LEADING CULTURE DESTINATIONS AWARDS: WINNERS 2017 ANNOUNCED

London's Design Museum has been named as the overall winner in The Leading Culture Destination Awards 2017 at a ceremony held at the new Trafalgar St. James Hotel in Central London on September 29th.

The scheme, now in its fourth year, celebrates museums and cities for their dedication to cultural vitality with winners were judged on the quality and reach of their contributions to the international cultural sphere.

Cultural destinations today are not only for art experiences and education; they have become social hubs for visitors to spend time, dine, shop, work and even sleep. LCD Awards shines light on culture as an integral part of our lifestyle. 

The awards recognise institutions, organisations, and cities in Europe, North America, Latin America/the Middle East/Africa and the Asia/Pacific region. But it also pointed towards the rising cultural trend in the global periphery such as Mexico and Thailand while traditional artistic hubs such as Paris and New York may no longer have the same draw for artists; the award winners however demonstrate that western countries have maintained their edge, and continue to work towards maintaining a wealth of cultural activity.

London's Design Museum was also named Europe's Best New Museum of the Year Award (opened in the last 15 months), while two other UK museums also won top prizes in their respective categories:- the British Museum in London was named the Digital Museum Experience of the Year: and Climate Control at Manchester Museum won the Climate Smart Award, in partnership with SUNx

The winners were chosen by a jury of nine established cultural gurus from around the world who reviewed everything from audacious programming and management structures, to cross-sector collaborations and Michelin-starred restaurants, late night openings and music performances, with an overarching focus on a visionary approach to these cultural initiatives.

Founder of the Leading Culture Destinations Awards, Florian Wupperfeld, also announced the exciting news that he will be launching the Leading Cultural Destination Academy, a new knowledge sharing and networking initiative. A place where tourism and hospitality executives can meet cultural destination leaders, create new opportunities and reach the next generation of cultural travelers. 

Here are the Leading Culture Destination of the Year Award winners:

·       Exhibition of the Year: Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at Hirshhorn Museum (Washington DC, USA)
·       Museum Architecture of the Year: Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (Lisbon, Portugal)
·       Museum Shop of the Year: Walker Art Center (Minneapolis, USA)
·       Restaurant of the Year: Fotografiska (Stockholm, Sweden)
·       Digital Museum Experience of the Year: British Museum (London, UK) 

Best New Museum of the Year Award winners: (opened in the last 15 months):
·       Europe: Design Museum (London, UK)
·       North America: Tippet Rise Art Center (Fishtail, USA)
·       Latin America: Casa Wabi (Puerto Escondido, Mexico)
·       Middle East / UAE / Africa: Etihad Museum (Dubai, UAE)
·       Asia / Pacific: MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

The Traveller’s Award winners, presented by Avis:
·       Emerging Cultural City of the Year: Athens, Greece
·       Art Hotel of the Year: The Walled Off Hotel (Bethlehem)

Soft Power Destination of the Year Award winners, presented by Valletta 2018:
·       Best Soft Power Cultural Activation Award: Davis Museum at Wellesley College, Art Less: The Davis without Immigrants (Wellesley, USA)
·       Best Soft Power Cultural Organisation Award: Toronto International Film Festival (Toronto, Canada)
·       Best Soft Power Cultural District Award: Watts Tower Arts Center (Los Angeles, USA) 

Climate Smart Award, in partnership with SUNx:
·       Climate Control at Manchester Museum (Manchester, UK)
Best Museum Late Night Experience, in partnership with Sipsmith:
·       Rubin Museum of Art (New York, USA) 

The Leading Culture Destination 2017 overall winner:
·       Design Museum (London, UK)

General upturn in global economy boosted trade fair attendances

Texworld - APPAREL SOURCING – AVANTEX – SHAWLS & SCARVES –  Texworld Denim

18 - 21 September 2017 – Paris Le Bourget, France

Organisers of the Texworld Paris group of trade fairs have credited their record levels of visitor attendance this September to a general upturn in the global economy and restored confidence in the textile and apparel industry.

Messe Frankfurt France said their events - covering Apparel Sourcing, Avantex, Shawls & Scarves, Texworld and Texworld Denim Paris - posted 15,473 visitors, representing an increase of 13.9% compared with the September 2016 show.

European visitors, including the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany saw an increase of 15%, where as signs of recovery was shown by Belgium and France, while Turkey and the Netherlands posted positive results too. Russian buyers amounted to 8% of the visitors.

Asian representatives showed excellent results with an 8.5% increase, with a significant breakthrough for Japan, and very strong presence from South Korea and India.

A surprising positive result was shown by the American markets, according to the organisers, registering an increase of 7% from that market. While Canada, Colombia and Mexico remained stable, US visitors showed a real sign of confidence with greater attendance and there has been also a marked interest from Brazil.

The African continent sent 48% more visitors than previously, in particular a sharp increase coming from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and South Africa.

A sign that attests to the Messe Frankfurt Group establishing  itself on the continent, since during the shows it announced that it has acquired ATF and Source Africa in Cape Town (South Africa).

“The shift towards high-end materials and skills in clothing production, which had been noticed over the course of past shows, has been confirmed once again. New offers like Texworld Denim, innovative and tailored services such as the business accelerator partnership Business Beyond Borders from the European Union and the internationalisation illustrated by a considerable number of national pavilions all contribute towards the positive development of the ranges offered by the trade fairs, ” says Michael Scherpe, President of Messe Frankfurt France.

All photos courtesy of Texworld/Messe Frankfurt.

WHITE Milano billed a major success; next stop Shanghai

WHITE, Milan's fashion-forward trade fair saw record number of international visitors, giving the organisers much optomism for further success.

Models at SSHEENA’s urban captivating catwalk show at the iconic Piazza Duomo, Milan.

(Photo by Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for White)

Organisers said WHITE has concluded this  September's edition with a record of 26.611 visitors, 20% more than the September 2016 event. Italian buyers increased by 22% while overseas buyers were up 40%. The overall number of buyers increased by 31% (compared to the same edition of the previous year), thus confirming the key role this buyer-oriented event plays; the only one under the aegis of the Municipality of Milan and in partnership with Confartigianato Imprese.

Models at the SSHEENA show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 on September 25, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for White)

“This edition’s numbers, achieved also thanks to the timing, extended to 4 days, make us starkly aware of what WHITE represents today and also of Milan’s potential, when there’s cooperation and a shared strategy," said Massimiliano Bizzi, Founder of WHITE.  "Milan is as open to fashion, as never before and WHITE has enthusiastically taken up the challenge. The two new locations in Tortona 31 and within Camera Italiana Buyer Moda, and the outstanding fashion show, have shown the active role trade-fair plays both for the Italian fashion system, and for the city”.

The show was organized with the support of the Ministry for Economic Development, ITA, Italian Trade Agency, Confartigianato Imprese - partner of WHITE - and under the aegis of the Municipality of Milan.

Next stop: Shanghai

WHITE Milano will be trekking to Asia, presenting a selection of 56 Italian brands over the course of Shanghai Fashion week, which will take place from October 11 to 18.

Bizzi told Fashion Network: “The idea is to open up the Chinese market to our companies in a very concrete way. The format will therefore not only be that of a normal trade fair but it will also offer individual meetings between our entrepreneurs and local distributors alongside traditional stands and talks.”

Thus the organisers have carefully selected brands taking into consideration the trends and tastes of the market and choosing authentic Italian products which can best showcase the knowhow of "Made in Italy" .  In other words, brands that focus on well-made and artisanal products such as Faliero Sarti shawls, Casadei footwear, and emerging designers like Daniele Carlotta and Ssheena.

London Fashion Week SS 18 Burberry - tartans, chunky knits and clashing textures.

Burberry's SS2018 collection shown this September features unconventional proportions and layering, for both men's and women's wear in equal measures.

Tartans, clashing textures, chunky and fairisle knits and transparent fabrics, camel and black, bold regal colours along with sweet and pastel shades.

Burberry's SS2018 collection shown this September features unconventional proportions and layering, for both men's and women's wear in equal measures.

Note the pairing of knits over lace gowns and embroidered tulle, plastic raincoats over tartan, ceremonial jackets reworked into skirts, oversized car coats with sealed seams, faux fur and natural shearling, Plus the return of socks showing up everywhere.

Key accessories: The Giant reversible tote in tartan and The Satchel in leather and exotics, Riveted clog boots with contrast laces, tartan sandals with cone heels, and loafers with kiltie fringing, Extra-long chunky-knit scarves, fingerless gloves and Argyle socks, Oversized crystal-chandelier earrings and brooches, The baseball cap in Vintage check and tartan.

In terms of the latest make-up look, the Runway Collection complements the tartans, sheer fabrics and sorbet shades seen in the show.  "Lips and nails feature classic reds and minimal nudes, eyes and nails of modern greens and blues, in fact an ultra-portable collection for all women," according to  Wendy Rowe, Burberry Make-Up Artistic Consultant.

Show info from beautypress / Burberry
Photos: Burberry - Allaisdar Mclellan

The 66th edition Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid concludes with great success

Attended by more than 53,200 international buyers, trade visitors and fashion industry influencers and international press members, the 66th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid once again confirmed its place as the amazing platform for Spanish fashion.

The event, organised by IFEMA and held from 14 to 19 September, confirmed this important moment of creativity in Spanish fashion and the diversity of creative ideas and codes it offers.

The week of exceptional fashion highlighted the major interest that was generated among buyers and guests by the collections of the 47 creators and brands participating in this edition, including new values.

In total, the show received 53,215 visitors.

Fashion shows took place at Hall 14.1 at IFEMA-Feria de Madrid, with some events closing with presentations and shows at other locations in Madrid.

I'M Isola Marras under new direction showcased at WHITE Milano this weekend

WHITE - the Milan trade show for women’s collections and directional international brands has opened  and is expanded into three exhibiting areas at 27, 35 and 54 via Tortona within the Tortona Fashion District.

From left: Michele Scannavini President of ITA, Massimiliano Bizzi Founder of WHITE, Brenda Bellei Ceo of M.SEVENTY, Cristina Tajani Councillor for Fashion and Design for the municipality of Milan, Ivan Scalfarotto Undersecretary of the Ministry for Economic Development

The show dedicated to womenswear and accessories is held from 22nd to 25th September 2017, in partnership with Confartigianato Imprese and under the aegis of the Municipality of Milan.

The four-day show boosts a record number of 532 exhibitors (368 from Italy and 164 from abroad, namely a 6,4% increase), and this is a special edition in many ways, as WHITE has gone the extra mile to support the teamwork strategy undertaken by MISE, aiming to coordinate and streamline the whole cycle, thus bringing together in the calendar of Milan Fashion Week the most prominent fashion happenings.

One of the special features this season's WHITE is the presence of Efisio Rocco Marras (left picture) as the Special Designer, providing the new direction for I’M Isola Marras. 


The project marks I’m Isola Marras's revival, according to Efisio.

"My dream is seeing my items being worn at a Patty Smith gig, or in an innovative and contemporary street version, maybe for a drink at the bar round the corner. I draw inspiration from every day life, mostly from my peers. "

Describing his collection showcased in a special installation at WHITE, the designer explained in an interview organised by the trade fair organisers: "I have created a one-fabric (exclusively cotton) collection, completely white, with exceptionally accurate stitching and details, buttons and buttonholes.  (As a keen photographer) Each single item has been conceived to be matched with photo prints of images I shot during the several travels and experiences that have brought me here.

He continues: “Walking life: is an interactive path of creativity and life, recounting my story and the faces I met. 30 items, a sort of hybrid in the world of collections, something really new. The chance to present it at WHITE, which is synonym for quality and research, is really grand, in my view."

Photos: White Women's Collections + accessories SS 18 on September 22, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for White)

DesignJunction2017 opens for business at Granary Square, London

DesignJunction2017 - the event for interiors and product designs for the international creative community is back in King's Cross for a second year.  Greeting visitors is Gateways, depicting a series of dramatic and colourful archways.  The installation is a collaboration by Turkishceramics and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman, celebrating Turkey's rich history with ceramics with the Central St Martin's college in the background.

Will Sorrell, event director, said it is an exciting time for the area, which is fast establishing as a London destination for cutting-edge design and creativity, with the Gasholders apartments opening their doors in a few weeks, and a series of pioneering retail projects moving in to King's Boulevard; and dramatic progress to Heatherwick's Coal Drops Yard which will open in October 2018.

The VIP and Press room at this year's DesignJunction, running 21 - 24 September at Granary Square, King's Cross, London, is a showcase of bold graphic patterns and the sophistication of luxe materials.  

Providing a unique sense of style for a relaxing space, The Lounge is decorated mainly by British interiors brand Kirkby Design and British design force Eley Kishimoto whose passion for pattern are played out over walls, featuring wallpapers and cushions, furniture, furnishing fabrics and cushions from the EK for KD collection.

Pendant lighting from Tala featuring Porcelain and Voronoi filament bulbs is a dramatic collection that takes influences from patterns and forms found in the natural world.






























Meanwhile French car maker Renault - DesignJunction's headline partner this year, takes to the occasion to unveil its new automobile TreZor - a 100% electric concept car which had never been seen before in the UK.

TreZor was awarded the most beautiful concept car of the year by the Festival Automobile Jury.

Renault's exterior design studio chief Francois Leboine was on hand to introduce the full wonder of this amazing futuristic car.

Search for more highlights using #wheredesignmeets.

Photos © Lucia Carpio 2017 

First View of L Saha's Spring Summer 18 Fashion Film

Click HERE 

Brits hung up on online fashion

Online sales of clothing, fashion accessories and footwear grow by 17% in 2017 - says market intelligence agency Mintel.

As London Fashion Week kicks off today 15th September 2017, it seems that shopping for clothes has never been simpler.   Indeed, the latest research from Mintel reveals that this year Brits are set to spend an impressive £16.2 billion on online sales of clothing, fashion accessories and footwear—at the click of a button.   In 2017, the online fashion market will increase 17.2%, continuing fashion's spot as the most popular category bought online.

Over the past five years, sales of online fashion have soared, doubling in value since 2012. What is more, online sales of fashion have increased to account for 24% of total fashion spend in 2017, up from 17% in 2013. But while online fashion sales continue to show spectacular growth, overall sales of clothing are forecast to grow by just 1.3% in 2017.

Highlighting the popularity of online-only retailers, Mintel research shows the importance which pure plays are having on the clothing and footwear sector, as today they account for approximately 38% of the UK online fashion market.

- UK online fashion sales reach £16.2 billion in 2017.- Online fashion accounts for 24% of total fashion spend in the UK.- 34% of online shoppers have kept unwanted goods due to the hassle involved in returning them.

Over the next five years, the online fashion market will continue to see strong double-digit growth, with the market forecast to increase a further 79% by 2022, reaching just under £29 billion.

Tamara Sender, Senior Fashion Analyst at Mintel, said:
“The strength of the online fashion market stands out as the overall clothing market is struggling, with a continuing shift away from consumers spending their extra money on fashion items to spending more on leisure. The way consumers are shopping for clothes and shoes is changing; there is a buy-now, wear-now mentality and a desire to shop for clothes however and whenever they want, with consumers demanding convenient shopping that fits around their busy lifestyles. Usage and trust in online retailers is still growing. Many of the pure play fashion retailers are still immature businesses and have a degree of novelty value, which is helping to drive sales.”

Images from Mercedes Benz London Fashion Week. by Jonathan Daniel Pryce (Garcon Jon) 

Fashion Scout London kicks off September 15.

Fashion Scout spring summer 18 will open on September 15, kicking off five days of shows and presentations from the most creative international and UK designers. On Friday 15th September there are 10 showcases taking place, including the Ones To Watch show, featuring four artistic emerging designers.   There are 37 catwalk shows and presentations taking place at Freemasons' Hall.

The Swedish School of Textiles are set to showcase 21 graduates work, and there are 10 shows on the first day of Fashion Scout SS18.
Fashion Scout invites all to view the full schedule by clicking here, and  to learn more about the designers here.

The creative world of Spanish fashion gathers at the 66th edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid

The big event in Spanish Fashion, organised by IFEMA, take places in Madrid from 14 to 19 September.  Fashion shows and presentations take place at various locations in the city on the 14th. 

Spanish Fashion Week -;Spring/Summer 2018 Ambiente / Atmosphere.

From the 15th to Tuesday the 19th, fashion shows will take place in hall 14.1 at IFEMA-Feria de Madrid, with some events closing with presentations and shows at other locations in Madrid.

Desigual's installation at Spanish Fashion Week , Madrid that opens September 14.

María Clé

Chromosome Residence

    Spanish fashion week plays host to 47 creators and brands. Joining the general programme are Palomo Spain, Isabel Núñez, María Clé, ManeMané, Pepa Salazar, Desigual and Chromosome Residence.

Photos courtesy of images.net

Decorex and London Design Fair join forces for London Design Festival 2017

Decorex, the London trade fair for interior design, and the London Design Fair will partner for London Design Festival 2017, offering visitors a broader perspective on design. Both events explore different aspects of the design community and through this enhanced experience, they are encouraging audiences to engage in an even wider discussion on the emerging trends and topics facing the industry today.

The collaboration between two complementary shows will see both present their exhibitions consecutively, with Decorex opening between 17 and 20 September and the London Design Fair from 21 to 24 September. Drawing on the synergies between the two, retail buyers, specifiers, architects, interior designers and design devotees can consider the many diverse facets of a range of contemporary interiors. A pass for either show will be valid at both, which means that visitors will be able to access two major destinations of the London Design Festival for virtually the entire festival. In addition, the partnership will be promoted on social media, with both shows picking their highlights from each event.

Decorex is celebrating 40 years of design this year as the opening destination of the London Design Festival. Established in 1978, Decorex is known as the resource for high-end interior designers, architects, specifiers, retailers and property developers. Boasting more than 400 exhibitors from leading names to emerging talents, this annual four-day show takes place each September in the prestigious location of Syon Park. Attracting nearly 14,000 visitors from across the globe, Decorex 2017 will be exploring design collaborations as this year’s show theme by focusing both on the strength of its past and current relationships and importantly looking towards those future partnerships.







Photos: Decorex 2016 by Lucia Carpio


As for the London Design Fair, it is located in Shoreditch, the creative heart of London.
Launched in 2007, it is a four-day industry event that brings together 500 exhibitors from 28 countries, including; independent designers, established brands, international country pavilions, features, and exhibitions.  Each year, over 27,000 influential retail buyers, producers, architects, interior designers, press, designers, and design-savvy public will attend to see the very latest in furniture, lighting, textiles, materials, and conceptual installations, all from around the world.

Marks & Spencer shortlisted three designers for its Texprint Fashion Textile Award

The winner to be announced at Premiere Vision Designs, Paris on September 20

Lucy Day.  Photo by Lucia Carpio

Lucy Day, pictured left, along with Olivia Qi and Roberta Fox are the three designers who have been shortlisted to compete for the new Marks & Spencer Texprint Fashion Textile Award.

They were selected by relevant heads of design at M&S in a selection process.

The winner of this new award, who will receive £1,000 and a paid three-month internship with the M&S print design team, will be announced at Première Vision Designs in Paris on September 20, along with those of other awards at this year's TEXPRINT competition.

Marks & Spencer has long been a keen supporter and foundation sponsor of Texprint. The new Award, according to Libby Allan, Trend Lead, Womenswear & Lingerie, at M&S, will allow the retailer to establish a relationship with a young designer that they hope will evolve beyond the Award itself.




All trained in Britain, the three shortlisted designers are among the 24 that TEXPRINT has selected following a rigorous interviewing  of over 230 applicants submitted by British colleges and universities at both BA and MA levels.

As in previous years, the 24 TEXPRINT selected designers showcased their work in London at a preview presentation earlier this year in July.

In an interview with TEXPRINT, Allan of M&S said “These days it’s not just about the work but also how the work is presented. When you’re in the industry you have so many people to convince – an ability to present your work effectively becomes really important. Textiles is such a good grounding for a designer because you learn all about texture and colour usage.”

Each year, TEXPRINT showcases 24 design graduates who have shown outstanding skill and artistry in their chosen discipline, and who have impressed the Texprint interview panels with their creativity and desire to succeed in the professional world.  Texprint’s aim is to promote their skills to the industry, to media, and to the related organisations that can help their career launch.

Photos © Lucia Carpio 2017 

Prints, eclectic wallpaper and bespoke decorative leather at Decorex 2017

Interior trends.

Decorex International due to take place 17 - 20 September 2017 at Syon Park, London will this year shine a spotlight on decorative arts and contemporary wallpaper with a twist. Whether delicately hand-painted or bright and bold, this 40th anniversary show will include bespoke handmade leather designs alongside eclectic and vibrant work.

Shown above is a selection from the prints exhibitors at the forefront of this interior trend. 1. ‘Cha Bei’ wallpaper by Lala Curio 2. ‘Deco’ hand sculpted leather by Genevieve Bennett (a newcomer to Decorex) 3. ‘Botanica’ wallpaper by Devon & Devon,  4. ‘Birland Jam’ wallpaper by Blackpop, (known for their distressed creations) 5. ‘Amazonia Light’ wallpaper by Witch & Watchman, (known for their soft furnishings as well) 6. ‘Moordalei’ wallpaper by Mini Moderns.

Images from Decorex.

ASOS + Fashion Scout to launch 2nd Fashion Discovery competition

ASOS partners with Fashion Scout, the international showcase for fashion pioneers, to launch the 2017 Fashion Discovery competition!

As part of the company’s commitment to supporting emerging talent, ASOS launches Fashion Discovery 2017 for the second year running. The competition is open to emerging fashion companies registered in the UK and aims to find the very best in fresh talent.

The winners will  receive 12 months of mentoring support from ASOS, a £50,000 cash prize and an edit of the winners’ collections will be available on the ASOS website.

Entries for the first stage of the competition are open  from 4th September and run until Monday 30th October. The winners will be announced in May 2018.

More details and the online entry form can be found here.

Po-Zu's Limited Edition Star Wars™ | Po-Zu sneakers are Out-of-This-World-Cool

Whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, this Limited-Edition High-Top Silver Resistance Sneaker is among the latest addition of the co-branded Star Wars| Po-Zu foorwear range and fans and sneaker lovers can order one of the 1,000 limited production on the Po-Zu website, with the shoes set to ship in October 2017, just in time for Christmas and the launch of Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The Limited-Edition High-Top Silver Resistance Sneaker is also on display in London with the rest of the collection at the Museum of Brands for London Design Week from 1st September.

Handcrafted in Portugal, the Limited-Edition Silver Resistance Sneakers are made from Pinnatex (pineapple leaf fibre, a vegan leather alternative) combined with silver woven linen, and featuring a rubberised official Rebel Alliance badge, quilted rear panel, removable memory foam Foot-Mattress™, and a high-performance grip natural latex sole.

Sven Segal, Founder of Po-Zu says: “We take pride in the craftsmanship and heritage of our shoes. They are designed to last and be loved. We go the extra mile to make our shoes ethically and sustainably so you can wear them with clear conscience from dawn till dusk. We want them to be comfortable, collectable and wearable. This sneaker has all of that and more. I love that it is vegan too.”