Dezeen · Creativity & design

Shoreditch Design Week aims to revive East London's design scene

Creative director Duncan Riches discusses the inaugural Shoreditch Design Week, an event focused on fostering collaboration between emerging designers and commercial brands to re-establish the area as a design hub.

Shoreditch Design Week, launching at the London Design Festival, aims to bring the design trade back to East London. Riches wants to create a core of trade by featuring curated exhibitions, attracting brands and professionals.

Riches believes London possesses "the best architecture and interior design community in Europe." The event will also include smaller shows and open showrooms from local brands, providing a platform for emerging talent.

A challenge is integrating Shoreditch's nightlife with the daytime design economy. Riches noted difficulties in establishing collaborations with local hospitality businesses.

The acquisition of Shoreditch Design Week by Media 10 provides access to larger venues and facilitates multi-year deals, potentially lowering costs for exhibitors.

Riches feels the London Design Festival (LDF) has shifted focus from serving the core design industry to broader design culture. He believes there's a need for industry-focused events.

He hopes Shoreditch Design Week will act as a trade epicentre, benefiting the wider LDF, while establishing its own distinct identity. The event features a mixed program, including work from younger designers.

Riches observes that emerging designers are increasingly capable, contributing to a vibrant London design scene. He expresses optimism about the city's design future.

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