Better Living By Design: Regenerative Business & Material Innovation Showcase

Curated by Yasmin Jones-Henry (founder of The Lab W1, previously co-founder of The Lab E20 and Financial Times writer), Amanda Johnston (Future Fabrics Expo), Professor Dilys Williams (University Arts London) and Louie-Joe Findlater (Film maker & photographer), this multifaceted programme has been assembled to support the unveiling of Soho as the newest design district to the London Design Festival, celebrating the area’s eclectic design heritage whilst tackling topics of urban regeneration, climate action, cultural identity and design innovation.

Drawing on the principles of regenerative by design, “Better Living By Design” seeks to address the themes of “placeshaping” and the reimagining of Soho through the lens of co-design. This exhibition brings together an ecosystem of higher education, industry, craft and community to convene meaningful stakeholder engagement as to what the future of Soho, Oxford St and Fitzrovia should look like for NextGen grassroots cultural production.

Join us on 17th September for a cross-sector collaboration championing the nextgen entrepreneurs, makers and material innovators for an evening of exploration, discussion and forming new connections and ecosystems.

Amy Tsang, Head of Europe, The Mills Fabrica shares: “We’re thrilled to take part in “Better Living By Design” at this year’s London Design Festival, where The Mills Fabrica will present five pioneering textile innovations - Circ, Colorifix, BioFluff, Ponda and Arda Biomaterials - each offering a new path toward more sustainable fashion. These solutions reflect the breadth of thinking needed to reshape an industry built on outdated systems, proving what’s possible when science, design and material innovation collide.”

Agenda: Doors Open 5.30pm

Session 1: 6pm

1. The Mills Fabrica: Quick fire presentations from: Circ, Colorifix, BioFluff, Ponda and Arda Biomaterials

Session 2: 6.45pm

2. Materials In My Life: panel discussion chaired by Amanda Johnston (Chief Design Officer, Future Fabrics Expo)

3. Networking & Drinks Reception 7.30-8.30pm

This event is in collaboration with The Mills Fabrica, the Future Fabrics Expo & the Centre for Sustainable Fashion - UAL