So much great design to see, so little time. I’m working on my London Design Festival schedule as we speak but thought I would throw a few exciting events your way before it all becomes a blur. Firstly and most importantly in my mind is TRIBALALA – a collaboration between favourite London retailer Darkroom and artist/ textile designer extraordinaire Camille Walala. Women after my own heart, TRIBALALA celebrates their shared love of the Ndebele tribe of South Africa utilising a bold and brilliant colour scheme and great geometrics. Camille has been busy designing more of her amazing tribal pop prints to cover cushions, tiles, posters, stationary and an eye-popping window display to top it all off. Alongside this bounty of beauty, Lulu & Rhonda of Darkroom have created an inaugural collection of knitted accessories and blankets that aim to translate the grid work process of Ndebele beading into stitches and weaving. It’s a must see next Monday 17th from 6.30pm.
In continuing the theme of admiration for and inspiration of indigenous design, the V&A is hosting a panel discussion of leading design and textile experts as they debate the issues of cultural identity, ethics and sustainability in indigenous design. “Why Indigenous Design Matters” will be held in Seminar Room 1 at 10-12pm, Thursday 20th at the V&A Musuem and BDWA will be front row for sure.
Next on the schedule for now is BDWA favourite Faye Toogood, she and her team will be launching The Back Room from their North London canal-side location. Back Room is a celebration of the “post-industrial” era and the resurgence of individuals and small collectives applying their own skills within the urban city to produce, make, manufacture and sell direct. Her continued collaboration with delicious food designers Arabeschi di Latte, who have created a new take on the ploughman’s, “The M25 Luncheon” for Back Room means you can eye off some seriously smart design and get well fed as well. Faye Toogood is one of the most exciting creatives working today, her complete vision, refreshing and effective concepts and continued collaborations are both brave and brilliant. Bring on The Back Room – Studio Toogood, 1 Baldwin Terrace, N1 7RU. Saturday 15th-Friday 21st, 11am-5pm. Be there.
I will continue to post LDF best bits and top tips but be sure to get your hands on a copy of the Icon Design Trail guide as it will give you great festival tips, introductions to unknowns, East/ Central/West locations at a glance and maps to make it all easier. Happy hunt and gather.
APPETITE FOR DECORATION 