Beans by influential Parisian designer Elizabeth Garouste this LDF. Based at the Mayfair gallery, the exhibit includes seven new works, taking in lighting and furniture pieces alongside the wonderfully whimsical and asymmetrical Herman mirrors. Executed in Ralph Pucci’s exclusive Plasterglass material, the playful pieces combine influences of the Middle Ages and neoclassicism with non-linear patterns and biomorphic shapes. Where contemporary sculpture meets functional furnishings, we love the Ara side table. ralphpucci.com
Slamp x Zaha Hadid Design’s ethereal Aria light on display in Knightsbridge
ANGELS ABOVE
Marking ten years of collaboration with the iconic Zaha Hadid Design, Italian lighting brand Slamp presents a not-to-be-missed set-up at their Knightsbridge showroom during this month’s LDF. Taking centre stage are the magnificent, illuminated sculptures of Aria and Avia, a signature project from 2013. Combining artisanal techniques with theatrical, organic shapes, the light fittings feature an impressive 50 layers of Cristalflex that envelops the light source, resulting in an ethereal, otherworldly effect designed to bring the wows. slamp.com/en
Ian Burnell’s Spitfire lounge chair and foot rest
NEW BLOOD
The London Design Fair is the largest commercial exhibition to take place during LDF. This year sees the exciting new initiative Design Alumni Pavilion, which will showcase and support the best emerging talent within the design community. Expect to see the work of recent grads and those at the start of their careers within their chosen practice. New names to note include Jenna Gillinger, Emily Hatton, Samia Hilal, and Ian Burnell, whose Spitfire lounge chair series is a mid-century inspired marvel. londondesignfair.co.uk
London Design Festival runs from 16-24 September, for more info, and for the full programme, visit londondesignfestival.com