Design focus: Focus/14

A program that will bring together creative minds, Sharing ideas and the launching of the new collections.

UK, London. As a hub of contemporary design and the site of SuperyachtDESIGN Week, there are few places as essential to keeping your finger on the pulse of the design world than Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. DCCH is now gearing up for Focus/14, a key addition to London Design Festival, which will run in the capital from 13 to 21 September. Focus/14 will take place from the final day of LDF to 23 September, 1000 to 1800, and will see a dynamic programme that will bring together creative minds from across the globe and over 99 showrooms to share ideas and launch new collections.

One of the central parts of Focus is always Conversations in Design, a series of sessions where global names in design share their expert knowledge and creative know-how. This year, headline speakers include Sir Terence Conran and respected interior designer Chester Jones. Fiona Barratt-Campbell, Lori Weitzner and Paul Massey will talk about how to make your home your own, while Talking Design will see Allegra Hicks discussing her life in fashion and interiors.

Once again, DCCH will put on Access All Areas, which this will feature over 80 individual events bringing new insights at bespoke workshops, talks, forums and meet the designer sessions. It will be a chance to meet international designers like Tord Boontje, Paolo Moschino and Charles Zana, and enjoy talks on lighting design from Crestron and Vaughan, workshops on bespoke curtain making at Lelievre, Hollywood cocktails at Bella Figura, a magician at Black & Key and beauty treatments at Simpsons Mirrors & Furniture.

Focus/14 will also feature a specially commissioned installation by floral artist Rebecca Louise Law, a restaurant, original displays and pop-ups, a design hub, breakout sessions and book signings. You will also be able to keep informed as the event goes on via a dedicated design blog.

For anyone missing Monaco Yacht Show this year, Focus/14 is an excellent creative alternative and matchless design top up.