Designers in the UK, are you looking forward to 2017? If you aren’t yet, then perhaps you will be after hearing about these 10 amazing design events that are taking place this year. There are some can’t-miss conferences, a slew of fantastic fashion shows and some great gallery exhibitions.
So grab your calendar and start penciling in these events because we’re sure there’s going to be at least one that you just won’t want to miss.
The Graphics of Punk
Dates: 4 October 2016 – 29 January 2017
Location: Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

The Graphics of Punk is actually part of a wider movement — Punk London, which is an entire year to celebrate the subversive culture of punk. Although the year-long celebration is coming to an end in January 2017, it’s still worth checking out this cool exhibition to get inspired by some of the most iconic graphic design work ever. You’ll see album artwork, posters, underground magazines and more.
The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined
Dates: 13 October 2016 – 5 February 2017
Location: Barbican Art Gallery in London

The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined is a fantastically rule-breaking exhibition that explores the idea of taste in fashion — so if you’re a designer, chances are you’ll find this fascinating. They delve into the idea of what exactly is vulgar and what isn’t, and why people are so sensitive to it. There are 120 pieces to see, from high-end couture outfits to historical clothing to ready-to-wear fashion, from names like Christian Lacroix, Philip Treacy, Vivienne Westwood, Chloé, Dior, Viktor & Rolf…need we say more?
London Fashion Week
Dates: 6-9 January 2017 (Men’s) and 17-21 February for trade-only events – 23-26 February for London Fashion Week Festival, which is open to everybody
Location: London
Well, obviously! Although attending the actual shows of the London Fashion Week is near to impossible (only press, buyers and A-list celebrities allowed) there are always activities programmed during the week that are open to the general public. Count us in!
This Brutal World
Date: 23 January 2017
Location: The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre

Peter Chadwick, author and graphic designer, will be talking about how growing up in the North East during the 1980s sparked a life-long fascination with all things industrial, which has had a definite impact on his work as a graphic designer. The lecture of This Brutal World includes a wine reception (hooray!), which will give you the chance to hobnob with all sorts of interesting types.
Bubble London
Dates: 29-30 January 2017
Location: London (Islington)

If your focus is making cool clothes for the little ones, then Bubble London is a great place to go. It’s mainly a trade show for children’s clothing, but there’s a lot more going on than that. You can even get business advice, key insights and guidance at their seminar programme, which is free for attendees.
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Dates: 12-14 February 2017
Location: London (Kensington)
Pure London & Pure Man are some of the most highly anticipated events of the year when it comes to all things clothing. Whether you’re showing your collections or looking to source new products for a shop, this is the place to be, with over 700 brands attending. You can order everything you see right at the show, along with do lots of networking. This year’s Pure Man menswear will feature an entire area dedicated to concept brands, as well as the usual catwalks and showcases for up-and-coming names.
Moda 2017
Dates: 19-21 February 2017
Location: NEC Birmingham
Moda is the UK’s biggest fashion trade exhibition, with an eye-popping 1,450 brands plus going to be showing their wares there. Just about every section of the fashion industry is well-represented, so you can find some fantastic inspiration or do a lot of great business here. There are also plenty of seminars so you can make sure your fashion knowledge is stiletto sharp. Don’t miss the daily fashion shows either!
D&AD Festival 2017
Dates: 25-27 April, 2017
Location: London (Shoreditch)
The D&AD Festival celebrates the very best in creative advertising. You’ll get the chance to hear talks and lectures from top creative professionals, view over 20,000 items in an exhibition, and attend lots of workshops and parties. This year’s edition will be held at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, where the highly anticipated Pencil awards will be handed.
National Festival of Making
Dates: May 6-7, 2017
Location: Blackburn Lancashire
The National Festival of Making brings together creative types of all sorts to celebrate their work, whether that’s art, design or manufacturing. It was started by Wayne Hemingway, a Lancashire-born designer himself, alongside the Placeshakers social enterprise and Deco Publique. You’ll see the very best of some of the top makers from around the UK to pick up some inspiration.
London Design Festival
Dates: 16-24 September 2017
Location: London (city wide)
The London Design Festival is an incredible event for anybody with even a remote interest in art, design and culture. This 9-day celebration of all things artistic infuses the city with a series of exhibitions, installations, talks and more. Last year’s edition featured everything from a lettering workshop to a light capsule display to a holiday themed pop-up shop.
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