Celebrating design excellence, in-person events will be back in earnest at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour for Focus/21, offering the opportunity to see the latest collections up close, and hear from the creatives behind them. 

Representing an optimistic new chapter, the show will kick off on Sunday with a virtual launch, followed by in-person visits from Monday 20 to Friday 24 September. Everywhere you turn, there will be the promise of design discovery. New collections at Focus/21 speak of a creative confidence and this is reflected in the curated programme that will feature talks, workshops, meet the designer sessions, demonstrations and discovery tours.

Conversations in Design
The all-star series brings world renowned speakers back to the main stage. International talent includes French tastemaker Cordelia de Castellane, creative director of Dior Home, renowned interior designers Todhunter Earle, Paolo Moschino, Phillip Vergeylen, Martin Hulbert, Jay Grierson, Bunny Turner and Felix Conran, plus many more to be announced.

Find out what inspires the best in the business at workshops and masterclasses that tap into the know-how of acknowledged experts. Accompanying this will be daily design discovery tours taking visitors into the heart of the showrooms.

Access All Areas
Get behind the scenes and be inspired by the latest collections. At a world-first presentation, see the unveiling of the new Papier Français wallcoverings based on the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in the Dedar showroom, or join Fredericke Winkler as she explores Hodsoll McKenzie’s first eco-responsible fabric collection at Zimmer + Rohde. Meet the creative studio teams from global brands including Harlequin and Kirkby Design as they discuss the inspiration behind their new collections, or hear a talk at Mulberry Home celebrating its 30th birthday. Head to Rubelli to see exquisite dresses created by Alberta Ferretti celebrating the founding of Venice 1,600 years ago, or view a curated space designed by Winch Design at GP& J Baker.

Sessions with experts abound with events taking place at Julian Chichester with Vanessa Konig on the role of colour, Gail Taylor on how to inject flexibility into an interior scheme at th2, and US-based specialist Yeran Megerian who will explore the artistry of antique rugs in Stark Carpet. Oficina Inglesa Furniture will host Carlos Mota, Elle Decor’s editor at large, in conversation with Rita Konig about his book Beige Is Not a Colour. 

Finely calibrated collaborations stoke the fire of creativity and nowhere is this better showcased than by the design houses at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Staffan Tollgard and Filippo Castellani will preview their new Porada collection, or delve into the new Maya Romanoff digital print range, made with Italian rug manufacturer Loloey at Altfield. Raynaud Limoges Porcelaines will explain why it is launching a luxury crockery range inspired by a British heritage design by Lincrusta, and Casal’s Chiara Pirotta will be at Houlès to share the story of its latest collection in association with ArtAile who run creative workshops for Alzheimer patients. QEST scholar Natasha Mann will be on site painting lampshades in a design collaboration with Lucy and Michael Vaughan.

Get hands on at ABI Interiors with moodboards or try print making at Phillip Jeffries. Skilled artisans will offer ‘live’ lampshade demonstrations at Porta Romana. 

This wealth of experience is extraordinary and, what’s more it is a free resource for every visitor.

New Arrivals
There are some new arrivals to expect at Focus/21, opening their showroom doors in time for autumn’s leading design event. They include EccoTrading Design London, the UK brand renowned for its wood finishes, hand cast bronze and leather; Australia’s ABI Interiors, which sells tapware for the kitchen and bathroom, and luxury furniture, upholstery, lighting and accessories-makers Visionnaire from Italy. Andrew Martin will host a curated pop-up with furniture, art and sculpture.

Installations & Pop-ups
The curated programme will be animated by further expressions of creativity, including the new Inspiration Gallery showcasing current design directions and dining experiences that will bring plenty of visual invention.

House Guests
Enhancing the offering will be the magnificent Design Avenue which will play host to a raft of House Guests, including Charles Burnand, Casa Botelho and Rapture & Wright, only in situ for the duration of the show. They will bring fresh perspectives and another reason for visitors to connect and converse with world-class talent.

With sights firmly set on a positive future, expect a feel-good mood at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour during Focus/21.

EVENT INFORMATION
www.dcch.co.uk
020 7225 9166

DATES
Virtual launch: Sunday 19 September
In-person visits and physical programme: Monday 20 – Friday 24 September
10am – 6pm
Keep an eye on www.dcch.co.uk for programme updates

REGISTRATION
Visit Register - Focus/21 | Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (dcch.co.uk)

Visitors are encouraged to register now to secure a place and win either a three-course lunch in the Design Avenue Restaurant for themselves and three guests (with bottle of house wine or equivalent), or membership of the Design Club for the week of Focus/21.

SOCIAL MEDIA
#Focus21AtDCCH, @designcentrech