My Recent Trip to London: Inspiration, Art, and a Little Bit of Luxury

Last week, I packed my bags and headed to London for a few days of inspiration hunting, with a jam-packed itinerary which included a trade show, galleries, and a touch of retail therapy. I had a wonderful time wandering the city's streets, soaking up creative energy and discovering new ideas to bring back to my own work.

Top Drawer at Olympia

One of the main reasons for my trip was to attend Top Drawer at Olympia, a fantastic trade show that brings together some of the most exciting brands in design, homeware, and gifts. Walking through the aisles was like stepping into a treasure trove of creativity—so many brilliant ideas and inspiring products all in one place. I loved seeing the innovative designs and meeting fellow creatives who share the same passion for adding colour and joy to everyday life. It was a great opportunity to spot trends and gather fresh ideas for my future collections.

Gallery Hopping for Inspiration

No trip to London is complete without immersing myself in the city's incredible art scene. First up was the Saatchi Gallery for Anastasia Samoylova's Adaptation. This exhibition explored themes of climate change and environmental transformation through stunning photography. The interplay of urban landscapes and natural forces was beautifully captured and really made me think about how art can spark important conversations.

Images show (left) Anastasia Samoylova's Adaptation and (right) Lauren Halsey's Emajendat

Next, I headed to the Serpentine Gallery, where I saw Lauren Halsey's Emajendat exhibition. I have never seen anything quite like it. Every inch of the space was covered in amazing detail. Her work, with its bold Afrofuturist themes and intricate architectural influences, was incredibly inspiring. The way she blends community narratives with striking visuals left me with so many ideas to explore.

Exploring London's Iconic Spots

Between gallery visits, I walked a lot! There's something about strolling through London that always sparks creativity—whether it's spotting quirky shopfronts, admiring the architecture, or people-watching in bustling neighborhoods.

A highlight for me was visiting Liberty—an absolute must for any design lover. The store's gorgeous prints and beautifully curated collections never fail to inspire me. I also made a stop at Fortnum & Mason, where the elegant displays and delicious treats provided the perfect dose of indulgence.

Finally, I spent some time at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)—a true haven for anyone passionate about design. From intricate textiles to thought-provoking exhibitions, there's always something that catches my eye and fuels my creative fire.

Wrapping Up

I'm absolutely buzzing with ideas and inspiration from my time in London. I'm focusing on translating all these experiences into my upcoming projects. From incorporating bold visual storytelling and unique attention to detail inspired by Lauren Halsey's work to experimenting with fresh colour palettes and patterns inspired by my visit. It's time to channel all this creative energy into new designs and exciting artwork.

Now, it's time to get back to work and start bringing these ideas to life!