When I worked in a London design studio, visiting buyers trade shows was key to networking and buying. These days I’ve been quite selective and focused my efforts on designer or Scandinavian trade shows, generally the pretty ones. It’s important to note that shows for the buyers market are also very useful for research, even if they’re not as fancy and pretty. It’s really useful to see what products and trends are likely to hit the shops within the next coming months. The Autumn fair focuses on gifts and home accessories for the retail market which is very much a buyers fair. Mirrors, lighting, gifts, small home accessories and even fashion. It’s huge as so varied, there were a few halls that wouldn’t really fit into my aesthetic but that’s ok, it’s good to have a mix.

I curated my visit searching for Scandinavian brands so that I wouldn’t get lost in a sea of chandeliers, haha. Which really helped because I found some cool things!

Vita Copenhagen who are based in . . . guess where . . . . . Copenhagen were a brand I discovered during the 3 days of design festival in May. It’s great that they’ve branched out and hit the UK market. They’re actually quite a new brand, launching in 2008, already have created a few iconic lamps! The Eos and Silvia lamps are the new ‘classics’ for Vita Copenhagen. Hübsch had a great stand and had so much product there it was a real treat! Really cute Scandinavian accessories with hints of botanical love, big planters, shelving, furniture, cushions, candles, all your home accessories really. Another lighting brand, Nordlux have been on my radar for a while. They sell in John Lewis and their pendants were so sleek! A brand with traditional classic Scandinavian style is Ib Laursen where they had a lovely selection of woven throws, rugs and cushions.

Discover more at www.autumnfair.com

4-7 September 2016

H x

Photography © Hannah Trickett/Hannah in the house 

*Sponsored post, all words, thoughts and images are my own.