Craft Overtakes Industrial Design as London Design Festival 2026 Opens

According to a report by Debika Ray for Dezeen, craft has surpassed industrial design as the dominant aesthetic in modern design. The London Design Festival (LDF) 2026, scheduled from September 12 to 20, will showcase craft exhibitions such as Reviving Craft at Somerset House, curated by Yang Lan, which features over 60 artisans from China, and Wood for the Trees at the Tab Centre, created by Mitre & Mondays. This trend is apparent from Milan to Copenhagen, reflecting a growing consumer interest in the origins of products. LDF now draws approximately 475,000 attendees, a significant increase from 35,000 ten years ago. The Loewe Craft Prize, initiated by Jonathan Anderson, emphasizes the rise of contemporary craft, with luxury brands like Hermès and Gucci also promoting craft during design weeks.