For its 20th anniversary, LDF is putting on an array of events and exhibitions.

Whether it is architects, designers, artists or sculptors, London is home to some of the most creative studios globally. London Design Festival 2022 celebrates the city as the design capital of the world and spotlights the incredible work of pioneering studios and individuals. This year, the festival turns 20. From Saturday 17 – Sunday 25 September, there will be hundreds of events and exhibitions across 12 design districts. These are our top picks.

Exhibitions at the V&A 

The glorious V&A Museum will once again host a series of thought-provoking installations, workshops and events. London Design Festival at the V&A will explore the transformative potential of contemporary design and the role of designers as choreographers of change. A striking 3.6-metre-high sculpture called Plasticity, by Italian architect Niccolo Casas, is made of 3D-printed plastic. Parley Ocean Plastic, it is sourced from remote islands, beaches and coastal communities.

Towers and Totems by Fred Rigby Studio

At the frontier of furniture design, Fred Rigby Studio's mission is to enhance daily life with comfortable, playful and beautifully crafted pieces. The studio has now created an installation and exhibition at their new showroom in London Fields, Hackney. Their designs celebrate organic shapes, natural symbolism and earthy materials. Part of east London district the Shoreditch Design Triangle, Towers and Totems is Fred Rigby Studio’s debut homeware collection.

Everything Flows: Zaha Hadid Design at Roca London Gallery

Located at Imperial Wharf near Chelsea Harbour, Roca London Gallery was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Founded by the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid, ZHA has continued to push boundaries. Everything Flows is a major exhibition showcasing the key objects that the studio has developed over the last 15 years. Designs will include fashion, jewellery, home accessories, furniture and lighting.

Design London

Spanning the Greenwich Peninsula district, Design London is a huge four-day event from Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 September. Cutting-edge brands including Artemide, Penta, Bert Plantagie and HAY will showcase their work while international pavilions will represent countries including Denmark, Portugal and Korea. Meanwhile, Discussions at Design London will see thought leaders tackle the most important issues affecting the industry.

sketch Art & Design

An iconic restaurant for gourmands and influencers alike, sketch has recently updated its famously pink Wes Anderson-inspired dining room, The Gallery, with more than a lick of gold paint. One of the most famous Mayfair restaurants, sketch has now launched sketch Art & Design. London-based designers Bethan Gray, Moritz Waldemeyer and Tannaz Oroumchi will create a site-specific installation for a distinct area of the restaurant. Expect colourful glass, architectural drawings and digitally printed leather.

Material Matters

Based on the podcast of the same name, Material Matters is a design fair in Bankside Design District. Spread across five floors of the Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf, the fair brings together designers, makers and organisations to celebrate materiality. There will be a focus on the importance of sustainability and the circular economy. A site-specific installation from leading gallery Ruup & Form will feature eye-catching pieces by textile designer Beatrice Mayfield.

The Wonder Room by Achille Salvagni Atelier and Toyine

Purveyors of enchanting woven artistry, Toyine have teamed up with design gallery Achille Salvagni Atelier in order to unveil their creative processes. The Wonder Room, part of Mayfair Design District, sheds light on intricate fabric making and artisanal furniture design. The Cabinet of Curiosities installation, a selection of objects from their personal collections, will tell the story of the inspiration behind the designs.

London Design Festival 2022 spotlights the city and its creative studios, recognising London as a powerhouse of design. Hundreds of other events, talks and exhibitions will take place over the 12 design districts from 17 – 25 September. More information can be found on the London Design Festival website.