out and about :: pulse london

Pulse London opened at Earl’s Court yesterday, so I popped in to see what was new and shiny. This year’s theme is “First Peek,” so the emphasis was firmly on the “new.” Brand new for Pulse was Ola by Katy Goutefangea (above and last image below). Katy’s simple range of elegantly styled notebooks and papers somewhat stole the show for the stationery nerd in me, but there was plenty more besides to get excited about.

From left to right top to bottom…

• Liz Temperley’s Blank Inside designs are wry, witty and knowing – several of them hit buttons for me.
• Dorset-based Jenny Sibthorp launched her eponymous brand in December, so Pulse was her first major trade show. I love her summery screen-printed homewares.
• I’m a big fan of Caslon & Co‘s products, inspired by founder Andy Rouse’s nerdy collection of antique wooden printing blocks and the ‘waves’ collection, launched at Pulse, is no exception.
• I first saw Ann Mercer‘s architecturally inspired ceramics at her graduate show at Central Saint Martin’s last year, so it was great to see them again on the University of the Arts London ‘Selected’ stand at Pulse, featuring work from current students and alumni.
• I don’t know how I missed architect Jen Taylor’s Hokolo brand at Pulse last year, but this year, I’m hooked. I love the bold graphics and the brave colours.
• One Must Dash provided a little monochromatic moment in a sea of colour. The dog artwork is new for Pulse and I love the “Shhhh” print.
• Taiwanese design studio DHH Studio presented a range of science-inspired products – I particularly liked the conical flask lights.
• Bristol-based Rolfe&Wills were showing this hot pink screen printed cushion that I just loved. All their products are organic and ethically produced.
• Home Slice were launching “Nan’s Finest Glasses” illustrated to look like cut crystal.
• CSM graduate Emma Alington was also on the  University of the Arts London ‘Selected’ stand. Her With a Twist collection is based on the silhouettes of cocktail glasses and hand thrown and hand decorated.
• I loved Anthony Hughes’ industrially-inspired surface pattern designs – especially the pylons.
• Victoria Eggs‘ English pickle tea-towels come in pickle jars… of course!
• Kapitza is a multi-disciplinary design studio run by sisters Nicole and Petra Kapitza who share a passion for print, pattern, nature, minimalism, colour… and more colour!
• And finally more Ola from Katy Goutefangea.

Pulse is open all day today and tomorrow, so if you’re in London pop down to Earl’s Court and take a look.

Further reading for the especially geeky:

• out and about :: ventura lambrate, milan 2014
• out and about :: zona tortona, milan 2014
• out and about :: wallpaper*handmade, milan 2014
• out and about :: milan 2014 preview