What are you most looking forward to at this year’s London Design Festival?

‘The new Graphics Weekend is packed with good stuff. My first choices are the Circular Exhibition at the V&A by Typographic Circle and Jonathan Barnbrook’s Designing Bowie talk. As the organiser of Type Tasting I’m looking forward to displaying the collection of words about creative London that have been created for the event by an amazing range of people, from Ralph Steadman to school kids. We’re also planning to unleash a few surprises during our workshop weekend, including Typographic Karaoke.’

Sarah Hyndman, creative director, With Relish

‘This year I’m particularly looking forward to Swarovski’s “God is in the Details” exhibition, which is to be held at one of London’s most elegantly intricate exhibition spaces; the V&A. Influential designers such as Faye Toogood, Tom Dixon and Amanda Levete have personally selected individual pieces from the V&A collection which will be magnified by Swarovski specialist lenses allowing viewers to “discover features that might otherwise have been overlooked”. Taking time out to explore and delight in the details of objects seems like a good opportunity to re-hone the skill of observation which is increasingly being eroded by our fast paced hyper-connected lifestyles.’ 

Mariel Brown, head of trends, Seymour Powell

‘Of course my first solo show at The Aram Gallery is a highlight. I’m turning 30 and I’m really excited to show new works that I made this year inspired by London and Mexico urban environments. I’m really happy to see the ICA show “A Journey Through London Subculture: 1980s to Now” that I’m also part of, because I think it is an interesting exhibition concept which focuses on different disciplines that shows the diversity of London influence. I always like to see the shows at Libby Sellers Gallery. I also enjoy walking around the Brompton Design District, as in the previous years they have had a lot of interesting independent shows mixed with high-end manufacturers and RCA graduates.’

Bethan Laura Wood, founder, Wood London

‘I’m really looking forward to watching New York artist Gwyneth Leech work on her charming cup creations in Anthropologie’s store window.  I love the way she records life on the simple coffee cup, transforming it into a work of art. And the enchanting Anthropologie store is the perfect backdrop for an installation of her work and a quick shopping fix while I’m there! Of course, I’m also excited about Dragon Rouge’s event ‘Design and Desire’ at 100% Design on 19 September!’

Marie-Therese Cassidy, creative director, Dragon Rouge

‘Having recently moved to London, for me the festival is going to be a chance to continue exploring the city. With such a wide variety of events on offer, from pop-ups to product launches, ad-hoc exhibitions and workshops, I’m looking forward to discovering the various design districts. When I’m done getting lost, I’m sure I’ll find my way over to the more familiar Southbank. After all, who doesn’t want to see the world’s biggest lava lamp!’

 Keith Hancox, designer, Together Design

‘It’s great to see the “graphic” discipline more represented this year. I’m keen to see the Outline Editions showcase for Marion Deuchars’ work among others, and the 8-18 Typographic Circle installation at the V&A. Most excitingly for me though is the Type Tasting event at the V&A with Sarah Hyndman. Not only will she be hosting two days of engaging typography workshops and a very special exhibition of words but I’ll also be there “live lettering” the day as it happens.’

Oli Frape, illustrator