September 2023 | You've got to break free

Maison & Objet has bloomed in extravagant colors this year with new concept stores and plenty playful staged window displays. This new edition of the fair is so refreshing, as humor and surprise are core values. It seems that this year, more than ever, the exhibition aims to inspire the viewer to break free from any kind of austerity that surrounds our lives.

Maison & Object is open until the 11th of September, so if you are visiting Paris any time soon, it’s an amazing opportunity to explore MO 2023 installations and discover work from cutting-edge design brands, international pavilions and makers.

344 kilometers away from Eiffel Tower, the UK capital becomes a buzzing hub of ideas and innovation too, as from 16-24 September, London Design Festival takes over every corner of the city, with so much to see and experience

Filled with exciting events, launches and must-see installations the Festival makes a momentum return to its former home in Shoreditch’s Truman Brewery and proves once again that it is one of London’s biggest showcases of talent.

This now-yearly show explores the latest innovations in sustainable materials and enduring design and of course presents dynamic bold pieces from international studios.

Emerging designers and renowned homeware brands have unfolded their creativity and the results are truly extraordinary.

One of my personal favorite events is ‘Aura’ by Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena at St Paul’s Cathedral

Image courtesy PAUBLO VALBUENA

LDF in association with Artichoke are presenting a unique live sound-and-light display .

As they state: "The installation examines the potential of time, sound and light to create a contemporary response to the Cathedral ‘Aura’. It is a live installation that transforms the sounds present in the Cathedral into a pulsating line of light projected at an architectural scale."

‘Aura’ project is part of a wider series marking the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death.

Second event on my LDF go-to list is ‘The Dining Room’ by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition located in &Tradition's London showroom, right next to St James’ Park.

Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, the Danish design studio’s founders, are transforming this showroom into a cozy dining space exclusivery for LDF. ‘The setting is invitational, encouraging visitors to sit down, lounge and mingle,’ say the duo. The setting will last 18-22 September.

For me personally LDF means so much, as I believe that London is a city that offers inspiration and creativity through its very own existence. It is a city that plays a key role in shaping designs both in fashion and interior design world and it has been one of my biggest inspirations throughout my career.

The freedom of expression you feel when walking around is unparallel. So London Design Festival, with the animations of iconic landmarks and all these imaginative and exciting installations by leading creatives of our time is the perfect celebration of the city’s identity.

So as you see this September the message is quite clear.

Relax, have some humor, break free from that keeps you back, enjoy life and add a twist. Always add at twist.

After all who said that Autumn is not the right time for personal blooming and more fun?

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com