As the driving force of creativity and commerce during London Design Festival, 100% Design will return from 17-20th September, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
International creator Philippe Starck will open the show on 17th September, to coincide with the unveiling of Flexible Architecture, his new ceramic tile collection for Ceramica Sant’Agostino on Capitol Designer Studio’s stand.
100% Design 2014 has also secured the presence of a range of leading names in the design and creative industry, from Heal’s and Vitra, to Jaime Hayon, El Ultimo Grito and Nina Tolstrup.
This special edition, staged over 22,000 sqm within Earls Court London, will mark the show’s last appearance at this iconic venue before moving to Olympia London in 2015.
Since the show was first staged in a tent off King’s Road, London, in 1995, it has gone on to become the benchmark event for promoting design excellence and creativity, both within and outside the UK. This year, 100% Design has increased its overall exhibition space by 20%.
Based upon the central curatorial theme, Serendipity, and supported by the lead creative, Design Kaleidoscope, this year’s 100% Design aims to express the opportunities created by the show - from collaborations to projects and product launches.
100% Design 2014 will comprise four key industry sections - Interiors, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Workplace and Eco, Design & Build. The ever-popular Emerging Brands - with 30% increase in exhibition space this year - will also return, showcasing new design talent, alongside International Pavilions, featuring an array of innovative designs by creative practices from around the world.
Furthermore, as a leading commissioner of creative content to encourage thoughts, discussions and interactions, 100% Design has commissioned a group of design teams - led by show designer Thomas.Matthews - to produce thought-provoking installations for the central hubs of the industry sections.
The show’s long-established design excellence will further extend to the dramatic entrance tunnel, central bar (sponsored by OIKOS), restaurant and VIP lounge – all of which will be designed by Studio Design UK. Meanwhile, the auditorium - home to Talks with 100% Design - will be designed by El Ultimo Grito and host a series of live debates and seminars over four days. The talks programme, curated by Claire Barrett, will boast a range of international speakers including Jaime Hayon, Nina Tolstrup, Maxim Velcovsky and Eric Klarenbeek.
To mark its 20th edition, 100% Design 2014 will also present a range of celebratory events - from an integrated timeline around the central bar designed by Studio Design UK, to a curated exhibition - entitled Design Kaleidoscope - showcasing 20 iconic design products launched at 100% Design.
William Knight, show director, comments: “100% Design has achieved so much in the last 20 years - from starting as a boutique UK design show, to now becoming an international event with an extensive global reach.
“Despite the increase in both scale and visitor numbers over the years, 100% Design stays true to its long-standing commitment to design, innovation and quality. The show continues to offer an unrivalled platform for aspirational design brands, as well as emerging young designers, to showcase their talent and creativity. Our visitors come to the show not only to see new ideas and innovative products, but to connect with others – whether they be fellow visitors or exhibitors.
“This year’s 100% Design will celebrate its legacy but also look ahead to see where design will take us in the next 20 years. In addition to another great line-up of exhibiting brands, the central hubs of our key industry sections will fully encapsulate the unique position of our show in the global design industry, as a leading commissioner of thought-provoking features that engage, inspire and inform.
“100% Design 2014 will be one of our best shows yet with the highest standard of design, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone who has been part of the show history this September.”
