Previewing Three Exciting Design Events Happening in March

February 29, 2024

Get ready for a design-packed March! From bustling festivals to chic showcases, this month is bursting with creativity. We’re diving into three standout events that promise excitement, innovation, and inspiration. Whether you’re in Austin, London, or Paris, there’s something special waiting for you. Join us as we explore the SXSW Creative Industries Expo, London Design Week, and MATTER and SHAPE. It’s going to be an unforgettable journey through the world of design!

Paris Welcomes MATTER and SHAPE from March 1 to March 4, 2024

MATTER and SHAPE is a new design salon in the heart of Paris. The salon will be unveiled during Paris Fashion Week in the Jardin des Tuileries in the spring of 2024. MATTER and SHAPE will be held from March 1 to March 4, 2024. Moreover, it proposes a bright, neutral frame for diverse, expressive projects from around the world and allows emerging designers to present their work to the world.

Designed by LA-based designer and architect Willo Perron of Perron Roettinger Studio, MATTER and SHAPE‘s first edition is a play of textures and tones that respects the autonomy of each exhibitor while radiating a soft, refined minimalism throughout. The salon offers multiple stand formats separated by posable walls, including options for 2 or 3 walled stands to take advantage of full natural light or the utility of a 3rd background wall for suspended objects.

MATTER and SHAPE invites exhibitors from different spheres to present their exceptional projects and products in an elevated setting, celebrating the culture of global design.

Situated in the Jardin des Tuileries, MATTER and SHAPE takes place in a 3000 sqm temporary space with a vaulted ceiling and transparent lateral walls, allowing natural light to flood the salon. Featuring customized stands for up to 40 exhibitors, the salon includes common areas, amenities, a design bookstore and boutique, a café, and a dedicated restaurant with table service for lunch and private dinner opportunities.

Among the exhibitors are Alessi (Italy), Flos (Italy), Bocci (Canada), Tolix (France), Natalia Criado (Colombia), and more.

The design salon is dedicated to creating a 360° immersive design environment to celebrate contemporary design, cultivating new relationships with specialists around the world to elevate the salon experience through research, innovation, and sensory.

Partners of MATTER and SHAPE that help realize this event are Dedar (Italy), Apartamento Books (Spain), Perfumer H (UK), and We Are ONA (France).

MATTER and SHAPE first started as a digital design platform created by Pinet in 2013. The creation of a physical Paris fair comes as an interest in designer furniture and homewares has exploded recently with different annual events that attract high-end shoppers and fashion houses alongside retailers and manufacturers.

SXSW Creative Industries Expo, March 10-13, Where Technology, Design, and Social Good Converge

South by Southwest, abbreviated as SXSW and colloquially referred to as South By, is an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly that take place in Austin, Texas, United States, March 10-13. Against this backdrop of innovation and creativity, the SXSW Creative Industries Expo stands as an inspiring showcase of industry disruptors, creative innovators, and technological masterpieces.

This four-day event promises to ignite passions, foster collaboration, and unveil groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future of creative industries worldwide.

The Creative Industries Expo is the epicenter of cutting-edge technology, design, social good, health, wellness, and beyond. Mindfully curated by the SXSW team, the Expo brings together exhibitors from across the globe to showcase their transformative ideas and visionary projects. From startups to established brands, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations propelling industries forward.

(L-R) Kevin Mills, Ashley Flowers, Oren Rosenbaum – Featured Session: Beyond Podcasting How Ashley Flowers Redefined Crime Storytelling – SXSW 2023 – Photo by Shannon Johnston

Spanning various pavilions, each dedicated to a distinct theme, attendees will embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration:

Innovation Pavilion sponsored by Remote:
Experience a collection of disruptors and thought leaders at the forefront of their industries. From groundbreaking technologies to creative pursuits, the Innovation Pavilion showcases diverse trends defining tomorrow’s world.

Global Pavilion sponsored by Los Cabos:
Explore the full spectrum of worldwide initiatives, trends, creators, and tastemakers. Immerse yourself in a hands-on environment where ideas from across the globe converge, offering insight into the future of international industries.

Social Impact Pavilion:
Discover businesses dedicated to making a positive impact socially, economically, and environmentally. From sustainable solutions to community-driven initiatives, these exhibitors are paving the way for a better world.

Health + Wellness Pavilion:
Embark on a journey to improve quality of life through innovative products, services, and ideas. With a focus on holistic well-being, exhibitors in this pavilion are on a mission to make the world healthier, happier, and more balanced.

Entertainment Pavilion:
Step into the world of film, music, gaming, and more. From designers to artists, this pavilion showcases trailblazers who captivate audiences with their creativity and innovation.

Atmosphere - Outdoor Stage - Photo by David Brendan Hall — Atmosphere – Outdoor Stage – Photo by David Brendan Hall

Beyond the pavilions, attendees can explore various areas of interest designed to enhance their experience:

Next Stage sponsored by Globant:
Engage in discussions and ideas from exhibiting brands, connecting with innovative ways to do business. Session speakers share their expertise, shaping the future of their industries.

Podcast Lounge:
Immerse yourself in unique podcasts centered on conference programming. From social good to gaming, technology to music, the Podcast Lounge offers a diverse array of content to enjoy.

Networking Lounge:
Forge meaningful connections with industry professionals, friends, and colleagues in a collaborative and creative environment.

The Hub:
Relax, recharge, and catch up on emails while watching simulcasts of Featured and Keynote speakers. The Hub serves as the ultimate space to unwind and stay connected throughout the Expo.

This year, the conference is giving the public free admission to the final day of Austin Industry Day. According to a release, the Expo “showcases some of today’s most forward-thinking brands and technology. The Expo shows how creativity is fueling progress across all industries, from entertainment and health to social impact and more.”

The SXSW Creative Industries Expo is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and limitless possibilities. Join us as we explore the future of creative industries and embark on a journey that will shape the world for generations to come.

Engage with Design Visionaries at London Design Week 2024 from March 11 to March 15, 2024

London Design Week is one of the key design events of 2024. Being held from March 11 to March 15, 2024, this show is set to be the center of creative ideas, inspiration, discussion, and insights. Located at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, London, the show will be open for visitors from 10:00 to 18:00.

Design Directions

London Design Week highlights include collaborations with international tastemakers such as Bunny Williams with Paolo Moschino, Jennifer Manners with Salvesen Graham, Kit Kemp with GP & J Baker, and Giles Deacon with Sanderson Design Group.

There is a throwback with a Palm Beach design direction which showcases old-world charm mixed with a tropical feel. A connection to nature has been a recurring theme in design, but this season there is an enchanting twist with the aptly named Enchanted Isle design direction which showcases decorative and dreamlike fabrics and wallcoverings that take the eye on a journey to imaginary places.

Program

Each day will be full of events. More than 100 will be curated to engage, inform, and spark the imagination. For example, on March 11, 2024, the David Hunt Lighting team will welcome visitors to their showroom to present a new collection of lighting pieces. Attendees will have the chance to discover the story behind the 300-year-old heritage brand and its range of hand-crafted products. Another event that will take place on March 13 is the discussion between Flora Soames and Kathryn Ireland. They will reflect on the concept of home, and explore the people, places, and objects that have shaped their approach. The following day, on March 14, there will be a Quote & Curate session with Angela Murray that will focus on the merits of including art within interior design projects.

Besides the above-mentioned events, there will be more that will take place during the five days of the design show. There will be several free events in the Access All Areas schedule to enjoy in and around the showrooms, from hands-on demonstrations, meet the meet-the-designer sessions to the debut of creative collaborations. Daily design discovery tours will give visitors the inside track on the most talked-about products at the show.

House Guests

Adding another layer, pop-up House Guests in situ in Design Avenue will offer more ways for visitors to encounter world-class talent. Some of the most renowned design names are as follows:

In conclusion, London Design Week 2024 promises to be an event offering a dynamic platform for creative exchange and inspiration. With its lineup of well-known figures, thought-provoking discussions, and immersive experiences, the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour will be a center for creatives from around the world. The diverse program of events ensures that every visitor will find something to spark their interest and give them food for thought.

Text: D5 Editorial, Polya Pencheva