Collection by Ali Morris
Highlights from London Design Festival 2013
The 11th edition of London Design Festival introduced over 300 events and exhibitions staged across the city. From interactive installations to retail events to product launches, the nine day festival has something for everyone. We've already toured the show to bring you a selection of events that are not-to-be-missed.
Continue through the museum's hallways, where you will be greeted by a hypnotic gateway made up of 5000 paper windmills. The installation is the work of Lebanese designer Najla El Zein, who named the piece 'The And Portal' - a playful airway that draws wind and light into the galleries beyond.
Over in St James's Park, the highly anticipated collaboration between London-based designer Sebastian Wrong and Danish design brand HAY is on display inside an ornately decorated Georgian townhouse. The opulent interiors provide the perfect contrast for the collection's sleek and contemporary lines.
Continuing the postmodern theme, esteemed London design showroom, Darkroom, is currently hosting a 'So Sottsass season' with a new collection of merchandise inspired by the visionary Italian architect and designer, Ettore Sottsass.
The wares have been expertly styled into a playful display that transforms the store's London showroom into a mecca of Memphis.
Alongside Nagasaka's Resin Collection, British designer Faye Toogood has created an atmospheric installation called 'The Conductor'. The interactive piece is made up of 160 fluorescent bulbs connected up to a switchboard of cast resin switches. Visitors can operate the switches, which each play a different note when flicked on and off, to create their own personal light and audio show within the space.
On the lawn of the Tate Modern museum, architects dRMM have installed a surreal staircase inspired by MC Escher. Overlooking the Thames, the staircase is constructed from a series of giant interlocking staircases made from American Tulipwood and sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council.
Flying the flag for the American design scene, brands such as Lostine, Roll & Hill and the American Design Club have set up shop within East London design store, SCP. Called the Special Relationship, the show also celebrates the brand's new product launches by young American design talents Fort Standard, Bec Brittian and Mark McGinnis. Also be sure to check out the store's newly opened basement floor, which is entirely dedicated to design accessories.