The Design Museum‘s annual Designs of the Year Awards are back for the fifth year, celebrating the best in global designs from the past twelve months. Industry experts have nominated designs across seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport and the results are showcased at the museum.

DESIGNS OF THE YEAR, 8th February-15th July 2012

DESIGN MUSEUM

28 Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD (020 7940 8790)

The nominees cover a strong mix of designs including the Olympic Torch 2012 for London designed by Barber Osgerby, the Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding Dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a wind-propelled Landmine Detonator which costs $40 to produce.

All of the nominations are on show at the Design Museum in the Designs of the Year exhibition. From this comprehensive list, a jury will select the seven category winners and an overall winner for the Design of the Year 2012.

The exhibition is curated by Ria Hawthorn. The winners will be announced on 24th April 2012.

Images – from top: Guangzhou Opera House by Zaha Hadid Architects (photo by Iwan Baan); 787 Dreamliner (photo by Ed Turner); Jawbone Jambox by fuseproject; Textile Field by Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec (textile by Kvadrat); Harbour Chair by Ed Carpenter for Very Good & Proper. 

Gallery Libby Sellers is presenting the first solo show in London by young Swiss designer Nicolas le Moigne, comprising lighting, product and furniture designs that have been created in the years since his graduation in 2007.

NICOLAS LE MOIGNE, 8th February-10th March 2011

GALLERY LIBBY SELLERS

41-42 Berners Street, London W1T 3NB (020 3384 8785)

Le Moigne graduated in product design from ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne in 2007, when gallery owner Libby Sellers first picked up on his work. To offer an overview of his work since then, this London exhibition brings together some of his designs for industrial companies as well as limited editions commissioned for NextLevel Galerie in Paris and Helmrinderknecht in Berlin.

Le Moigne (now a professor at ECAL), is happy to work between industrial clients and specialist design galleries. This juxtaposition is celebrated in the exhibition, which includes the debut of several new designs.

The designer’s approach is described by the gallery as showing “an understanding of complexity and contrast: seemingly fragile yet resilient, at once organic yet also industrial, assuredly sophisticated yet without guile.”

The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-4.

Images – from top: Slip stools, 2009. Photography by Tonaitiuh Ambrosetti. Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers; Flore vase, 2009. Photography by Tonaitiuh Ambrosetti. Courtesy NextLevel Galerie, Paris; Gaia plate, 2009. Photography by Tonaitiuh Ambrosetti. Courtesy NextLevel Galerie, Paris; Reflecting ring, 2010. Courtesy A. E. Koechert, Vienna; Podium low table, 2011. Photography by D. Droz + T. Ambrosetti. Courtesy Helmrinderknecht, Berlin; Slip Lamp, 2011. Photography by D. Droz + T. Ambrosetti. Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers.

In this new exhibition, The Aram Gallery is exploring the use of 3D printing in the design industry today, showcasing works by designers and organisations who are developing the capabilities of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing technologies.

‘SEND TO PRINT / PRINT TO SEND’, 13th January-25th February 2012

THE ARAM GALLERY

Aram, 110 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5SG

The exhibition highlights the increasingly important role 3D printing plays in the design process, particularly during the complex prototyping stages.

Featuring pieces from the studios of both established and emerging designers, The Aram Gallery uses this exhibition as a way to examine how designers’ processes are developing to accommodate new technological advances.

The aim is the offer visitors a better understanding of what 3D printing is, and demonstrate how it is being contemporaneously used.

Participating designers include Assa Ashuach, Michael Eden, FAT, Freedom of Creation, Jump Studios, Markus Kayser, Dirk van der Kooij, Chau Har Lee, PearsonLloyd, Chloe McCormick, Serie, Superfusionlab, Silvia Weidenbach and Unfold.

To coincide with the Christmas season, leading auction house Phillips de Pury & Company is presenting a pop-up shop of unique works, limited-editions and prints by a dynamic group of artists and designers.

PHILLIPS DE PURY POP-UP SHOP, 2nd December 2011-31st January 2012

PHILLIPS DE PURY & COMPANY at Claridges

45-47 Brook Street, London W1K 4HN (020 7318 4010)

The exclusively curated selection includes original works such as Watch Sculptures by Dominic Wilcox, Push + Pivot Rings by Bethan Laura Woods, and hand-painted graphic t-shirts, prints and accessories by DavidDavid.

London based designer Martino Gamper has curated a special Martino and Friends section especially for the shop. Gamper has made a bespoke shelving unit to display his selection. Highlights from the Martino and Friends section include Francis Upritchard’s hand painted Christmas cards and wrapping paper, jewellery from Gemma Holt and Rob Upritchard, and a set of drinking glasses with carafe from Martino Gamper.

Other talents included in the pop-up include Max Lamb, Michael Anastassiades, Tauba Auerbach, Faye Toogood, Snarkitecture, Brunno Jahara, Humans Since 1982, Pia Wustenberg, Victoria Wilmotte, Jonathan Muecke, Oeuffice, and Ben Adams.

Note: the pop-up shop will be closed from 24 December – 3 January.

All images courtesy of Phillips de Pury & Company.

Christmas stockings are surely one of the pleasures of the season, full of unusual treasures either practical or whimsical. We asked the owners of 4 London design retailers – Jasper Morrison Shop, The Republic of Fritz Hansen, Mint and SCP – to nominate 4 of their favourite stocking fillers from their own stores.

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First up is Jasper Morrison Shop (selection pictured above), a gem of a store from the the British designer of the same name. Buyer Ruth Donaghey sets out her four nominations:

1. Moon espresso cup and saucer by Jasper Morrison for Rosenthal, £15: Finest porcelain quality, essential form and natural good looks for the espresso connoisseur.

2. Foil Cutter, £5: A Spanish classic for removing the foil from wine bottle tops with ease and precision.

3. Pentel pens in 12 colours, £1.50 each: The original felt tip, and still the best, in production since the 1960′s.

4. Yellow Stapler produced by Ellepi, £10: The handy whale shaped stapler from Italy, built to last.

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Next up, The Republic of Fritz Hansen, which is a new store located in Fitzrovia.The retail arm is run by design store Skandium and owner Magnus Englund puts forward his pick:

5. Copenhagen headphones produced by Urbanista, £79: Johan Wahlbäck is an old friend of Skandium since he resurrected the old Swedish army bike, put it back into production and made it into a staple items for Swedish university students in the 1990s. Now Johan is looking to the future instead and has created the brand Urbanista, making smart and stylish products at affordable prices for the urban environment. These Copenhagen headphones come in a variety of colours but we think Danish red is best for listening to hot music.

6. Washbag produced by Mismo, £150: If Skandium was a fashion brand then our bag collection would look like Mismo, the Danish brand based on simplicity and quality. For those who want a bit of Mismo also at home and not just when travelling or going out, there’s now a wash bag collection which is only available from the Fritz Hansen store.

7. Oscar the dog by Hans Bølling, £69: Oscar the dog was designed by Hans Bølling in 1953, when Hans was only 22 years old. The Danish love for fine carpentry, animals and a sly sense of humour all meet in this object. Hans Bølling went on to design villas, housing estates and town halls, but his animals from the 1950s will perhaps be remembered and cherished even when those buildings no longer stand.

8. Dish from Baca range produced by Royal Copenhagen, £89: Royal Copenhagen is not a porcelain brand known for cutting edge design, despite being around since 1775. But under the direction of Nils Thorsson and his Tenera and Baca ranges from the 1960s, Royal Copenhagen had a progressive and radical period. Skandium has taken upon itself to make these little known and rare designs available again, the only problem being that as soon as we get hold of any, they sell out. This bird design is from the Baca range, introduced in 1964.

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Lina Kanafani, owner of design store Mint, guides us through her pick of stocking fillers in 2011 (pictured above):

9. Tape Shapes by WRAP magazine, £18 per set of 4: With each set containing 12 vinyl stickers, these Tape Shapes by WRAP are designed as a happy alternative to sticky tape when wrapping presents or for adding a fun touch to envelopes, notebooks, walls and windows.

10. Pedestal Egg Cups by Tina Frey, £60 per pair: These pedestal egg cups by Tina Frey comes in black and pink. Made of resin, they make a lovely surprise as a stocking filler for all ages.

11. Pencils by Ariane Prin and Notepad by Helena Seget, £40 inc pencil case: The Torn Note Pad page is a sustainable notepad made from fine porcelain, designed to be used and enjoyed on a daily basis. Notes can be rubbed out with a rubber erase, washed off with soap and water or wiped away with a wet wipe. Perfectly paired with it is Ariane Prin’s pencils made from wood dust and flour.

12. Riedizioni by Luisa Cevese, from £35: These lovely bags can be used for cosmetics, toiletries or just for fun! The brilliant colours are industrial scraps from Bombay and are put together in Italy.

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Last but not least is Sheridan Coakley who owns SCP, with stores in Shoreditch and Notting Hill. Here is his selection:

13. 250 series watch by Uniform Wares, £380: The Uniform Wares boys have done it again with the elegant new 250 series. Inspired by a WWII gentlemen’s wristwatch with a contemporary twist, this is the perfect gift for your favourite gent.

14. Bank in the form of a Pig by Harry Allen for Areaware, £198: This little piggy didn’t make it to market, instead he was cast, made into a piggy bank and given a glitzy chrome makeover. Four shiny colours available in December.

15. Bora Da throw by Donna Wilson for SCP, £245: Snuggle up this Christmas with traditional, Welsh-made throw by Donna Wilson and SCP. The wool is specially spun and dyed in England and then woven in Wales by a traditional family-run mill. We have two brand new colourways- Willow (pictured) and Pink Slate.

16. Enamel bake set by Falcon, £55: Make a mean shepherds pie or crumble with this classic enamel bake set. Light weight and practically indestructible. Perfect for the cook of the household.

If any of these stocking fillers catch you eye, they can of course be purchased from each respective store. Happy shopping!

Following the debut success of The Temporium last year, the temporary Christmas emporium returns to London this Christmas. Purchase design items by a variety of new and established designers and brands in this Covent Garden pop-up shop, presented by Dezeen.

THE TEMPORIUM, 1st-24th December 2011

65 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DG

Over 20 different stalls are selling unique gifts and products direct to the public. The theme this year is “24 days of Christmas” and each day a different product is being featured in the store, creating an advent calendar of designer gifts.

Highlights include a selection of glassware and porcelain curated by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon (above); a special edition War Bowl by Dominic Wilcox (below); and a limited edition Christmas product by Paul Cocksedge.

The Christmas tree is decorated with special red and white cycle lights by Swedish designers Bookman while delicious festive take-away snacks are provided by Pom Pom Takoyaki. A festive window display created by Frama is featuring dozens of Diamond Lights designed by Eric Therner (below).

Other designers involved include cult jewellery designers Fiona Paxton, Paperself (whose eccentric paper eyelashes were one of the biggest hits last year), a new UK-based lighting and furniture brand working with Australian designers called Matilda and leading design retailer Theo (below) alongside many, many more.

And don’t forget, LONDON DESIGN GUIDE 2012-2013 EDITION is selling at The Temporium alongside DEZEEN BOOK OF IDEAS. Each book can be purchased for £12 or both together for £20! If you can’t make it to the shop, you can order both books directly from us for delivery anywhere in the world.

The Design Museum is marking the 80th birthday of the UK’s grandfather of design – Sir Terence Conran – with a major exhibition that explores his impact on contemporary life in Britain and abroad.

TERENCE CONRAN – THE WAY WE LIVE NOW

16th November 2011 – 4th March 2012

DESIGN MUSEUM

Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD (020 7940 8790)

The Way We Live Now explores Conran’s impact whilst painting a picture of his design approach and inspirations. The exhibition traces his career from postwar austerity through to the new sensibility of the Festival of Britain in the 1950s, the birth of the Independent Group and Pop Culture of the 1960s, to the design boom of the 1980s on to the present day.

The serial entrepreneur has transformed the look of the British home. He has established a design studio and an architectural practice with a worldwide reach. He was the founder of Habitat and The Conran Shop and a pioneer of the new restaurant culture driven by a passion for simplicity.

When it comes to design, business, food and ‘lifestyle’, there is little this man hasn’t achieved. Now in his 80th year, he has certainly contributed considerably to The Way We Live Now.

Images – from top: Terence Conran, photographed by Neil Wilder, John Parkinson Agency; Terence Conran circa 1950, photographed by Ray Williams

Gallery Libby Sellers, the new design gallery from curator Libby Sellers, brings together some of Europe’s most progressive designers in its latest exhibition – Grandmateria II.

GRANDMATERIA II, 14th October-7th December 2011

GALLERY LIBBY SELLERS

41-42 Berners Street, London W1T 3NB (020 3384 8785)

The exhibition title alludes to the mythologies of the Philosopher’s stone: a stone said to have alchemist powers to transmute lead into gold. By working with modest materials, using materials out of context, or by layering the materials with rich narrative each of the represented designers elevate the ordinary to extraordinary effect.

Grandmateria II highlights design’s ongoing ability to transform preconceptions of the everyday. The choice of materials – pallet wood, local brick, found pine, tail lights from industrial vehicles, boiled leather, fibre cement, ceramic or woven wool – combine with intelligent narrative to question both traditional cultures (local and global) and the materialism of consumer economics.

Designers included in the exhibition are Fabien Cappello, Formafantasma, Simon Hasan, Stuart Haygarth, Nicolas Le Moigne and Nina Tolstrup.

Images – from top: BrickGlass by Fabien Cappello (2010) Photography by Fabien Cappello; Paletable by Nina Tolstrup (2010) Photography by Studiomama; Slip Lamp by Nicolas le Moigne (2011) Photography by Nicolas le Moigne; Tail Light by Stuart Haygarth (2011) Photography by Stuart Haygarth.

Now in its fifth year, the SuperDesign event returns with a collective exhibition of specially commissioned studio pieces by both well known and emerging designers, taking place at The Dairy in Bloomsbury.

SUPERDESIGN, 13th-17th October 2011

THE DAIRY

7a Wakefield Street, London WC1N 1PG

SuperDesign seeks to emphasise the current synergy between design and the visual arts with inventive displays that present contemporary design in a fresh light. Yearly, this show brings together collections from leading galleries and international designers at a crucial time in the art calendar year, during Frieze Art Fair.

Galleries include The Apartment, Nilufar, Spring Projects and Vessel Gallery.

SuperDesign, devised by gallerist Patrick Brillet, has cemented its reputation as an important exhibition of contemporary design-art pieces. The event is open both to the general public and to an audience of international collectors, critics and designers.

It’s official! The new edition of LONDON DESIGN GUIDE 2012-2013 is now available, featuring totally new content and plenty of great features. Order your copy now for only £12 and we will dispatch it to you wherever you are in the world.

LONDON DESIGN GUIDE 2012-2013 gives a fresh insight into the city’s contemporary and vintage retailers, as well as design galleries, museums and bookshops. All 140 new and established hotspots are compiled and reviewed by design commentator Max Fraser.

Shops are categorised by neighbourhood and accompanied by detailed maps – plus walking tours written by local tastemakers including Sheridan Coakley, Tom Dixon and Kit Kemp – to help navigate the best that the city has to offer.

You’ll find restaurant, bar and cafe recommendations, selected as much for their design credentials as for the quality of food and service.

And we’ve commissioned 10 short essays by local experts including Naomi Cleaver, Hugh Pearman, Benjamin Hubert and Libby Sellers, each discussing an aspect of the industry, be it designing, producing, selling, communicating, collecting, even discarding design.

The 2012-2013 edition also introduces 4×4, a new 16-page supplement featuring the top furniture, lighting and accessories designs available in London design stores. The survey does your homework for you, evaluating the designs based on quality and longevity.

The 208-page LONDON DESIGN GUIDE is a snapshot of the design scene today, a celebration of creativity and a practical tool for Londoners and tourists alike. There’s no better incentive for exploring the wealth of design in the capital.

It’s “a must-read” according to the New York Times.

Publisher: Spotlight Press

Editor: Max Fraser

Book designer: Richard Ardagh Studio

Cover designer: Peter Crawley