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New Designers Exhibition 2008 - talent more fresh than a vacuum-packed foil-wrapped daisy

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Posted in Uncategorized on June 18, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Morning puffalumps.

The New Designers Exhibition is running from 3rd-6th and 10th-13th July this year, in Islington, London. I’ve gone for the last two years and seen some entrancing innovations, from taxidermy brooches and bracelets made from teeny tiny teacups with macabre prostitute animals frolicking across them, to business cards in the shape of ice lollies with details printed like a joke on the stick and mirrors that morph your reflection into the shape of the queen’s head. I LOVE fresh, new design and seeing what quirky creations the twisted tick-tocking clockwork brains of the latest crafty generation are coming up with, and I’ll be reporting back on the most interesting finds I uncover. Anyone else going to visit or exhibit?

I don’t really understand why people pay a fortune for a run-of-the-mill brand name product when they could invest their dosh in a bespoke piece from an exciting new designer instead. Sites like Etsy and eBay make it much easier for craftspeople to sell their wares, and for folk outside of the major cities to get their mitts on it too. Have you guys discovered any unique products or amazing craftspeople that are floating your pirate boats of late, then? Bought something that’s making you grin more than nitrous oxide? Or know of another website where I can go spend my gypsy gold on funky handmade frippery?

Here’s a couple of things I’m looking forward to checking out:

Yunju Lee’s ‘It Stains Itself As A Precious Thing” jewellery collection, taking inspiration from what would usually be considered dirty, annoying marks:

Chris Pepler’s Monster Hanger: