FOCUS/20 Schedule
Sunday 13 September: Virtual launch
Monday 14 – Friday 18 September: Online programme and tailored visits for trade professionals. See the full Focus/20 schedule.
Are you looking forward to this year's Focus/20?
GK: Yes, I've been going to Focus for almost 20 years and this Autumn I'm looking forward to seeing its transition to an event that is both actual and virtual! We access so much online now, that it's going to be really exciting to discover the possibilities of using the web as a gateway to seeing new collections and inspiration from some of the design world's greatest figures.
There are certainly a few virtual events that I suspect might never have happened in the real world - and would certainly never have attracted the huge global audiences that this year's programme will offer.
This year's highlights include some of the most iconic names in interiors from Emma Burns, leading light at iconic British interior designers Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler to Michael S Smith, one of the most celebrated decorators in the US who transformed the interiors of The White House.
What are the highlights for you?
Well, one of them is my interview with Emma Burns (at 4pm on Wednesday 16 September), who I consider to be one of the most talented and intuitive designers working today. She's a beacon of the very best of classic English style. The talk is free to view — you can register for a place at dcch.co.uk.
Also, I'm so much looking forward to hearing a vast range of really inspirational figures, as well as a new programme of Right Here, Right Now events that will focus on specific areas with experts such as Sally Storey, Porta Romana and Original BTC on lighting, Bernie de Le Cuona on trends in textiles, David Harris of Andrew Martin on colour.
And what about new collections?
That's the magnet that's been drawing me back to Focus every year. I love the thrill and excitement of seeing collections unveiled - and there are some particular highlights such as Ben Pentreath's fresh take of William Morris at Morris & Co., new designs from GP & J Baker, as well as a host of other really inventive designers such as Vaughan, Julian Chichester and Turnstyle Designs.
What are the other attractions of the Design Centre, both in its physical and virtual incarnation?
It's the beating heart of the interior design world; I can't think of anywhere else on earth that offers the same depth and breadth of furniture, textiles, wallpaper, lighting. But one of its most unique commodities is inspiration and there'll be plenty of that available during Focus/20.
For more details on the online programme and to catch up on talks, masterclasses and webinars, as well as Discovery Tours, Style Radar discussions and sessions with the Personal Shopper, visit dcch.co.uk/Focus
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How to disconnect from reality and feel like a new person in under 72 hoursOur round-up of the best British retreats that work wellness wonders in under 72 hours.
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Evenley Wood Garden: 'I didn't know a daffodil from a daisy! But being middle-aged, ignorant and obstinate, I persisted'When Nicola Taylor took on her plantsman father’s flower-filled woodland, she knew more about horses than trees, but, as Tiffany Daneff discovers, that hasn’t stopped her from making a great success of the garden. Photographs by Clive Nichols.
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Jewels of the Mediterranean: Luxury multi-generational villa holidaysThe Thinking Traveller have some of the finest villas in the Mediterranean on their books for multi-generational holidays. Here are just a few of the highlights.
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Code8: Beauty on Burlington ArcadeCome along Burlington Arcade with Hetty Lintell to visit beauty gurus Code8, and try their new Day To Night Foundation.
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The gift of growingEntirely built to suit your needs, a bespoke Alitex greenhouse not only helps you nurture flowers and vegetables, but also offers a tranquil retreat from the pressures of daily life.
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The ultimate Canadian train journeyExperience the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies onboard the luxury and top-tier service of Rocky Mountaineer.
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Diamonds are a man’s best friendMale interest in jewellery is on the rise, with gypsy and signet rings proving especially popular, according to renowned jeweller Hancocks.
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The Art of Lighting: Four of Britain's top designers share their best tips for choosing lightingAt a recent panel discussion hosted at Vaughan’s London showroom during Focus/24, interior designers Emma Pocock and Sarah Peake, lighting designer Jo Mann of Lighthouse Designs and Richard Smith of Vaughan shared their top 10 tips on choosing lighting.
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The beauty of bespoke: A journey with Julia Lloyd GeorgeGoing bespoke with Julia Lloyd George means getting not just a piece of jewellery, but a lifelong treasure.
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Hancocks: Sparkle of geniusHistoric jewellery firm Hancocks, now in its new St James’s home, specialises in old-cut diamonds pieces that gleam and turn heads even in low light.
