And The Exhibition of The Month Goes To...

100% Design

100% Design is the UK largest and most important contemporary design trade show and the event has experienced additional significant changes for 2017, occurring this year at Olympia London from 20 to 23 of September.

The 23rd edition

100% Design, Olympia. Photo © Antonio M. / Studiostand 2017

The late September event is widely considered to be the building of the London Design Festival as well as one of the most significant events on the global trade calendar.

This year many internationally recognised brands attended, in addition to some younger design studios and the freshest design talent emerging on the market with a total of more than 400 exhibitors on show with impressive exhibition stand design.

The event brought some big names from the international scene to the much-acclaimed Talks With 100% Design. The show continues to attract top figures every year, who follow previous design supporters such as Philippe Starck, Richard Rogers and Yves Behar. This year is no exception and the designers taking the stage included Michael Young, Ross Lovegrove, Lee Broom and Naomi Cleaver. Design London was also present for the second consecutive year and offered a carefully selected group of brands showcasing the very best in high quality design, detail and craftsmanship. A key part of the international design series that includes Design Shanghai and Design Joburg, the show presents London as the premier stage for high quality design and innovation.

With major changes taking place in the UK, it is imperative London remains a key location for global design and architecture, and that it continues to promote progressive thinking and best practice. The creative industries housed within 100% Design this year provided an extraordinary insight into the diversity and quality of design, both in the UK and beyond its shores.

Elements

The 23rd edition of 100% Design references every component of the design process, from the historic principles that define the industry to the component parts that make up a product.

100% Design, Olympia. Photo © Antonio M. / Studiostand 2017

The notion of design is ever-present and this year's theme ‘elements’ focuses on the particulars of design. All these ideas were displayed at Olympia, the celebrated venue which opened its doors to the world in 1886 and went on to exhibit some of the most innovative designs of the day. The 100% Design team has been inspired to tell the stories behind these everyday products with a host of eye-catching features and a varied talks programme that included prominent names within the industry.

The five show sections were filled with a selection of carefully curated brands and innovative products, each shaped by complex mechanisms and components that are usually unseen and reinforced by an untold story that celebrates skill and technical ability. This plays a key role in understanding the product lifecycle and allows visitors to pause for thought and consider the fascinating process.

100% Design is a place for making connections with people but also with products and this year’s 5 show exemplifies that. It is an exciting time to be a part of this creative industry.