Top Drawer A/W 2017 highlights - part 4 (Craft)

Last but certainly not least (albeit slightly late due to wifi problems), it’s time for me to bring my Top Drawer A/W 2017 appreciation series to a close with my highlights from my favourite section from this year’s exhibition - Craft. Showcasing the up-and-coming textile artists, ceramic artists, jewelers and mixed-media artists; Craft was a recent addition to the exhibition, and an essential one in my opinion. Here is a selection of my highlights:



a) Abalon Star - Stand CR807
Combining two of my favourite things in the world (ceramics and candles), London-based Ana Bridgewater, along with her team, create handmade beautiful porcelain vessels to contain their hand-poured candles.

b) Agata Nowak - Stand CR204
With many of the Craft exhibitors being ceramic artists (not like I’m complaining), it was refreshing to see some mixed-media art thrown into the mix. One of the most memorable collections I saw all day; Agata Nowak’s Historical Portraits collection is comprised of iconic portraits of past monarchs, reimagined using recycled and vintage silks, linens and preloved accessories.

c) CERNAMIC - Stand CR705
As a massive fan of the BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down, I was excited to see series 2 contestant Nam Tran present his collection of experimental and unique tableware. His Eco Cups were among my favourite products on show at Top Drawer this year.

d) Clara Castner - Stand CR803
Part of the 573º collective of clay focused artists, designers and makers; Clara Castner creates hand-carved porcelain vessels with vibrant and colourful glazes. Her use of colour and texture in her work is even more impressive in person.

e) Duck Ceramics - Stand CR803
Also a member of the 573º collective; Duck Ceramics, an independent pottery studio created by Alice Duck, was an exhibitor I was keen to see in person. I am delighted to announce that I am now a proud owner of one of her vessels and can now experience the craftsmanship of her work every day.

f) Kaolin by Nika Stupica - Stand CR102
Due to her lack of website, I didn’t know what to expect from Slovenia-based Nika Stupica’s Kaolin collection. I was pleasantly surprised to find a playful, contemporary and colourful collection of porcelain tableware. 

g) Luna Lighting - Stand CR405Handmade in their London studio, Luna create stunning tealight holders, light pulls and tableware using crisp white porcelain. Their tealights come in a range of sizes with a range of patterns including plants, animals and even names.

h) Rosie Brewer - Stand CR101
Rosie Brewer is a Devon-based designer-maker specialising in unique, wooden kitchenware – both one-off and batch production pieces. She creates everything from sustainably sourced, FSC certified wood.

i) Sevak Zargarian - Stand CR803
Like Clara Castner and Duck Ceramics, Sevak Zargarian is also a member of the 573º collective, and like the other two, has a very unique style and process. He creates experimental porcelain pieces with varied textures, included vases, candle holders and serving boards.

j) Tom Butcher - Stand CR308A
Scottish potter Tom Butcher creates both structural and functional tableware, which was among my favourite ceramic pieces in the entire exhibition. I love the sandy colouring of his stoneware pieces and how robust and strong they felt in my hand.

Check out highlights from the other sections of Top Drawer A/W 2017:
Part 1 - Gift
Part 2 - Home
Part 3 - Spotted

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