Curated Diary – Ross Urwin


Founding creative director of Infrastructure Ross Urwin picks his top events for the coming months


Blueprint

Ross Urwin is founding creative director of Infrastructure, a leading creative agency based in Hong Kong that specialises in branding, repositioning and experience in the retail and hospitality sector.

Ross Urwin

At the moment, he is consulting for retailers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, artists and independent labels, including a design-led social enterprise called 'kanjian Creations' that is dedicated to supporting and conserving traditional Chinese craftsmanship. This year he is creative director of Design Shanghai 2015 along with Infrastructure co-founder Darrel Best. Here's his pick of top events over the coming months.

Salone InternazIonale Del MobIle
Milan, Italy
14 - 19 April

My annual injection of creativity comes from this furniture event. The entire city embraces and celebrates every aspect of design and innovation, and if you go to only one annual design show this would be my choice by far. It exhibits the latest in innovation, from established design brands and emerging design names of the future from across the world.

Salone InternazIonale Del MobIle, Milan, Italy

For me, after a quick trip to the major exhibition centre, it's all happening at the various satellite events scattered across town, including tortona and lambrate. salonemilano.it

Design Shanghai
Exhibition Centre, Shanghai
27 - 30 March

As one of the creative directors behind this event, as far as I'm concerned, Design Shanghai is the only true design show to visit in China. China is such a new market and the vibrant, design-hungry city of Shanghai as a backdrop makes this a unique event.

Design Shanghai, Exhibition Centre, Shanghai

The first Design Shanghai last February welcomed 47,000 visitors! It mixes design, art, food and innovation, introduces international brands to the region, works with local partners to support Chinese designers, builds design features and partners the city's creative community. designshowshanghai.com

Art Basel - Hong Kong
Convention and Exhibition Centre, HK
March 15 - 17

Hong Kong is art Basel's latest addition. Only in its second year, this is the event in Hong Kong's social calendar and draws an array of interesting characters out of the woodwork. Art has been the focal point for creativity within Hong Kong for some years now. The city that never sleeps appears to be on steroids during the event, with a full schedule packed with parties, lectures and events. It is the best week to visit Hong Kong, even if you're not interested in art. artbasel.com/en/Hong-Kong

Blickfang
Stuttgart
20 - 22 March

One of the biggest design shows of its kind in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, blickfang gives great significance to the story behind the product and the maker. I have always emphasised the importance of learning the history and technique behind any merchandise, as today's consumer is looking to be inspired by these stories.

Blickfang, Stuttgart

Showcasing more than 200 innovative designers from across Europe, the great thing about blickfang is its diversity - product design, jewellery and fashion under one roof - and all can be bought on the spot. blickfang.com

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
V&A, London
14 March - 2 August

Originally exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of art in New York and one of the museum's most popular events in its 141 years, this amazing exhibition of the troubled fashion icon's work is a must if you're in London. The designer's innovation and genius will be on display at the V&A until 19 July and is the largest retrospective of his work to be presented in Europe.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, V&A, London

Alexander McQueen pushed the boundaries of fashion, and designers from all disciplines can learn a lot from his short but brilliant career. vam.ac.uk

ArtExpo New York
Pier 94, New York City
23 - 26 April

An important event in the international art calendar, ArtExpo New York is one of the best places to discover new artists and a great opportunity to meet influential designers and architects. On the trendy Pier 94 at the heart of a thriving cultural art and design district ArtExpo hosts a great selection of artists creating prints, paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, ceramics and glass work.

ArtExpo New York, Pier 94, New York City

I think it's important to support up-and-coming artists, and this show is packed with exciting discoveries to be made. artexponewyork.com








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