Growing a business as an independent designer has its challenges and as the year draws to a close it is important for us to reflect on the steps taken along the way. As we head into a new decade we take a fond look back at some of our favourite moments from the last year, cherishing the wonderful events we've taken part in and people we've met as well as the lovely products we've made too.
Our moments include PIPÉT's first appearance at London Craft Week, moving into our new studio, new product ranges, our aim for a more sustainable 2020 and doing our small bit to help the cleaner air campaign at Chiswick Oasis with the Mayor of London.
I hope you enjoy this brief look back at our highlights as much as we do and remember some of the great events that 2019 held. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to creating many more wonderful moments in 2020!
Best wishes,
Gina x
THE FUTURE OF CRAFT X LONDON CRAFT WEEK 2019
More than just an exhibition or fair London Craft Week takes place across the capital and plays host to a vast programme of events, talks and workshops. Those involved include established and emerging fashion brands and makers alongside well known design-focused stores such as Heals, Liberty London and The Conran Shop.
‘The Future of Craft’ 9-12 May 2019 saw the inaugural event curated by Oxo Tower Wharf in partnership with Design Nation and Future Icons director Louisa Pacifico. Held at London’s Bargehouse, it showcased over 40 participants celebrating innovation in craft and makers stories.
This was our first appearance at LCW. With a tough selection process we were very excited to be part of the showcase. Our latest interior collection was well received by press and industry professionals as well as providing an opportunity to reach a wider audience with whom we could share our designs and processes behind our work.
We were proud to be part of this event and look forward to returning to OXO's Bargehouse in 2020!
>> Read our article on The Future of Craft and discover more about the event here LCW2019
Designer Gina Pipét with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
PAINTING OUR 16m AIRLITE AIR-PURIFYING MURAL
Two years ago St Mary’s RC Primary School in Chiswick was audited by the Mayor’s Office among the 50 most polluted schools in London. In 2018 a group of parents set out to change all that and turn it into one of the greenest by building a green infrastructure in St Mary’s playground separating the school from the A4 (with a flow of at least 80,000 vehicles a day).
I was delighted to be asked by London architect Joanna Hoehenwarter - a parent and member of Chiswick Oasis - to design a special mural for their playground which was to be painted by the children, parents and visitors (including guest of honour the Mayor of London) with a special air-purifying paint at the Grand Opening.
>> See more photos from the day and learn more about campaign in our feature post here Chiswick Oasis
Panel Talk and Summer Showcase: Colour Stories
Hosted by Milliken and Makers House
This July we were invited by Makers House to join a panel discussion on The Process Behind the Product in addition to showcasing our latest collection. A first for brand designer and founder Gina Pipét, it was an honour to be asked to contribute alongside a bench of established makers from a variety of craft and design disciplines.
Thanks to all those who joined in and participated with your interesting questions. It was great to share our experiences and discuss how we tackle the limitations and challenges faced in the design and production processes.
New PIPÉT Studio and Showroom
Perfect for an Instagram takeover and just in time for London Design Festival and Open House London...
Earlier in the year I needed to relocate my studio and took up residence in Craft Central's new purpose built maker studios in The Forge. It's a wonderful space and over the past few months I've shared many interesting water-cooler moments getting to know the diverse range of designers and other small businesses sharing the space.
Instagram Takeover. With our new studio and showroom taking shape, we were delighted to be asked to take over the Craft Central Instagram account sharing our pictures and #storiesfromtheforge. I had a very enjoyable week sharing our moments and connecting with new followers across the network. You can see our week in pictures and learn more about our design process, work in progress and insider shots from my studio over on our Instagram account at @pipetdesign
September was also the month of the London Design Festival and Open House which proved the perfect opportunity to invite you into our studio and showroom at The Forge. Thanks to everyone who came by to learn about our latest collections and discuss potential new projects.
Instagram takeover with Craft Central - #Storiesfromtheforge
NEW COLLABORATIONS AND SHOWS
This year we joined forces with some fantastic brands and organisations and took part in some new design events including London Craft Week at OXO Tower, Open House London at Craft Central and The London Artisan at The Old Truman Brewery as well as returning to our regular Summer and Winter Fairs at Craft Central.
New partners for 2019 included The Goldsmith's Centre selling showcase with Future Icons (a first for non-jewellery disciplines to be invited) and Maggie's Centre charity fair at St Bart's Hospital.
Thanks to all the wonderful teams involved below who make these events happen!
2019 In the Press
Our colourful umbrellas and statement scarves have proved a hit with the top style aficionados out there being featured in some of the UK's most notable publications both online and in print. Thank you to all those who mentioned us in your publications, its always so special to see your recognition for our products.
>> See our recent Press Features
New Contract Fabrics for Interior projects.
The range includes:
- Heavy Satin FR
- Upholstery Twill FR Crib 5
- Eco Upholstery FR Crib 5
- Short Pile Velvet FR Crib 5
- Regal Velvet FR Crib 5
All our Contract fabrics are printed to order in England. We are pleased to offer low minimums and a quick turnaround.
New Fashion Accessories
In December we launched our new line of colourful umbrellas to compliment our range of statement scarves and accessories. Proudly working with London's oldest established Umbrella maker we have produced a range of 7 colourful umbrellas each traditionally hand made in East London. An essential? We think so!
Following a sell-out last Christmas we also launched a small range of eye masks, lavender bags and travel pouches which were available at our shows and design fairs. These are proving to be quite popular, so we'll be adding some new designs to our shop in the Spring.
What's next for 2020?
Sustainability and conscious design. As we embark on our 8th year in business we look to grow our offering of prints and patterns, whilst strengthening and refining our ethos around conscious design and production. Through our small scale manufacturing and bespoke tailor-made products we can help to reduce waste by avoiding excess stock and large order commitments. Offering the highest quality of products in design, material and manufacture we strive for more sustainable items that last the test of time.
Commissions and Projects. Earlier in the year we were invited by one of the UK's most prestigious Universities to design a unique accessories package for them. A work in progress, we've been creating some fabulous bespoke designs for scarves and ties which we hope to reveal later in the Spring. More on this to come..
Instagram - Keep an eye on the grid and our Stories at @pipetdesign As we move into the new year we'll be sharing more of our design inspiration and travel photos, scarf styling tips, new pattern designs, product releases and more!
You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive updates, occasional offers and promotions via our newsletter at pipetdesign.com
Our Top 9 Instagram posts of 2019.
