SEPTEMBER DESIGN DIARY 2023
It’s back to school season and we’re back with our monthly Design Diary, your guide to the best events, exhibitions, talks and more to visit in the design world. This September’s jam-packed schedule is every design lover’s dream, with the return of iconic events as well as things to do for fanatics of fashion, ceramics, architecture and more. Keep reading for our top picks.
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL
16 – 24 SEPTEMBER
London Design Festival takes over the city once again from 16 – 24 September with immersive installations, pop-up exhibitions, keynotes, open studios and more in the UK’s largest celebration of design. Check out the full programme below.
LONDON DESIGN FAIR RETURNS
TRUMAN BREWERY, 21 – 24 SEPTEMBER
London Design Fair (formerly known as Tent London) has long had a reputation for giving up and coming designers and talent a platform to share their work.
The 2023 edition, taking place at Truman Brewery in Shoreditch on 21-24 September, will feature an array of designers just starting out on their professional journey. Covering all area of design, the pieces and work on display next month will give visitors a fresh perspective, fresh ideas and fresh inspiration for their projects.
Other features include the LDNdesign talks Theatre, The British Craft Pavilion, ‘Homes with a Heart’ sustainable living room set, and much more.
Book your ticket to meet the designers, see their work first-hand and discover something new
MATERIAL MATTERS
BARGEHOUSE, OXO TOWER WHARF, 20 – 23 SEPTEMBER
After a hugely successful launch in 2023, Material Matters makes its comeback this September to the iconic Bargehouse in Oxo Tower Wharf. From the creators of the critically acclaimed Material Matters podcast, the show unites 40+ globally renowned brands, designers, creators, manufacturers and institutions in celebration of the significance of materials and their ability to shape our lives.
BRING NO CLOTHES: BLOOMSBURY AND FASHION
CHARLESTON, 13 SEPTEMBER 2023 – 7 JANUARY 2024
From 13 September until 7 January 2024, visit Charleston’s brand new space in the picturesque town of Lewes to experience Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion, the first major exhibition exploring the fashion of the Bloomsbury group and their impact on global style today.
CERAMICS IN THE CITY
MUSEUM OF THE HOME, 23 – 24 SEPTEMBER
Ceramics in the City returns this year after a six-year hiatus, bringing together the work of 45 leading ceramic artists and rising talents in a vibrant showcase curated by Karen Bunting.
GABRIELLE CHANEL - FASHION MANIFESTO
V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON, 16 SEPTEMBER 2023 – 25 FEBRUARY 2024
Following its debut in Paris in 2020, ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’ is now launching in London, marking the first ever retrospective in the UK dedicated solely to the artistic legacy of Gabrielle Chanel. Adapted from the exhibition created by the Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, the exhibition pays tribute to the designer’s enduring influence on the world of fashion.
CRAFTY FOX CONNECTS
MUSEUM OF THE HOME, 16 SEPTEMBER
If you’re an artist or maker looking to expand your network, skillset and business, Crafty Fox Connects is the place for you. In this maker-led conference on 16 September from 10am-4pm, meet a community of like-minded creatives and gain valuable insights from an incredible line-up of speakers, industry professionals and creative business owners.
TOP DRAWER
OLYMPIA LONDON, 10 – 12 SEPTEMBER
Top Drawer is one of the UK’s most prominent retail tradeshows where trendsetters flock to network, discover, buy, sell and much more. Connect with the newest design stories from emerging brands and established names from all corners of the lifestyle industry and learn from expert speakers about the retail landscape and struggles within the industry.
RIBA+VITRA TALKS: BEYOND BOUNDARIES - ASIF KHAN
RIBA, 66 PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON – 27 SEPTEMBER
The RIBA + VitrA talks unite architects who are building structures shaped by their context and grounded in principles of integrity. The autumn series kicks off with Asif Khan, whose innovative work goes beyond conventional architectural practices with an explorative approach which has led to a diverse portfolio encompassing impressive projects of varying scales.
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