Creative Collaborations – RIBA Windows Project and Decorex 2014

On trend with its patterns was Villa Nova and its bold floral graphic prints complemented by stripes, kept sophisticated and simplistic with the use of limited colours in grey, yellow, black and blue.

As for colour, the trend for 2015 is blue. This cool hue has been drenched absolutely everywhere across The London Design Festival.

Used alongside white or neutrals for a clean classic look, as a highlight for an industrial urban edge or with contrasting corals for an extra pop of colour, we will all be feeling blue next year. Designers embracing the trend included Thibaut, which showcased the blue palette to stunning effect with Charlotte James furniture also showcasing a sprinkling of blue amongst its bright hues.

Inside, the opulence continued with marble a key trend, showcased by De Gournay’s luxurious settings.  

Heavily detailed geometrics were lavished onto fabrics and surfaces. A Rum Fellow’s abstract ikat prints captured attention, Giles Miller Surfaces blended detail and design with its stunning, geometric structured surfaces, whilst Rebecca Scott’s subtle geometric patterning created interest and depth with its delicate texture.

And our exploration of collaboration continued at Decorex 2014, where we were greeted to the extensive 400-exhibitor show at Syon Park by eight exquisite and exclusive design installations, each individually created through unique partnerships between renowned designers and exhibitors.

Themed and inspired by 18th century English artist William Hogarth’s ‘A Rake’s Progress’ – a series of eight paintings depicting the rise and fall of Tom Rakewell – each installation was a fitting tribute to Decorex’s celebrations of the official year of the Georgians.

The Regent Street Windows Project, now in its fifth year and held at the same time as London Fashion Week and The London Design Festival, intertwines the world of architecture and fashion. This year, brands including Topshop, Hobbs and Karen Millen revamped the windows of Regent Street’s shops for three weeks in partnership with 15 leading architecture practices including Atmos and vPPR.

The unique outdoor exhibition is a store front of creativity, with each installation showcasing the architect’s passion to a new audience and the retailer’s commitment to innovative design. Shoppers were treated to display after stunning display, from Penhaligon’s perfumery chemistry lesson with Al-Jawad Pike to Denizen Works intriguing glowing globe for Folli Follie. This was window-shopping with pleasure, and we certainly enjoyed having a browse.

Partnerships and collaborations – linking up with the like-minded, or even those at the opposite end of the creative spectrum from you – can produce fantastic and often surprising results. 

This year’s design season encouraged us to look at the familiar with new eyes, and both RIBA and Decorex showcased the art of collaboration. The RIBA Windows Project focused on transforming something we may take for granted, into an accessible space in which to showcase art and design.