Design fairs 2021: see our highlights
Design fairs are back, and we couldn’t be more excited! We round up some of the most exciting events and new discoveries from 3 days of design, Milan Design Week and LDF in 2021.
Copenhagen – 3 days of design
Denmark’s annual design festival was back with a bang this September. The first major European fair to take place since the Coronavirus pandemic began, we were very happy to see so many of our brands launching new designs and transformed showrooms.
Unfortunately, the Nest team couldn’t make it over to Copenhagen this year, but we still enjoyed virtually browsing the showrooms and exhibitions from afar. Here are some of our highlights…
New Works Tabula exhibition – In collaboration with Lotta Agaton Interiors, New Works transformed their showroom from shadowy muted tones to a brighter palette to light up the season ahead. We especially loved the Tense pendant installation that was reminiscent of floating clouds, and the sneak peek at the new Margin Table Lamp – coming soon to Nest.
The Nuura showroom – a Danish brand known for their exquisite luminaries, Nuura presented an updated showroom during 3 days of design. The new Liila 7 wall light and its halo of light really caught our eye.
New designs from Audo Copenhagen – Audo Copenhagen opened the doors to The Audo for an exclusive look at their new product releases. The Audo is a unique concept that brings together the head office, co-working facilities, a hotel, and a retail area in a single community.
ferm LIVING’s transformed showroom – In their new home at the heart of Copenhagen, ferm LIVING showcased their AW21 collection, including the Feve Desk and Oyster lighting collection. Live music, design talks and an alfresco farmers market also brought ferm LIVING’s boutique to life.
A look inside the new HAY house – HAY’s flagship store has been given a colourful update and was unveiled during this year’s 3 days of design. Located in central Copenhagen in a beautiful art-nouveau style building, we would definitely recommend a visit to HAY house 2.0 if you find yourself in the Danish capital.
Milan – Milan Design Week
After being cancelled and then postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were delighted to see Milan Design Week finally open its doors again this September. Although a slightly smaller affair than in previous years, the mood in Milan was celebratory and many of the biggest brands took the opportunity to present new designs and exhibitions. We round up some of the best bits.
I’ll be your mirror exhibition – Featuring designs from House of Finn Juhl, Fredericia, Astep and Atelier Areti, this colourful, immersive installation transformed a Milanese apartment with Scandinavian design. Using bold colours and the presence of a mirror in every room, designers Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer and Elise Ossina have created a timeless space that brings together classic and contemporary design.
New designs from FLOS – Amongst a flurry of new designs, Flos celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Parentesi at this year’s Milan Design Week with the launch of two distinctive new colours for the light. The new signal orange and turquoise finishes were displayed in a special installation by Calvi Brambilla.
London – LDF
LDF returned this year for its 19th edition, with over 200 events, talks, workshops and installations. The Nest team were lucky enough to spend a few days in London soaking up the atmosphere and visiting some of our favourite brands.
New designs from Fritz Hansen – We’re particularly excited about Fritz Hansen’s autumn launches, which the team managed to see in the flesh in London. Alongside new colours from the Kaiser Idell and Drop Chair, the brand have announced a new lighting design called the Clam. This openable, seashell-shaped pendant has been described as a ‘pearl of light’ – and we think it’s an instant classic.
Planted exhibition – The first contemporary design show to reconnect people and spaces with nature, Planted took place at Kings Cross between the 23-26th September. A really interesting take on the traditional design show, Planted seeks to effect positive change in the design industry and beyond by showcasing beautiful design that improves our tomorrow. You can find out more here.
New designs from Tom Dixon – To celebrate LDF, Tom Dixon explored the theme of materiality with an exhibition in their Coal Drops Yard showroom and showcased a collection of new designs. Part of Tom Dixon’s ‘Grand Tour’ of eight European cities, it was great to see the new Melt Chandelier and Press lighting collection in person.
Inspired by these designs? Shop all our new arrivals here. Did you have a favourite moment from any of the design fairs in 2021? Share your highlights with us on Instagram at @nest_co_uk.
