Every May, Pulse, described as ‘Where trends are born’, showcases different brands and makers, in one venue, Olympia. Retailers come to see and order for their shops. Some of the items will be available this summer and others will be around for Christmas. Here are some of my favourites.
University of Arts London, show work of some of their alumni. Designer Abigail Burch already holds a degree in illustration and is currently completing her MA at Camberwell School of Art. Her work brings a smile to my face. I adore her fat ladies with hairy legs.
Another UAL graduate is Shannon Hayes who studied Fashion Jewellery at London College of Fashion. Her bright playful and fun work sells under her grandmother’s name Peggy Beard.
Graphic and textile designer Elena Scarlata trained at London college of Communication before returning to her native Italy and setting up her company. She hand prints onto sustainable fabrics and then turns these into accessories for the home.
The Jewellery Emporium showed many new designers. I particularly liked the work called ‘Made by Carolinee’. Her work is created from recycled Aluminium.
The show is divided into sections included are gifts, textiles, home ware, fashion and children. In the Children’s category are Eat Sleep and Doodle , they have been around for a while and continue to grow. Each fabric product comes with a line drawing on it. There are different themes including Dinosaurs, a world map and much much more. The joy is that each item comes with its own ‘wash off’ pens so your child can have loads of fun. Once completed the design can be washed off and they can start again.
Another inspired Kid’s idea is BKD which comprises baking kits for kids, for time pressed parents, This company started by a mum, was originally an events company but the kits took over and it has won so many awards that they have expanded into other kinds of kits.
Noodoll design are based in London. They produce quirky cards, note books and soft toys. I like their shelves, which only became a product after they made some for a trade show and everyone wanted to purchase them.
In contrast to some of the more fluffy designs ‘Block‘ produce a completely different look, clean cut and elegant. At the same time they are colourful and fun and would sit well in an office or home environment.
There is little to beat utilitarian home ware when it is presented well. Iris Hantverk from Sweden are a company who do just that. They produce lovely brushes and also textiles.
As a lover of most things ‘Scandiwegian’ and particularly linen towels, I was delighted to come across the Finnish Company Lapuan Kankurit. Owned and worked by the same family for four generations, they still do their own weaving on Jacquard looms, although not using the old card system. They kindly allowed me to use their press images for this feature, so I can’t take credit for the lovely photo shown here. I hope you have enjoyed my visual tour as much as I have done.
creativecolour.org 