IFDM | London on design 2017

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2017

LONDON N DESIGN SEPTEMBER 2017 - YEAR XI - www.ifdm.it

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THE DELIGHT OF DESIGN R

eading Ace Hotel’s ‘Manifest’ (which will be discussed in the next pages in relation to the London Design circuit) a passage by the famous English poet William Blake came to my mind. Mr. Blake wrote “Life delights in life,” which can be understood as “The joy of living attracts even more joy.” With the mind completely turned to the Festival at the doorstep, the connection to the design sector was inevitable. So why not say – apologies to the author – “Design delights in design”?

After all, that’s what happens at the London Design Festival.

Creativity invokes and generates creativity; the world of design in all its facets and countless declinations stimulates new ideas and generates an active desire to create. The atmosphere that pervades the entire city for 9 days is the result of this dynamism, with design as starting point and at the same time place of arrival, in a virtuous cycle that has allowed LDF to grow and consolidate in 15 years of history, increasing its districts, enhancing exhibitions and cultural proposals. This atmosphere allows anyone taking part to the event – companies, architects or interior designers, organizers or young talents, or even publishers like us – to overstep their boundaries and to offer something new. “London on Design by IFDM” represents all of this.

Now we just have to follow the advice of Ben Evans, Director of LDF: “Keep our eyes and ears open to new ideas and opportunities.”

Enjoy the Festival!

PAOLO BLEVE | Editor-in-chief

PR & Communication

Marta Ballabio | marketing@ifdm.it

Graphic Department

YEAR XI | September 2017 Editor-in-chief

Paolo Bleve | bleve@ifdm.it

Publishing Editor

Matteo De Bartolomeis | matteo@ifdm.it

Managing Editor

Veronica Orsi | orsi@ifdm.it

Collaborators

Alessandro Bignami, Rachele Frigerio UK Editor: Francesca Gugliotta

Sara Battistutta, Marco Parisi grafica@ifdm.it

Web Department web@ifdm.it

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LONDON: The Queen of Design

A talk with BEN EVANS

24 HOURS IN LONDON Authentic design experience SPOTLIGHT LDF Five designers for Ace Hotel London

WALKING AROUND The City PEOPLE&OPINIONS A talk with LETITIA TAYLOR ARCH&INTERIOR The new London skyscrapers are mini-cities

ECONOMY&MARKET Positive energy from exports NEXT in the world

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LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

LONDON: THE QUEEN OF DESIGN THE LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL RETURNS FROM 16 TO 24 SEPTEMBER: OVER 400 EVENTS, INSTALLATIONS SCATTERED THROUGH THE CITY, NINE DESIGN DISTRICTS AND FIVE DESIGN DESTINATIONS FOR DISCOVERING NEW FURNISHING TRENDS, AS WELL AS EVENTS AND TALKS FOR MEETING DESIGNERS AND MAKERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

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akers who create unique pieces, combining old knowledge and technological expertise, artists who thrill you with poetic, spectacular installations and designers, from renowned figures such as Patricia Urquiola, Ross Lovegrove and Konstantin Grcic to emerging designers. Companies that specialize in furnishing, lighting, bathrooms and kitchens, wallpaper, rugs, as well as fashion houses, jewellery makers, watch makers and car manufacturers.

The London Design Festival 2017 offers this and much more. The event, which is now in its 15th edition, will enliven the British capital with design from 16 to 24 September. The nineday festival will offer over 400 events, installations, exhibitions and presentations. There are many locations that are worth a visit: 9 Design District, with two new entrances, the Mayfair Design District and Pimlico Road Design District, as well as the Bankside Design District, Brixton Design Trail, Brompton Design District, Chelsea Design Quarter, Clerkenwell Design 6 IFDM London On Design

Quarter, Islington Design District and Shoreditch Design Triangle. “Each of the nine Design Districts”, explains Ben Evans, the festival director, “allows you to immerse yourself in the peculiarities of the neighbourhood. All the areas are different and reflect the variety of design. And just down the road you can find different things on offer.”

Other important locations obviously include the five Design Destinations: 100%Design, Decorex International, designjunction, Focus/17 and the London Design Fair. But it does not end here: for the first year, LDF is organizing the Design Routes, which include Notting Hill, Haker Mile and South East Maker Club. For over a week, showrooms will also be open in the evening, hosting exhibitions, talks with design world representatives, workshops and interactive routes.

Museums will also take part in the festival: the London Design Museum invites enthusiasts, professionals and anyone curious about design to meet Dutch designer Hella Jongerius, who has made color her mission.

LDF, which is now in its 15th edition, will offer over 400 events, installations, exhibitions, presentations

A festival atmosphere in the heart of Broadgate Circus: this is the VILLA WALALA project, curated by the celebrated textile designer Camille Walala and supporte d by the Festival, together with British Land.

 Broadgate Circus

Meanwhile, the Victoria & Albert Museum hosts the Trasmission installation by Ross Lovegrove and Alcantara, a spectacular, sinuous, threedimensional 25-metre-long tapestry.

It is impossible to single out the “best” events, but we would certainly include the following: in Brompton, the docu-film Amare Gio Ponti, a tribute to the famous maestro by Molteni&C | Dada. Designjunction devotes plenty of space to young people with a double award: the Rado Star Prize, promoted by watchmaking company Rado, and the Renault competition for students of Central Saint Martins college.

London proves to be the international capital of design, hosting creatives from all over the world: at the London Design Fair, the US is the Guest Country, alongside Sweden, Poland, Scotland (and many others) in dedicated pavilions. Last but not least, be sure to see the installations, such as Villa Walala, the playful, colorful castle

by Camille Walala in the Broadgate Circus area, an island where you can socialize, relax and feel inspired.

The Reflection Room installation by artist Flynn Talbot is on display in the VICTORIA&ALBERT MUSEUM. The prestigious vaulted rooms in the 35-metrelong Prince Consort Gallery are illuminated at each end by blue and orange LED lights.

The luminous effects are multiplied by 56 large reflective panels supplied by the Barrisol company.

 Prince Consort Gallery | room 110

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London On Design

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LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

© Sophie Mutevelian

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100%DESIGN 20 – 23 SEPTEMBER OLYMPIA LONDON www.100percentdesign.co.uk With more than 600 exhibitors, 100%design is returning to Olympia London. So many new developments: above all, the arrival of the design guru Max Fraser as content editor for this twenty third edition. This year’s theme is “Elements” and celebrates all the parts that contribute to the success of a product, from the design basics to the components, from the materials to the development processes. There are five sections: Interiors, Workplace, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Design & Build and Emerging Brands. For the first time, the event will host Dealer Day, a professional programme of meetings, seminars and talks.

DECOREX 17 – 20 SEPTEMBER SYON PARK www.decorex.com More than 400 exhibitors will come together to celebrate forty years of Decorex, the event established in 1978. The theme of this edition is “Collaborations” and brings together various disciplines, such as interior design, fashion, floral design and many more.

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Among the exhibitors, there are historic brands like Lincrusta, a British wallpaper manufacturer since 1877, the lighting brand Lutyens Furniture&Lighting, Bobo1325, the up-and-coming studio specialising in creative patterns and the Sofa&Chair Company representing the upholstery sector. Not to be missed: Colourhive, a talk on the colours of the coming season, to be held on Wednesday, 20 September at 1 p.m.

BROMPTON 16 – 24 SEPTEMBER BROMPTON DESIGN DISTRICT www.bromptondesigndistrict.com Put together international brands, independent retailers, restaurants and cultural institutions. The result?

The Brompton Design District, a convivial area where previews can be enjoyed with a drink in hand.

This year’s theme is “Other Stories”, that is, the stories behind the design, combining the work of designers and professionals who seek to go beyond just making a product.

“Other Stories” also means helping those in need: the projects of designers and artisans engaged in areas like Malawi and Bosnia will be featured.

Molteni&C|Dada and Kvadrat, and the documentary film by Amare Gio Ponti are not to be missed.

“All the areas are different and reflect the variety of design”

CHELSEA 16 – 24 SEPTEMBER CHELSEA DESIGN QUARTER chelseadesignquarter.co.uk

Ben Evans

During the hectic days of the London Design Festival, one of the key locations is the Chelsea Design Quarter, the luxury design destination par excellence. Walking along the King’s Road, Lots Road and Imperial Wharf, you may stumble across an effervescent pop-up store, an interior design studio established by emerging talent or a trendy nightspot. Here, inspiration can be found for furnishing the whole house: from Loomah for rugs and carpets to Catchpole&Rye and Drummonds for bathrooms and George Smith and Go Modern for contemporary furniture, featuring brands with craftsmanship in their DNA, such as Tom Faulkner.

“Collaboration” is the theme of Decorex 2017

So many new developments: the USA as the Guest Country pavilion, the British Craft Pavilion with more than more than forty British firms, and Material of the Year, exploring the materials that are revolutionising design. “We are able to offer visitors a high level of experimentation, quality and experience,” said Jim MacDonald, the event’s founder and director.

MAYFAIR 16 – 24 SEPTEMBER MAYFAIR DESIGN DISTRICT

“Unexpected hill” at designjunction © Hufton+Crow DESIGNJUNCTION 21-24 SEPTEMBER KING’S CROSS www.thedesignjunction.co.uk

FOCUS/17 17 – 22 SEPTEMBER DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR www.dcch.co.uk With its 1 20 showrooms, the Design Centre of Chelsea Harbour is a unique showcase that acts as a catalyst for designers, luxury brands, opinion-formers, artisans, established companies and emerging talent. More than a hundred events are scheduled for the London Design Festival: talks, demonstrations, workshops, a tour of new projects, following the process from the concept to the finished product. More than 600 international brands will be represented, including Flexform, Armani/Casa, Cole&Son, Dedar, Gallotti&Radice, Giorgetti, Poliform, Porada, Provasi and many others.

Designjunction, the event that draws in the inquisitive, journalists, retailers and interior designers from all over the world, is returning in the wake of last year’s tremendous success (27,000 visitors in five days). There are five areas: the main building, Granary Square (registration and installations), Cubitt House (lighting and furnishings), Cubitt Park (emerging designers and materials), The Crossing (installations and partnership projects) and The Canopy (retail). Latest development 2017: Cubitt Park, a new pavilion for the exhibition of accessories and luxury materials, together with a mix of new talents.

LONDON DESIGN FAIR 21 – 24 SEPTEMBER OLD TRUMAN BREWERY www.londondesignfair.co.uk Exhibitors from all over the world, pavilions dedicated to individual countries, established designers and emerging talent: from 21 to 24 September, the London Design Fair, one of the most international events at the London Design Festival, will make its return.

For the emerging design district of Mayfair, many events have been scheduled to bring the place to life: exhibitions, inaugurations and performances.

Not only designers but also skilful artisans, cabinet makers, tailors and jewellers. Not to be missed: the Italians, such as Achille Salvagni with a Japanese-inspired collection and Mazzoleni, which hosts the installation “(A) comfort zone” devised by the creative duo Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci of DimoreStudio.

The Made in Italy brands will be flanked by international firms like Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Galerie Kreo, Christian Liaigre and Patrick Seguin.

CLERKENWELL 16 – 24 SEPTEMBER CLERKENWELL DESIGN QUARTER clerkewelldesignquarter.com This is the most exciting and famous district of London for design victims: we’re talking about Clerkenwell, the area of the English capital where the most important showrooms, furniture stores, interior design and architecture studios are concentrated.

During the London Design Festival, these locations will throw open their doors especially for visitors and enthusiasts. Not to be missed: the Zaha Hadid Gallery at 101, Goswell Road, Vitra with an installation celebrating Eames Plastic Chairs and the Cappellini and Haworth showroom, designed

by Particia Urquiola in collaboration with Giulio Cappellini.

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 INTERVIEW

A TALK WITH

BEN EVANS DIRECTOR OF LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

London Design Festival celebrates its fifteenth year. What are the main theme and how many people do you expect?

LDF is too big to adopt a theme but strong ideas do emerge. Materials and sustainability continue to dominate.

For example, at Somerset House, Pentatonic is a mobile off-grid recycling plant. Bring your domestic waste, take home a piece of design. There is an interesting new show called Design Frontiers, at Somerset House too: 30 designers will showcase work that is pushing the frontiers of their discipline through innovation, materials and ideas. We expect over 400,000 visitors and many more passers-by who come across the festival unexpectedly.

The best installation?

Camilla Walala’s Villa Walala at Broadgate by Liverpool Street Station.

Influenced by the Memphis Group, who are having a revival, is a huge inflatable multi-coloured playscape.

It is playful and unexpected, but above all memorable. We want to tell stories about design through our installations.

This is certainly one.

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There is a new Design District: Mayfair.

London has often been described as a city of villages and Mayfair is one of the oldest. It is our 9th Design District and each one has a distinctive design identity. Is an international place including italian brands like Achille Salvagni, Mazzoleni and Alessi. Alongside are gallery shows from Carpenters Workshop, Galerie Kreo and Patrick Seguin.

Sketch restaurant also add their their own unique view of design to the district.

The festival is an important showcase for young talents.

Over the last ten or so years, LDF has organised a programme of commissions from designers at stages of their careers. This has ranged from world famous names like Marc Newson, Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield to emerging talent like Raw Edges, Max Lamb and Martino Gamper. Well, they were emerging when we worked with them! It is satisfying to look back, having now commissioned over

We are trying to introduce new ideas about design to the widest possible audiences by any means necessary

50 different designers, to see their progress. Across the wider Festival it must number 100s of names.

Finding new talent is a challenge and we keep our eyes and ears open to new ideas and opportunities.

Choosing them is instinctive and sometimes the challenge is to turn a raw idea into a completed installation that can be enjoyed by all.

You said: “We have a new audience that is self-taught, aware of technology and design media”.

We are increasingly dependent on social media to reach our audiences.

It is a powerful tool. It is how millennials consume information and ideas.

Ultimately, we are trying to introduce new ideas about design to the widest possible audiences by any means necessary. It works when visitors go the V&A Museum (where we have a programme of projects) for the first time, discover something new that they didn’t know they wanted to see in one of the design districts, and through the Festival connect with someone who makes a difference to their future.

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© Richard Powers

BRONTE RESTAURANT

History dictated the guidelines for the creation of the Bronte restaurant, located on the Strand, the road that leads to Trafalgar Square. It is Design Research Studio’s second restaurant, following the Éclectic in Paris, which the architectural interior design group designed with the creative direction of Tom Dixon who imbued it with his own strong personality.

‘Cool!’. This is the definition, accompanied by many exclamation marks, that perfectly fits the new Shoreditch Hotel, which opened to the public in London last September. The hotel is faithful to the approach that owner CitizenM takes towards all its hotels around the world. The motto of the holding company? “You want luxury for a good price, we have luxury for less”.

THE SHOREDITCH HOTEL

NOBU SHOREDITCH The 240-seat, Nobu Shoreditch restaurant (at the new Nobu Hotel) was designed by Studio PCH. Inspired by the iconic Nobu aesthetics, the 340 sq m restaurant space’s sleek wooden finish creates a cool and contemporary environment. The separate Lobby Bar on the ground floor is available to both guests and the public, offering an comfortable atmosphere.

The Berkeley in Knightsbridge has launched a re-designed first floor, by acclaimed resort architect and interior designer John Heah. The opening of Heah’s suites follows a major redesign at The Berkeley after the recent unveiling of the new façade by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners as well as the new look of the lobby, the Collins Room and the Blue Bar by Robert Angell.

THE BERKELEY

IFDM selected ten great things to do or visit during the Design Festival

AUTHENTIC DESIGN EXPERIENCE

24 HOURS in London

HOTEL FOOD

VITRA @ SELFRIDGES

Vitra launched a partnership with Selfridges to open the first sales point dedicated to its line of Home Accessories. It is a space on the fourth floor of the largest Selfridges shop in London, number 400 on Oxford Street.

It showcases Vitra’s complements, accessories and textiles. Besau Marguerre firm chose to decorate the interiors with Vitra’s Kado container system.

Expectations are running high for British designer Ross Lovegrove, who took inspiration from the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries for his Transmission installation: a huge, spectacular, 30-metre-long three-dimensional tapestry made of Alcantara, a soft, versatile, sound-absorbing material that is easy to treat.

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

The new brand store at 124 Bond Street is a modern studio that features unique tradition and unmistakable taste. The brand’s values are clearly and distinctly conveyed in the interior project designed by Ciarmoli Queda Studio, which adopted a concept with pure, essential lines, a design loaded with warmth and softness.

AGNONA

FLAGSHIP STORE

© Ross Lovegrove

FASHION ART

London On Design

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SAHRAI MILANO Launched on May 11th in the heart of the stylish Mayfair (62-64 Brook Street), the new Sahrai flagship store designed by Marco Piva hosts - during the London Design Week - an event to introduce Cave, the rugs collection conceived and designed by the Italian architect and inspired by marble.

An encounter with Hella Jongerius, perfect for those who love nuance and design, is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 September from 6.15 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.: the designer will talk about her chromatic experiments, which feature in the personal exhibition currently being staged in the museum “Breathing Colour”.

DESIGN MUSEUM

The new technology hub at White City has been inaugurated. It was conceived to accelerate innovation and develop the most sophisticated technologies as well as to strengthen partnerships with leading fashion and luxury brands.

Developed on an area of more than 6,500 sq. m, the project boasts the signature of the award-winning British architecture firm Grimshaw.

YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP

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SPOTLIGHT LDF

FIVE DESIGNERS FOR ACE HOTEL LONDON I

significant stage for the September Design Week: Ready Made Go is the exhibition curated by Laura Houseley of Modern Design Review magazine, which features (from September 19-24) a series of products specially commissioned and conceived by London designers. Five creators were involved this year for the creation of six new works: Ian McIntyre, James Shaw, Michael Marriott, Oscar Diaz, Soft Baroque.

© Andrew Meredith/Courtesy Ace Hotel

t is no coincidence that in Shoreditch neighborhood arises one of the most intriguing pieces focused on art and design influences that London Design Festival embraces. At 100 Shoreditch High Street, in the heart of London’s most dynamic and devoted to creativity neighborhood, unconventional by nature, historically open to influences and cultures. Here once again, and not by accident, open the doors

SHOREDITCH FEATURES THE PERFECT BLEND OF ART AND DESIGN, HOSPITALITY AND CULTURE. IN THE READY MADE GO EXHIBITION, THE WORKS BY 5 LONDON-BASED DESIGNERS COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE WORLD OF HOTEL INDUSTRY

BY ACE HOTEL AND ITS VALUES OF PASSION, HUMANITY AND CREATIVITY

of the Ace Hotel London, the American chain that redrew the hospitality boundaries, reinventing the concept of hotel, but “redirecting its conventions to keep them fresh, energized, human”.

Synergy and affinity between the structure and the hosting district have carried out a project, in its third edition this year, that has become a 14 IFDM London On Design

From ceramics to furniture, though from decoration to interior design, the products’ concept - intended for permanent use within the hotel - finds a common denominator in the main theme of this edition, linked to sustainability and the use of recycled materials.

Michael Marriott has designed in Smile Plastic (a sheet material made from recycled plastic) a set of high bar stools.

James Shaw designs the cake display stands and countertop accessories for the Ace Hotel’s Bulldog Edition Café using the plastic baroque, an extruded recycled plastic technique that the designer himself developed in his studio in South London. His signature is also present in the installation that welcomes guests at the hotel entrance, as an introduction to the artistic path that develops inside. A series of coffee tables, made by the Soft Baroque duo, is intended to decorate the lobby of the hotel with its innovative material feeling, resulting from a new element, Silicastone by Alusid, obtained from ceramic and glass scraps.

The energy-filled atmosphere that pervades Shoreditch seems to penetrate and pervade the spaces of the Ace Hotel, shaping a new form of creativity that has to do with the more pragmatic expression of design as the more ephemeral and reflective art revelation.

And right in the big windows of the hotel, a parallel project takes shape, of which the Ace Hotel is a supporter, entitled 70 x 40 x 50. On display - always curated by Laura Houseley - the works of eight young design graduates: Bettina Boehm, Callum Partridge, Laura Stevens, Nicholas Marschnel, Mo Tizro, Sylvain Bellis, Victoria Andrew, and Will Drye. Thus the mission is fulfilled, as acclaimed in the Ace Hotel “manifesto”, which identifies in its hospitality project the potential for the creation of a fluid and real community.

WALKING AROUND The City

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WALKING AROUND THE CITY  100%DESIGN  20-23 September 2017

 Olympia London  DESIGNJUNCTION  21-24 September 2017

 King’s Cross, London  DECOREX  17-20 September 2017

 Syon Park  FOCUS/17  17-22 September 2017

 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour  LONDON DESIGN FAIR  21–24 September 2017

© Dade72

 Old Truman Brewery

B&B ITALIA  Brompton Design District

 250, Brompton Road B&B Italia embraces a new look and presents a renewed store, designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners.

This restyling has brought the exhibition concept, previously tried and tested at the Novedrate headquarter show-room, to the historic Brompton Road location and is currently being developed in main stores throughout the world. On display are innovations new to 2017 and a special project for the 20th anniversary of the sofa Charles. Arclinea have also made their debut alongside B&B Italia and Maxalto.

ARPER  100%design |

 Arper Bloggers Lounge

After last year’s success, Arper returns as protagonist of the digital hub #ArperBloggersLounge. The centrally located lounge is an area dedicated to bloggers and online media. It is a place for meeting and getting to know each other, a venue for interviews and meetings, all in a setting inspired and furnished by pieces coloured by Arper. Energetic and welcoming, the area is equipped with wi-fi, open use charging points and refreshments.

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WALKING AROUND The City

CASSINA

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 Brompton Design District

 238 - 242 Brompton Road Cassina turns 90 and gives us the wonderful gift of a 352-page monograph, published by Rizzoli. “This Will Be The Place” explores social behaviours and their potential impact on the future of interiors. The volume – edited the journalist Felix Burrichter – will be introduced to the international audience at the company’s showroom with the special attendance of Gianluca Armento - Managing Director of Cassina -, Tony Chambers, Patricia Urquiola e Konstantin Grcic.

VICTORIA+ALBERT

© Giuseppe Brancato

 Focus/17 |

 Design Centre – Chelsea Harbour

Their bathtubs are works of art, available with artistic paintings, drawings and patterns which personalise and bring the bathroom to life. During the sparkling days of the London Design Festival, the British brand Victoria+Albert invites visitors to discover colours in vogue for the upcoming season, suggested by experts at Colour Hive, a creative London agency.

WITH MAX FRASER  INTERVIEW CONTENT EDITOR AT 100% DESIGN Max Fraser – from the London design guide to Clerkenwell Design Week and now 100% design. How did this come about?

My involvement has been multifarious, from initially visiting as a curious young visitor before eventually being part of the advisory committee then collaborating with the show as a strategic partner during my time working at the London Design Festival. Today, my work as a journalist and consultant takes me around the world and I hope to bring some of those findings back to London. I am working with the 100% design team across the content and creative elements with a particular focus on the main commissioned feature, a show highlight.

How do you feel about the new role and what are you planning?

It’s very exciting! The installation is responding to this year’s theme “Elements” (pag. 16, Ed.) which considers everything from the fundamentals of design to the component parts that make up a product, the materials used in the stories and processes of development.

100% design is at its 23rd edition.

What should we see?

The Central Bar is the best place to catch up with friends. The 100% Design team have picked up on the “Elements” theme and designed a sitting area featuring upright blocks in geometric shapes and plants which create an abstract city skyline. Many exhibitors such as Bow and Arrow, Due, Mullan Lighting, French Designheure, Jetclass and Mambo Unlimited are presenting mid-century and art deco inspired designs in the interiors sections. I also look forward to discovering what the fairly new Design London has to offer. It’s a carefully selected group of brands showcasing fine craftsmanship, rich textures and luxurious materials. One of the brands that stands out to me is Madheke, a leather specialist from India who is celebrating its European launch. Also the Emerging Brands is always exciting! Mutuopia from Shanghai make stunning tableware and accessories with literally an edge. Odddot, who were at Clerkenwell Design Week will

launch new furniture and lighting products, and Grace & Thorn make stunning arrangements with plants and flowers.

“Talks with 100% design” presents an agenda-setting programme exploring trends in contemporary practice as well as the future of design. What are the main theme of discussion and protagonists?

The brilliant Jenny Stewart (PR, curator, connector and extraordinaire) has again curated the talks programme. Each day the show will open with major headliners such as Michael Young, Ross Lovegrove and Lee Broom.

Finally, how many people do you expect and from which countries?

Over 27,000 visitors from over 90 countries last year, with a combined spending of over £3.9 billion.

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London On Design

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WALKING AROUND The City

I DOGI ELEMENTS BY MAX FRASER  100%design |

 Entrance

The design guru and 100% design content editor Max Fraser has curated the installation Elements: “I take all elements into consideration, from the foundations of design to components, materials and development processes. We will display a series of past and present icons, celebrating an element of each of them which features smart ideas, sophisticated instruments or innovative manufacturing techniques. The aim is to focus on a single detail, informing visitors on the research behind it”.

 Decorex |

 Booth F24

Its chandeliers feature in casinos and yachts sailing all over the world, prestigious buildings and luxury hotels in India, Russia, China, the United States and Middle East. I Dogi, the Venetian brand specialised in the production of Murano glass fixtures, even in oversize formats for large interiors and spaces. The company is set to amaze Decorex visitors with exceptional creations, such as its Chagall chandelier (in the photo), in Murano glass, malachite and bronze.

DEDAR  Decorex |

 Booth D30

Fabric art and visual expression are closely connected. Dedar, a company founded near Como in 1976, continues to prove this.

The company’s latest innovations include: fabrics produced on jacquard canvasses combined with inserts in gold and silver, geometric and optical patterns, artisan processes, such as hand painting, and the most sophisticated haute couture embroidery.

MARTINO GAMPER  Brompton Design District |

 4 Cromwell Place

Artisan, artist, designer: Martino Gamper opens the doors of his London studio in Brompton for the London Design Festival and presents his new Round&Square collection of furniture based on an intricate wood joint. All of the items are handcrafted in his workshop, forming a line that includes chairs, tables, shelves, armchairs and side tables.

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INTERVIEW WITH WILL SORRELL

EVENTS DIRECTOR FOR DESIGNJUNCTION

MAZZOLENI  Mayfair |

 27 Albemarle Street

If you invite Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci from DimoreStudio, you can only expect a politically incorrect, over the top installation. This is exactly what is being presented by Mazzoleni at the “Mazzoleni Invites: DimoreGallery (Un) comfort zone” event. Five rooms hidden by walls capture visitors and invite them to observe through portholes.

KNOLL INTERNATIONAL  Clerkenwell Design Quarter |

 91 Goswell Road

The designer Piero Lissoni describes the genesis of the sofa designed for Knoll, upholstered protagonist at the Clerkenwell showroom: “I imagined that Avio Sofa System could move by responding to the user’s need for comfort and sociality. This is why I designed a mechanism which is hidden yet attractive at the same time, like the detail of a few motions, but much easier to use”.

COLE&SON  London Design Fair |

 Hall T3-A

Since 1875: a long history of Cole&Son, the English brand specialised in wallpaper. A browse through the company’s archives reveals how interiors were decorated during the 19th and 20th centuries. On occasion of the London Design Fair, the brand presents its fabric collection, which returns to some of the bestloved paper models.

Designjunction 2017: what are the news and the main events?

And about the location?

Designjunction returns to King’s Cross. This year we’ve focused on expanding the show across the King’s Cross site and bringing some remarkable projects to Granary Square including a spectacular, two-floor pavilion by Renault, who are showcasing their collaboration with Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Adam Nathaniel Furman’s commission for Turkish Ceramics will also bring four giant arches to Granary Square. We’re also excited to see the outcome of the inaugural Rado Star Prize UK, searching for the next generation of design talent.

Five destinations: Cubitt House and Cubitt Park, The Canopy, Granary Square and The Crossing. What about the exhibitors?

Cubitt House is home to leading lighting and furniture brands including long-standing exhibitors Icons of Denmark, Deadgood and Channels and new-comers Fredericia, Lapalma and Friends & Founders. New for 2017, Cubitt Park presents a mix of highend accessories, materials and emerging design including LSA and Skandium presents Skagerak and Kahler Design. We’re also looking forward to seeing the VIP lounge in Cubitt Park furnished by Kirkby Design and Eley Kishimoto. The Canopy will be home to 70 design-led pop-up shops selling everything from textiles and ceramics to technology products and jewellery. Exhibitors in The Canopy include Areaware, Someday Designs, Lexon and Kickstarter. Meanwhile Granary Square and The Crossing will be the platform for a range of stunning installations and new initiatives.

What are the best temporary exhibitions and events?

We are re-launching our talks programme which will take place at the nearby Stanley Building, part of The Office Group. Two days of talks will include a discussion on design and technology with Kickstarter and Clippings; a session on colour with Franklin Till, Morag Myerscough and Francesca Sarti; and a look at design’s evolution with Kenneth Grange and Rodney Kinsman, chaired by Deyan Sudjic.

Last year the festival attracted 27,000 visitors over five days.

What is the recipe of this success?

There are two ingredients that make designjunction unique.

One is that we are a truly curated show, and carefully pick our exhibitors to make sure visitors see the best cutting-edge, contemporary design from across the world. We also aim to inspire visitors with a mix of commercial and creative projects, striking the balance and showcasing design in a more inspiring environment. Now in its seventh year designjunction has cemented its reputation as the place ‘where design meets’. We’re proud to be part of London’s thriving creative community, acting as a platform which connects the industry.

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WALKING AROUND The City

SMEG  100%design |

 Booth K483

A company which has revolutionised the concept of kitchen interiors, with ribbed fridges and blenders with Sicilian carriages (with Dolce&Gabbana). Smeg was founded in 1948 by Vittorio Bertazzoni as an enameling and metal processing company.

The brand is in the Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms area with Dolce Stil Novo: a range of ovens, blast chillers, hobs, hoods, cellars, coffee machines, with precious details in copper.

CAPPELLINI  Clerkenwell Design Quarter |

 150 St John Street

Telo Lounge is an armchair which evokes the allure of field chairs in African lodges. Designed by the young and talented Sebastian Herkner and manufactured by Cappellini, it is characterised by a structure in steel and ribbed upholstered fabric, available in a version with integrated side table or tray. It will be presented at Clerkenwell’s Cappellini and Haworth showroom.

SICIS  Mayfair |

 15 Dover Street

An exclusive selection of wall coverings, mosaics, artworks, furniture, watches and jewels, in an outstanding window on Mayfair district. Sicis showroom, housed in a 5,500 square feet Victorian townhouse, reflects the eclectic style of the brand, introducing its latest collections to the cosmopolitan public of the City.

Among these stands out Vetrite, a coating that adds to the glass the mixed application of fabrics and polymer films for large sheets.

PORADA  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Luigi Allievi passionate about wood. He first began making chairs back in 1948, founding Porada, based in Cabiate, Como, in 1968. The company’s strong points include profound artisan knowledge, handmade pieces and collaborations with desginers such as Tarcisio Colzani, Marconato&Zappa, Opera Design, Giovanna Azzarello, Marelli&Molteni, Giuseppe Viganò, Gino Carollo and Stefano Bigi. All the latest from the showroom at the Design Centre.

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DUPONT CORIAN  Designjunction |

 The Crossing, Booth CSM4

Fifty years young. Corian celebrates half a century with three new looks: Concrete, Onyx and Prima. Julie E. Eaton, global sales director at DuPont Surfaces, confirms: “A renewed mix of visual beauty, greater duration and functionality”. Concrete is a thin and delicate surface, Onyx alludes to onyx stone, featuring an undulating pattern and semi-transparent veining. Lastly, prima, in the photo, is available in eight shades for the personalisation of interiors.

POLTRONA FRAU  Brompton Design District |  147 Fulham Road

It is the news that all Vanity Fair, the famous Poltrona Frau seat, have been waiting for. The company presents a new version, limited to 225 pieces, in support of FARM Cultural Park. The aim is to construct a school-museum dedicated to the children of Favara, Sicily, an abandoned city and artistic centre. A talk show with Dejan Sudjic, director of the London Design Museum, has been scheduled for 21st September.

For brilliant experiences

21–22 November 2017 The Business Design Centre, London thesleepevent.com

Founder Partner:

Official Media Partner:

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Organised By:

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RUBELLI  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

The Rubelli group is present at Focus/17 with four collections: Donghia furnishings and lighting, Donghia textiles, Armani Casa Excluisive textiles by Rubelli e Rubelli Casa. The latter range is articulated in Domino sofas (in the photo) and Palazzo, the Domino chair, Pontelongo, Barena, Sestiere, Telèr and Scholeta, tables and consoles, with parts made from Damantio resin, a metallic material contained in a transparent resin sheet.

BOCCI  Brompton Design District

 Mint shop: 2 North Terrace, Alexander Square  100%design |  Entrance Feature Bocci illuminates the London Design Festival with its creations in two different locations, at 100%design and the Mint Shop.

The brand features at the Alexander Square store, protagonist at the Lina Kanafani exhibition, trend setter and owner of Mint. The exhibition combines traditional and innovative techniques, with particular attention to lighting. One of the masterpieces by Bocci, 84 Series: “bubbles” of glass with led source enclosed by a thin copper mesh.

MATTEO CIBIC  London Design Fair |

 Hall T1, Booth E29

There is ample representation of Italy at the London Design Fair, including the young and talented Matteo Cibic, grandson of the great Aldo Cibic. His anthropomorphic vases will be on display along with other objects from the heart, which appear to interact in a screenplay, as well as zoomorphic statues with large, horse-shaped heads, allusions to his favourite artists such as Marino Marini and the Lalanne spouses.

MINI LIVING  Courtyard at Oxo Tower Wharf An intimate nest with social spaces, like the microlibrary where visitors can discuss classical English literature such as Dickens, Keats and Shakespeare, up to design bestsellers. Urban Cabin, designed by Sam Jacob for the Mini Living research project by Mini. The aim is to investigate the future of urban habitats based on the creative use of space, through innovative design, a concept which first made the company famous back in 1959.

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INTERVIEW WITH SIMONE DU BOIS

BRAND DIRECTOR OF DECOREX

Decorex celebrates forty years.

What are the main theme and events?

Decorex began as a collaboration with the IIDA, the interior design association now known as the BIID and throughout the years has worked with a huge amount of designers, this year will be no different. We’re excited about the new partnerships, from our exciting entrance installation bringing together the disciplines of floristry, fashion, set and interior design to interactive spaces for visitors to experience the senses of touch, sight, smell and sound.

ANTONIOLUPI  100%design |

 Booth K454

Antoniolupi, the company specialised in bathrooms located in Cerreto Guidi, Florence, is set to participate in 100%Design, with the presentation of ironic previews. Examples include the inbuilt wall mounted tap Mayday, designed by the studio Gi-Ra, characterised by a retake on the typical form of emergency buttons. The piece also features an original operation system: to draw water you must pull and not push the red button.

LAPALMA  Designjunction

 Booth B23 Lapalma absorbs the spirit of contemporary living, increasingly nomadic and hybrid, and presents flexible proposals, suitable for every context. At the centre of the setting is the ADD family system designed by Francesco Rota, an all-in-one system made up of a chair, table and cabinet.

VITRA  Clerkenwell Design Quarter |

 30 Clerkenwell Road

The Eames Plastic Chair was designed in 1950 by the great masters of architecture and design, Charles and Ray Eames. Vitra celebrates this iconic chair with an exhibition at the Clerkenwell showroom.

Visitors can “play” with models, combine colours, materials, try out different combinations to create the version of their own dreams.

Some previews?

Decorex will have over 400 exhibitors, established and new additions.

We look forward to welcoming Genevieve Bennett with her beautiful leather wall panels and new rug collection, Dedar with their colourful patterned textiles, French company Valombreuse with their ranges of embroidered linen and Amy Kent with her ‘Art on Rugs’ collaboration with her sister.

Future Heritage, an area focusing on contemporary and collective craft, curated by Corinne Julius, brings 16 new makers.

Decorex is the destination for finding inspiring and ideas about luxury interiors.Which are the main trends 2017-18?

Greenery is this year’s Pantone colour, following on from Decorex’s 2016 campaign colour. Pink has been everywhere this summer and continues to be firmly on the list of trends to appear.

Whether pastel, dusky, millennial, bright or exotic, we anticipate pink will be a reoccurring theme at this year’s 40th anniversary show. Natural materials have also been prevalent in the lead up to the event in the form of ceramics, wood, glass, marble, wools and linens, including a table made by blending aged barn wood with marble by Barn in the City or wall lights made with sweet chestnut and brass by Faolchu. Each year we welcome Colourhive, a colour trends consultancy, to speak about the colour trends for the following seasons, so definitely worth a listen on Wednesday 20th September at 1pm in the Seminar Theatre.

In forty years, approximately, how has the interior style changed? And, consequently, this has led to a change in the event Decorex?

These days consumers are exposed to a lot more of the design world, through magazines, online and broadcast media.

They therefore are more knowledgeable of the market and what is out there for them. Interior designers need to stay ahead of the game, offering clients unique and bespoke pieces for their homes or hotels, whilst also learning about current and future trends to aid their projects. Decorex features many exhibitors who work on bespoke commissions, or will be launching brand new products during the show and can therefore help the interior designer stay ahead in a competitive market.

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MOLTENI&C | DADA AND KVADRAT  Brompton Design District |

 245-249 Brompton Road

Gio Ponti, one of the greatest masters of the 20th century, celebrated by Molteni&C | Dada and Kvadrat, in a docu-film

by Francesca Molteni in collaboration with Gio Ponti archives.

This homage comes under the Brompton district’s macro-theme “Other Stories- alternative perspectives on design”, and is accompanied by a modern reinterpretation of the Ponti’s icons, curated by Vincent Van Duysen with Kvadrat fabrics.

KARTELL  Brompton Design District

 Flagship Store, 223 – 225 Brompton Road In 2017 the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the launching of the Componibili collection. During the London Design Festival, it will be possible to experience 50 years of history through a journey full of pieces and authors, memories and quotes, a wave of creativity that flourished in the last five decades and doesn’t seem to end.

NAHOOR  London Design Fair |

 Super Brands, Booth 3

At the London Design Fair Nahoor presents a limited edition of the Mahari piece (a historic product signed by William Pianta).

For the occasion it was entirely upholstered with Nabuk leather available in 8 different shades. Here it will be also possible to see and feel the large version (diameter: 65 cm) of the Ecliss lamp in both versions, as a table piece and suspended.

DEVON&DEVON  Decorex |

 Booth C24

Much more than a service area: relaxation, beauty and wellbeing reign supreme in the bathroom, stylishly furnished like the interior in the photo, with bath tub and Devon&Devon wallpaper. Gianni Tanini, CEO, describes how “We felt the need to complete our offer with a collection of wallpapers which enabled us to bolster decorative potential for residential, hotelier and private home interiors”.

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POLIFORM  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre – Chelsea Harbour  Showroom: 276 - 278 Kings Road Two events for enthusiasts of Poliform’s unmistakable style.

The company is set to participate in the London Design Festival circuit with its Kings Road store, and with its Design Centre shop in Chelsea Harbour takes part in Focus/17. Two locations renewed for the occasion both in the layout and the exhibiting offer, on the subject “Massaud about design”. Here can be admired the latest innovations by Jean-Marie Massaud, such as the Mondrian sofa (in the photo), the New York ottomans, the Standford armchair, the Ilda small tables and the Sidney collection.

MORE BY PROVASI  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre – Chelsea Harbour

Provasi, specialised in classical furnishing, presents the contemporary design brand More on occasion of the London Design Festival. More modern furnishings, perfect for organising metropolitan home interiors, matching Provasi’s attention to details, materials and quality, with a fresher touch: cushions in cotton and linen, cushions in silk jacquard, linen curtains and more energetic tonalities.

WITH CLAIRE GERMAN  INTERVIEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DESIGN CENTRE, CHELSEA HARBOUR 120 exhibitors, over 100 immersive experiences. What are the main events and news of Focus/17?

Visitors can explore the fascinating journey, from concept to reality, of defining new season collections. This year will see the biggest offering to date. A stellar lineup of international tastemakers take to the main stage including Patricia Urquiola, Nipa Doshi, Katharine Pooley, Madeleine Weinrib, William Yeoward, and many more.

With a burgeoning interest in the design narrative, interactive Access All Areas sessions in the showrooms have never been more popular. There are opportunities to meet design heroes such as Lorenzo Castillo at Abbott & Boyd, Korean designer Teo Yang at Savoir Beds, Ashley Hicks at GP & J Baker and Martin Brudnizki at Porta Romana. At workshops, visitors can try their hand like carving a tile in raw clay at Artisans of Devizes. There are cooking demonstrations at Espresso Design, discussions on social media at Topfloor by Esti and Kohler

Co’s Mark Bickerstaffe will be in West One Bathrooms. There are new dining experiences, imaginative pop-ups and bespoke installations (you can’t miss the stunning spectacle by Cutture or the relaxing Sensory Salon).This fusion of design encounters, together with opportunities to connect with 600+ leading international brands, offers a dynamic collective unseen anywhere else.

What about the exhibitors?

There is remarkable design diversity – 120 international showrooms will showcase the latest launches in both the domes and Design Centre East. The common thread is quality, with creativity, skilled craftsmanship and technical ability lying at the heart of the offering. From contemporary classic and cutting-edge to high performance, it is a veritable treasure trove of exceptional fabrics, furniture, lighting, wallcoverings, accessories, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living, trimmings, leather and carpets that will inspire and amaze.

Focus/17 is hosted at Design Centre.

How much has this area grown?

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, the largest design centre of its kind in Europe, has long been a catalyst of creative connections, but now an exciting new chapter is unfolding. With strategic expansion on the horizon, some highly influential names moving in and a landmark building project underway, the sense of community that already exists is set to get stronger.

The spotlight is on Design East which now boasts 40 showrooms. Focus/17 will see a host of new arrivals including Arteriors, Julian Chichester, Villeroy & Boch, Lacaze London and Siberian Floors. For visitors, there are even more opportunities to get together, connect with design connoisseurs and engage with experts in their fields.

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DE PADOVA  Brompton Design District

 Boffi Showroom: 254 Brompton Road De Padova hosts a large 600 sqm exhibition space for Boffi at Brompton. The Milanese brand has always been passionate about northern European minimal style and presents the recent acquisition of the Danish furnishing start-up MA/U Studio.

There are also furniture pieces by important designers: Mosaïque, the modular sofa by Piero Lissoni and Donzelletta, a chari by Michele De Lucchi, a lighter version of Donzella.

FLEXFORM  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre – Chelsea Harbour

If you are searching for a refined sofa or a comfortable armchair with ottoman, look no further than Flexform. In London, one of its latest products is Adda, in the photo, a sofa designed

by Antonio Citterio, featuring a light structure and upholstered cushions in goose down.

THE RUG COMPANY  Chelsea Design Quarter |

 555 King’s Road

To celebrate its twentieth anniversary, The Rug Company is launching a capsule collection of handmade rugs designed by stylists and designers including Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Kelly Wearstler and Suzanne Sharp. Unique creative moments, imaginative atmospheres and inspirations are immortalized in photos by various artists including Mary McCartney. The rugs and photos are on display in the showroom on the King’s Road. (pictured: the Chiaroscuro rug by Alexander McQueen)

SOMERSET HOUSE  September 18-24

 Strand, WC2R 1LA During LDF 2017, the location will host Design Frontiers, 30 designers from different branches (from Herry Beck to Vivienne Westwood) that will share their experiences - from automotive to fashion, including product design and graphics, digital and performance - and their visions on design in a number of installations and exhibitions hosted by the Terrace Rooms and the West Wing Galleries. Among the events not to be missed the Luminous Reflections exhibition by Tord Boontje and Swarovski; the installations by Benjamin Hubert and LAYER for the launch of the Nolii tech-brand, Miner Gravity by Arik Levy and My Canvas by Kvadrat.

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INTERVIEW WITH

JIMMY MACDONALD DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF LONDON DESIGN FAIR

TUUCI  100%design |

 Booth L422

On show its well-known parasols from the Max collection, such as Max cantilever, available in the versions “Ocean Master” and “Plantation”: the former stands out for its corrosion-resistant polished aluminium mast inspired by sailing yachts, while the latter is distinctive for its aluma-TEAK finish, which combines the naturalness of wood with the durability of aluminium.

LAUFEN - A CURATED ART SHOW. WHAT?  London Design Museum |

 224-238 Kensington High Street

Waiting to be discovered on the second floor is the installation “Laufen – A curated Art Show. What?”: twelve international designers, from Patricia Urquiola to Konstantin Grcic, were invited by Laufen to explore the potential of ceramic material. The result is 18 works that encompass design, abstract and figurative art, technology, three-dimensional printers and computer numerical control machines, ancient artisan know-how and sculptural mastery.

GIORGETTI  Focus/17 |

 Design Centre – Chelsea Harbour

Giorgetti furniture pieces immediately distinguish themselves in virtue of their artisan spirit, contemporary style, quality materials and attention to the finest of details. Some of the latest products include the Sahara ottoman, designed by Rossella Pugliatti, a destructured bergère, with the body defined by an arrangement of cushions.

Last year you have presented “The new London Design Fair”.

What are the news of this edition?

After ten years in the making, the newly presented London Design Fair shone as a beacon of design during last years Festival.

London now has a Fair which is internationally recognized for its diversity and quality of content - this had been our aim for the last 10 years and I’m delighted to say that we delivered.

We are adding exciting new and relevant elements and also building on already successful components: for example, our Guest Country pavilion, Material of the Year, Botany as the inaugural show theme and the returning British Craft Pavilion.

USA, Sweden, Poland... Why they choose your fair?

The London Design Fair has always been known for its international focus. The aim was to create a pathway between the UK and the chosen country and to provide our visitors with direct access to the products and designers they may not otherwise have had the chance to see first hand. In addition, the new third floor hosted the Trentino Collaborations, connecting London based designers with Trentino based manufacturers.

From independent studios (as “our” Matteo Cibic) to global brands.

Breadth and diversity is a cornerstone for our fair, a place where independent studios and global brands sit side by side.

Matteo Cibic is an unconventional Italian creative studio who’s experimental and playful approach caught our eye right away. We also work with dedicated curators: Hole & Corner will curate the British Craft Pavilion and Sight Unseen will curate this year’s Guest Country pavilion: USA. Material of the Year installation celebrates the materials.

A new initiative to explore materials which are having the biggest impact on the contemporary design world. We have selected Jesmonite which is a material whose near-limitless versatility has seen an explosion in its use among designers and which has formed – or been incorporated into – many of the most vividly recent colourful products. We’ve invited the product designer Ariane Prin, founder of PRIN London, to push the limits of the material still further, by creating a site-specific installation that responds to the architecture of the Old Truman Brewery.

What are the main features that the public never find in other fair?

Our understanding and passion for design and our global focus is what sets us apart at The London Design Fair. We spend the year scouring the globe for new names in design and we focus on fostering partnerships across the design world. In turn, we are able to host the largest collection of international exhibitions, designers, brands, coutry pavilions and galleries.

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PEOPLE

 &Opinions

A TALK WITH

LETITIA TAYLOR HEAD OF HARRODS INTERIORS www.harrodsinteriors.com

Harrods Interiors offers interior design and home styling solution, from a single room to a full house.

Harrods Interiors is a multidisciplinary design collective with a team of interiors designers, architects and in-house art consultants.

Working closely with our clients, we create bespoke designs, incorporating fixtures and fittings to suit our clients’ lifestyle, tastes and requirements. We also offer decorative solutions, from helping to plan a single room layout to curating accessories for an entire property.

Our approach to design is very considered, we follow a process and this is why we refer to it as more of a journey than anything else.

This journey allows us to tell a unique story through the language of design.

Our aim is to create spaces that perform their functions brilliantly, evoking everlasting emotions.

SMANIA  Harrods third floor Smania is a notable presence among the various Italian brands in Harrods: the Venetian company is located on the third floor in a 200 sq m space designed to inspire customers and to present the brand’s artisan identity. The products on display include the Contrast collection designed by Alessandro La Spada, a large family made up of a carved wooden sideboard, Amal armchairs, Lock table and Derby sofa.

From the first briefing with the client to the solution, how does it work? Is it a service for new building or also for rebuild and renovation?

We can manage projects of any scale, from furnishing your home to the full redesign and renovation of your property. We pride ourselves on truly taking the time to understand both the personal style of a client and the feel of a space or building.

The experience at Harrods Interiors is very different to that of a typical design studio – we’ll often ask about the buildings a client likes to visit, the places they shop, their fashion style and lifestyle – and gain a real insight into the kind of space that they would like to create.

How do you select the brand furniture? Are international brands and also made in Italy?

Our approach is holistic, we want our design to speak to people on multiple levels, going beyond visual and aesthetic impact and designing for all the senses. We are blessed to have the support and resource of over 600 amazing brands stocked across the Second and Third Floors at Harrods, as well as relationships with many other international brands, bespoke suppliers and specialist makers which support our unique design journey and allow us to deliver our design vision.

We specify many Italian brands for our projects - Giorgetti, Poltrona Frau, to name but a few. We are also very excited about the upcoming

launch of Gio Pagani on the Third Floor at Harrods.

Last march Harrods has launched his own collection of furniture: which is the style?

This is the first time in the store’s history that Harrods has brought its design expertise and renowned eye for style to furniture. The range, designed in-house by Harrods Interiors, draws its aesthetic from Art Deco jewellery and tailoring; comprising upholstery, occasional pieces and case goods, the pieces ooze timeless style but with unexpected and unique detailing. A nod to Harrods heritage and the 1930s brings an air of sophistication to the collection. Luxurious materials and careful attention to detail have gone into each design; velvets and twills for the collection were sourced from among Savile Row’s best suppliers. Case goods have been created

by Italian design house Porada, and upholstery services carried out by family-owned furniture maker, Artistic Upholstery.

Working closely with our clients, we create bespoke designs, incorporating fixtures and fittings to suit our clients’ lifestyle, tastes and requirements

VISIONNAIRE  Harrods third floor Visionnaire’s style and quality are on display on Harrods’ third floor in a 200 sq m exhibition space.

The brand, which is part of historic Bologna company IPE, founded in 1959 by the Cavalli family, presents many tailor-made solutions. It does not offer a single product, but a complete lifestyle for furnishing prestigious villas and metropolitan modern apartments, with outdoor living sets.

Likewise, how has the stylistic demand been changed by architects or customers?

We see our clients asking for a more holistic approach. Design choices are led by emotional needs, design has moved beyond form and function. The focus is now beyond just visual, the approach is much more holistic and effective design now needs to speak to people on multiple levels.

GIOPAGANI  Harrods third floor Giopagani has opened a space on the third floor of Harrods, in the Modern Furniture department. Eleven Capsule Collections, from lights to furniture, rugs and paints. “I am proud that our prestigious partner Harrods believes in our concept of design”, remarks Giovanni Pagani, co-founder and creative director. “The 60 pieces on show are designed to define the space and to convey different feelings and emotions depending on who experiences the environment.”

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ARCH &Interior

THE NEW LONDON SKYSCRAPERS ARE MINI-CITIES MANY NEW LUXURY HOUSING COMPLEXES ARE BEING BUILT IN THE BRITISH CAPITAL. HIGH TOWERS COMPLETE WITH RESTAURANTS, BOUTIQUES, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, SHOPPING MALLS AND PURPOSE-BUILT METRO STATIONS Exclusive new skyscrapers tower up in the London skyline. The affected areas are those on the banks of the Thames, where major redevelopment is underway. They are buildings equipped with every comfort: swimming pools, boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, as well as schools, offices, parks and train stops.

Here are some of the most amazing projects that have recently been completed or are under development.

ONE BLACKFRIARS One Blackfriars is located between the Tate Modern and the National Theatre, a short walk from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. One Blackfriars is a 50-story, 170-metre-high tower created by the Ian Simpson Architects firm in South Bank. The majestic building, which will be completed in 2017, involves architects, interior designers, landscape designers and lighting designers.

The apartments include gyms, spas, a cinema room, a wine cellar and an executive lounge on the 32nd floor.

Developed by St George PLC, which specializes in luxury residences, One Blackfriars offers housing for prestigious customers, with prices up to 23 million pounds. The interiors are designed by

One Blackfriars The 170 meters of One Blackfriars dominate London, a short walk from the Thames river Below: The living area of the prestigius Kensington suite on the 43rd floor

© Courtesy of SimpsonHaugh & Partners Architects

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Tara Bernerd and Partners and feature different collections depending on the floor: for example, the classic, elegant Royal Collection characterizes the apartments on floors 43, 44 and 45.

The Greenwich Suite on the 45th floor is on sale for 18 million pounds, personalized with elegant furnishings and a breath-taking view.

NINE ELMS Nine Elms in South Bank is an important redevelopment project of an old industrial area. It is an emerging district that includes residences, urban areas, office spaces, the New Covent Garden Market, the city’s most important market for fresh produce, and the new American embassy will be opened here in 2017.

39 commercial and residential sites, 15 billion in investments, 20,000 new homes. Nine Elms, which is 8 minutes from Westminster, will be connected to the Northern line in 2020 thanks to the creation of two purpose-built metro stops.

Seven design firms are involved in the project: Rafael Viñoly, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Sir Terry Farrell, Kohn Pedersen Fox, Kieran Timberlake, Foster + Partners and Gehry Partners. Work is already underway: you can see updates on an interactive map on the site nineelmslondon.com

Poliform is furnishing the penthouses of St George Wharf Tower, also known as Vauxhall Tower or simply The Tower.

It is a prestigious 181-meter-high residential tower in the Vauxhall neighbourhood, part of the St George Wharf urban development. The company has supplied the Ubik oak walk-in-closets, complete systems with pull-out shoe racks, trouser racks and shirt holders, trays and drawers.

The breath-taking view from the luxury bedroom of the Kensington suite

CANALETTO Canaletto was presented in 2013 with an impressive 4D video projection and over half the 190 apartments have been sold within four months of its launch. The new 31-story residential tower, which was completed in 2015, is located in City Road, at the crossroads of lively districts such as Clerkenwell, The City, Islington

The best of the Italian production for luxury apartments in London Lema was chosen to furnish the apartments that are being built in the new site of the Battersea Power Station, a large residential and commercial area on the banks of the Thames formed of gardens, boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, workspaces and social areas.

The brand will supply 2,300 closets, specifically the Armadio al Centimetro model, a made-to-measure system tailored for this complex.

© Courtesy of UNStudio

A continuous aluminum ‘border’ characterizes the architecture of Canaletto

and Shoreditch. The project was created by UNStudio, the firm headed

by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos. The tower is characterized by a decoration that adorns the façade, a continuous aluminum ‘border’ which, in addition to its aesthetic role, serves to divide the apartments into blocks.

Customers can enjoy refined interiors overseen by design company Goddard Littlefair: as designer Martin Goddard has stated, the interior is linear but a luxury atmosphere has been recreated thanks to the marble details and polished beams. Canaletto offers terraces for every apartments, a cinema, gym, restaurant, entertainment area and an excellent concierge service.

The comfort of a home with the benefits of a five-star hotel.

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Over 3,300 new homes in this new district on the Themes shoreline

CANARY WHARF The new futuristic luxury district under construction on the banks of the Thames. There are over 3,300 new homes available in the studio format, with one or two bedrooms, as well as commercial spaces, stores and restaurants.

The construction sites, under the direction of the Canary Wharf Group, are already underway and the first phase of work will be completed in 2018.

This will be followed by the opening of the One Park Drive building by Herzog & de Meuron, which stands out from the other buildings due to its circular shape. The whole district is enlivened by five shopping centres for residents, a school that can accommodate 420 children, restaurants, shops and a hospital. Additionally, 200 cultural events will be organized every year. In 2018, a train station will also be opened to make this site, which is just 6 minutes from Liverpool Street, even better-connected.

32 IFDM London On Design

21 HARRINGTON ROAD Alongside these micro-cities, there are pocket-sized luxury London residences: multi-apartments, former warehouses converted into modern lofts, Victorian mansions redesigned for buyers with an international taste.

The most popular areas include: areas along the Thames and the most stylish districts, such as Kensington and Chelsea. South Kensington boasts the exclusive apartments on 21 Harrington Road, which feature interiors designed by the AND firm: for sale at prices starting from 1.5 million pounds, they are equipped with heated floors, Miele kitchens, marble bathrooms, wood panelling and feature a spectacular panoramic view.

The refined contemporary living of Harrington Road



Geometric curves design the shape of South Bank Tower and its 193 flats

ECONOMY &Market

POSITIVE ENERGY FROM EXPORTS

© Courtesy of CIT

BRITISH FURNITURE HAS SEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN EXPORTS. CHINA HAS BECOME THE NUMBER TWO NONEUROPEAN DESTINATION, AFTER THE USA

SOUTH BANK TOWER Completed in 2016, South Bank Tower is a tower that stands beside the Thames. It boasts forty-one floors and 193 luxury apartments, of which 90% have already been sold, ranging from 2 million to 450,000 pounds.

The skyscraper was developed by CIT, the independent real estate brand that has operated in the most prestigious areas in London since 1995.

The project is by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, a firm that is famous for having designed The Pinnacle and

The Heron Tower in London. The interior was designed by 1508 London, Goddard Littlefair, Studio Ashby and Rachel Winham. The apartments are different sizes: from studios to solutions with four bedrooms to penthouses. The tower also features large terraces, a lounge on the top floor, a business suite, a room with a private cinema, a 20 metre swimming pool, a sauna, Turkish bath and gym.

The penthouses are solutions for the most demanding customers: it includes outdoor fireplaces for warming up evenings with friends.

In 2016, the overall value of furniture manufactured in the United Kingdom grew by 9.3% compared to the previous year, according to a survey conducted by the BFM – British Furniture Manufacturers.

Imports increased by 9.6%.

The most interesting figure is that of the exports, which soared by 13.9%. Specifically, sales in the European Union grew by 19.8% and in the rest of the world by 8.4%, generating a total value of two billion pounds.

Numbers that indicate a good state of health, especially given the climate of uncertainty that followed the vote on Brexit. Soft furnishings saw a major boost in sales abroad with an increase of 82% in the EU and 54.4% overall, for a

value of 80 million pounds.

The performance was good for exports of chairs (+15.7%), furniture for living rooms (+8.8%) and for offices and stores (+11.5%), while exports of bedroom furniture fell by 7.5% and kitchens by 20.8%.

Outside the EU, the main market for furniture manufactured in the United Kingdom is the United States, which saw a further increase of 19% for a value of 533 million pounds.

The number two nonEuropean partner has now switched to China, which bought 83 million pounds’ worth of British furniture, more than the UAE, Qatar, Switzerland and Australia.

In the European Union, the leading partner of the United Kingdom in the furniture sector is Ireland, which receives 30% of the furniture exported to the EU, worth 277 million pounds.

The second most important European market in 2016 was France, which increased purchases of British furniture by 50%, for a value of around 211 million pounds, exceeding Germany.

British furniture manufacturers do not, however, hide their concerns over Brexit, especially over any restriction to access for workers from EU countries. BFM calculated that around 34% of people currently employed in the sector are citizens from other EU countries.

IFDM 33

London On Design

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in the world

NOVEMBER

DUBAI DOESN’T STOP, IT DOUBLES INSTEAD Great expectations for Dubai Design Week 2017 (November 13-18) that, riding on the exponential growth recorded in 2016 (doubled area and an increase of 75% in the number of visitors compared to 2015), ensuring its position as the most important design-oriented event in the MENASA area.

Solid core of the exhibition the Dubai Design Discrict (D3), a true Smart City at the rear of Downtown which has become in a short time the reference point for the architecture and design worlds with the opening of important architectural studies in the last year including Foster & Partners and Calatrava. Downtown Design (14/17 November) is the Dubai Design Week’s commercial car, which in its second edition will double its space to accommodate over 150 brands for furniture and accessories, with confirmations by historic exhibitors and the arrival of new international brands such as B&B Italia, Carl Hansen & Son, Baker, Edra, Ethimo, Herman Miller, Kettal and Mdf Italia.

Sleep 2016 © Sven Eselgroth NOVEMBER

AGAIN IN LONDON WITH SLEEP Sleep, the most important event in Europe in the field of the design and development of hotels, returns on 21 and 22 November. The event asked more than 130 exhibitors who will be attending this edition to reflect on the provocative theme “Loyalty: Lessons in Love”, in other words, what loyalty means to them. A strong international presence will see the participation of Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States. Brands that have confirmed their attendance include: Chelsom and Fabbian for lighting, Serralunga for indoor&outdoor furniture, Perrin&Rowe and Grohe for bathrooms, Phillip Jeffries for wallpaper. Making their debut: Ercol, Ligne Roset, Sans Souci, THG Paris, Artemide and Bang&Olufsen.

Hexalite Installation by Swarovski & Zeinab Al Hashemi DXBDW2016

OCTOBER

ICFF, TWO DAYS TO FASCINATE MIAMI Second edition for ICFF Miami’s 48-hours celebration (October 3-4), sister of the historic New York event. Miami remains a strategic hub not only for being a glamorous city, but for its special position as possible bridge to lush Caribbean markets and Central and South America. The array of exhibitors and visitors is ambitious, the dominant style is the so-called “contemporary classic”, often present in large villas and exclusive apartments in the skyscrapers of the city of Florida. London’s Knight Frank in his annual report includes Miami among the ten wealthiest cities in terms of real estate. ICFF’s organizers set in motion the marketing machine to involve more than 400,000 top class users and engage 6,000 luxury designers.

34 IFDM London On Design

Design Talks @ ICFF Miami 2016

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