Top design shows open across London

Designers are converging on London today for one of the most important days in the design festival calendar, with the opening of three key design events in the capital.

Transport problems are already beleaguering the opening of 100% Design at Earls Court, London SW5, where trains were not stopping at the Tube station before lunch. Tom Dixon has designed the show this year, which features a central piazza area where visitors will find the FinnForest Merk Theatre. It plays host to discussions with design names such as Dixon, Emily Campbell, Pearson Lloyd and Barber Osgerby.

For the first time, 100% Design will be hosting its own awards evening on Friday in association with property developer Londonewcastle.

At the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London E1, Tent London has its inaugural launch today, showing art and architecture, as well as vintage and contemporary design.

Owned jointly by Ian Rudge, founder of 100% Design, and Jimmy MacDonald, founder of 100% East, the pair have brought in sponsorship to Tent and introduced collaborations with clients such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Nokia, Renault, LG, Sun Corp and Du Pont.

Additionally, graduate design show New Designers showcases the work of an outstanding group who took part in the July show. This takes place from 20-23 September at the Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1.

Tacchini launches its new furniture collection in an exhibition at The Italian Cultural Institute, Belgrave Square, London SW1.

Hundreds of other design week events are also taking place around the city today and tomorrow, as well as over the weekend.