London Design Festival 2024

It’s incredible to see people’s growth over time. Back in 2019, we interviewed Marjan because of her pioneering work in the solar energy innovation field. Now, five years later, she’s being commissioned one of LDF’s landmark projects, titled The Sun, My Heart. Designed as an immersive experience, the installation aims to synchronise “visitors’ hearts with solar rhythms, expanding awareness of our relationship with the celestial body,” the organisation explains. The mesmerising play of lights will be complemented by a soundscape based on NASA’s solar recordings, turning it into a full 360 experience that bridges technology, nature, self-reflection, and emotional connection.

Opening on September 17th at Safehouse 2, this group exhibition will showcase avant-garde works in the fields of digital art, photography, and more. Founded by artist Yiru Wang, Saturn VII is a studio “dedicated to exploring the intersection of contemporary art and advanced technology,” fostering the talent of emerging creatives. In Escape from Tartarus, a nod to Greek mythology that symbolises extreme punishment and despair, various artists including Fan Yang, Mathijs Hunfeld, Jiapeng Liu, Jingyi Jiang, Lanxi Zhang, Fan Bangyu or Minglin He will showcase their pieces depicting both helplessness and hope.

How many times have you wondered ‘what the hell is this’ or ‘what is this supposed to be for’ when travelling around the world? Lacking historical, cultural, and social context is natural, and so is our innate curiosity for things we’re not familiar with. Non-profit organisation the Travel Things Museum has got you covered and is organising an exhibit dedicated “to celebrating the marvels of global travel, discovery, interaction, and cultural exchange.” For the occasion, they’ve invited six different collectors to showcase some of their most treasured objects, from flyswatters to McDonald’s happy meals, to airlines memorabilia, dolls, lettering, and antique cream pots.

Running from September 18th to 22nd, the third edition of the fair promises to be as exciting and forward-thinking as the previous. Bringing together an excellent curation of both emerging talent and established brands or companies, there’s a running thread: the smart and innovative approach to materials, be it discarded or newly created. It’s an incredible opportunity to discover what the near future might bring in everything from furniture to clothing, to manufacturing and construction.

“Welcome to the Juicy Booth, a sensory booth where you can come and release your shame and shed your guilt.” As exciting as this may sound, Annie Frost Nicholson’s artwork-installation tackles the depth of our psyche and emotions in an unexpected yet creative and useful way. In collaboration with The Loss Project and K67 Berlin, the artist’s booth is a cocoon that envelops you and allows you to get intimate and vulnerable by telling it something that makes you ashamed. After sharing that, the lighting design by Norman Wassmuth and the sound design by Kaan Bulak with take you on a cathartic journey. And after that, you’ll be given some resources to support you, curated by The Loss Project.

Besides cool exhibitions and installations, we also must recommend this culinary experience hosted by e5 Bakehouse on September 21st. Culinary artist Barney Pau, interdisciplinary artist Francesca Anfossi, and curator Huma Kabakci have teamed up for a “food-focused experiential exploration of challenging how we eat, to change what we eat” where each course, served on a new series of plates and platters hand-made in terracotta by Anfossi, will examine the most detrimental farming practices causing ecological collapse (and, of course, the possible solutions or alternatives that might save us from a horrible future). Needless to say, you need to get your ticket in advance, which you can find on this link.

Many people in the fashion industry, especially those who’ve been a part of it for several decades, notice (and complain about) the lack of professionals in the areas focused on craftsmanship. There are so many designers and so-called creative directors, but there are fewer and fewer specialising in more niche areas like patterns, textiles, or embroidery. The Métiers d’Art Embroidery Fellowship by Chanel tries to solve that problem stitch by stitch. This exhibition held at the King’s Foundation public space, The Garrison Chappel, showcases a selection of exquisite work by a select group of students who were granted a twenty-four-week educational programme with intensive technical training to pass on the legacy of Haute Couture ateliers.

If you’re into interior design and all-things-aesthetic, don’t miss the rare opportunity to visit HAY’s London showroom and discover the company’s new collections, ranging from furniture to lighting to accessories, designed by renowned designers like Doshi Levien, Naoto Fukasawa, Marc Morro, Stefan Scholten, and more.

If you’re a fan of all-things-Japan, the wagumi design store is your place. For a second year, they’re bringing unique craft items from the Kagoshima prefecture, which remains pretty unknown to the Western audience. The region’s rich heritage includes textiles, tea, bamboo crafts, ceramics, and glass, among others, all of which carry a centuries-long legacy with them.

Last but not least, another of the landmark projects especially commissioned by the London Design Festival. In collaboration with Barbie (Mattel) and Visit Greater Palm Springs, Studiomama’s Nina Tolstrup has made three different pavilions of wonder. Through Dream: Infinity Garden; Discover: Design Stories; and Reflect: Playful Pauses, the audience will be able to explore the Californian lifestyle, architecture, and mindset.