DDP Design Launching Fair, a platform for rising talents : DesignWanted

Seoul Design is Asia’s premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) event, a vibrant hub where emerging design trends are unveiled and innovative products are launched. This year’s 13th edition, held from October 17 to 27, was no exception. Themed “/Imagine Tomorrow,” the event served as a catalyst for innovation and inspiration. From captivating exhibitions to insightful conferences and bustling markets, Seoul Design 2024 offered a diverse range of programs for design enthusiasts.

A standout highlight was the ‘DDP Design Launching Fair,’ a groundbreaking platform for rising talents, manufacturers, and businesses. Now in its sixth year, the annual event continues to grow, attracting over 100,000 attendees, including international and domestic distributors, buyers, and the press. By fostering partnerships between these stakeholders, the fair empowers designers and enterprises to scale globally and elevate the status of K-Design on the world stage. This dynamic ecosystem nurtures creativity, drives economic growth, and ultimately shapes the future of design.

Martin Clausen, Co-founder and Creative Director of Adorno, a renowned Danish online gallery, was blown away on his first visit to the fair. “The balance between progress and unique aesthetics, coupled with forward-thinking solutions, was truly impressive. Especially, ‘Lullaby,’ a portable lamp by Seoul-based multidisciplinary industrial design studio BDCI, perfectly encapsulated the current design scene in Seoul. It’s a stunning blend of technology and emotion.”

Seo-min Lee, the award-winning Founder and Creative Director of BDCI, noted, “Here, Lullaby, our daily companion, was featured in the 〈Product Promotion Support for Design Firms〉 project, while our eco-conscious ‘Calzone Package,’ a carry-on foldable silicone bag, was showcased in GREENCHIPS, part of the 〈Supporting the Development of Domestic and International Markets for Sustainable Design Products and Services〉 initiative.”

The fair assembled a curatorial team of five to ensure a top-tier exhibition. One such curator was Jee-yeon Choi, Director of the Home Furnishing Product Department at the Research and Design Lab. of HANSSEM Headquarters, a leading provider of total home interior solutions for over half a century. With more than twenty years of experience, she is a seasoned pro in furniture product planning, development, and design management, and she shared her insights on the curation process. When asked about the selection criteria, Choi emphasized three key factors.

First and foremost, the product’s marketability, considering its design, price, and potential for both domestic and international markets. Second, it should push the boundaries of the industry and leave a positive impact on the world. Sustainability is a must, from eco-friendly materials to innovative waste reduction strategies. Ultimately, the design should embody a ‘Back to Basics’ ethos, combining sophistication with timeless appeal.

Among a vast array of brands, Jee-yeon Choi was drawn to one+design/MW, where their small but iconic products were prominently displayed. CEO and Creative Director Wan-sup Kim shared the serendipitous journey of taking the helm of ZAI. “As a product design consultancy running a branch in China, I was asked to consult for ZAI. Thanks to the successful launch of the brand, I am now in charge of product design and overseas operations.” Their flagship product, the ‘Carbon Pen,’ is eminent as a “pencil that doesn’t need sharpening.” It boasts durability superior to classic pencil leads and semi-permanent usability. The Carbon Pen comes in three distinct types: Pencil, Sharp, and Compact. The latest addition, the Compact type, is a pocket-sized marvel crafted from sustainable CXP/CLC material, a tree byproduct. Equipped with a super-compressed carbon core equivalent to 200 regular pencil leads, this tiny titan clinched the “Best Launching” award at the DDP Design Launching Fair.

Articlier, the solo project of designer Sun-mo Ku, is a hybrid of ‘Article’ and ‘Atelier,’ reflecting the brand’s mission to create meaningful objects that enhance any space. Committed to crafting significant spatial objects that embody the brand’s vision, Articlier blends aluminum with diverse materials, transcending the limitations of traditional metal furniture. The resulting pieces imbued with a unique artisanal aesthetic, balance aluminum’s cool properties with unexpected warmth. Drawing on his experience in space design, Ku said, “I was attracted to the inherent qualities of metal. Having worked extensively with aluminum in furniture and lighting design, I naturally selected it as the primary material for Articlier.” As a one-man operation, he oversees every stage of the process, from initial design to final finish, with an experimental spirit aiming to establish a furniture brand that pushes the boundaries of design.

Among the seven design support projects showcased at the fair, two brands from GREENCHIPS were particularly intriguing. GREENCHIPS, organized under the project 〈Supporting the Development of Domestic and International Markets for Sustainable Design Products and Services〉, promotes a sustainable lifestyle that is as easy and enjoyable as eating potato chips. chigong, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand, is a family collaboration between an oral hygiene expert father and a design director son, Yun-ho Park, who returned to Korea from New York to embark on this venture. Park explained, “chigong is more than just a product, it’s a space that creates healing and value.” Made from biodegradable PLA plastic derived from corn starch, their toothbrushes are both functional and stylish.

Award-winning grape lab challenged conventional notions of consumption. By utilizing minimal resources and innovative technology, they create sustainable products that seamlessly integrate into daily life. Alice Kim, the brand’s Founder and Creative Director, posed a thought-provoking question, “Can’t we reuse discarded resources and bring them back into our daily lives?” The ‘g.stand’ series epitomizes grape lab’s commitment to sustainable design. A prominent example is the g.stand Laptop, weighing a mere 45 grams, which can support laptops exceeding 5kg. This remarkable feat is achieved through a unique folding technique inspired by the structural integrity of buildings. Crafted from a single material without chemical additives, the g.stand series is easily recyclable or returnable to nature, leaving a minimal environmental footprint.