Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Flora + Fauna

The eleventh London Design Festival is underway and this year, among the high end and established brands, the indies are making a stand. Or rather, a pop-up.

The lovely people behind Designers Makers, the agency bringing independent designers to market, has launched Flora + Fauna, a bricks and mortar outlet for forty carefully selected members to exhibit their work throughout the month of September.  Although the shop opened it's doors at the beginning of the month, last week was the official press launch to coincide with the beginning of the Festival. I went along to see what's in store...

The shop itself, at 136 Columbia Road (formerly The Powder Room), is a delight to the eye and brimming with expertly crafted products from all areas of design including jewellery, furniture, ceramics and print.  Nestled comfortably among the permanent stores it has been a labour of love for D/M director Sophie Rees and her small team but the hard work has paid off and it's sure to give the other proprietors a run for their money.  

The flora and fauna theme is hugely popular at the moment but the beautifully curated interior offers a few surprises on the subject away from the usual flowers and woodland animals.



interior
Flora + Fauna interior

interior
Flora + Fauna interior
(image courtesy of Designers Makers)


Flora + Fauna interior
(image courtesy of Designers Makers)



Goodie Bag!
Some of the chosen designers I had come across before and some were pleasing new discoveries but all deserve their place among the UK's finest.
If you're visiting the London Design Festival this month it's definitely worth the 15 minutes walk from the Old Truman Brewery to explore this delightful little haven of handmade goodness.

Flora + Fauna is open 11am - 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday until 30th September.

You can read more about the Designers Makers monthly market here.