On Wednesday, September 16th, Hackney Downs Studios opened its doors for Design Selects, a landmark one-night-only showcase celebrating the London Design Festival. Marking the site's first studio-led exhibition in seven years, the event welcomed the public behind closed doors into the heart of East London’s creative engine to discover a multidisciplinary lineup of resident designers, craftspeople, ceramicists, publishers, and performance artists.

Attendees gathered across the studios, galleries, and central courtyard, chatting over complimentary drinks and spun records.

The showcase featured:

• Village Meeting (Hosted by All Ears | Curated by OP-OV): A group show hosted in the All Ears workshop and The Gallery, featuring collectible design objects by thirty London-based artists, alongside functional art objects spanning wood, metal and beadwork. 

• Agüita: A sculptural, interactive table installation that used dining design, music, and storytelling to transform the table into a gathering point for conversation and connection. 

• Boso Studio: Ania Perkowska presented Quiet Corners: Ceramics for Peaceful Living, featuring geometric ceramic forms, organic clay textures, and minimal tactile surfaces. 

• Curata: Founder Robyn Yeang presented Cowboy Crockery, showcasing handmade ceramic tableware inspired by the American West alongside live ink painting sessions and art prints. 

• Guest Editions: An independent publishing showcase featuring a full catalog of artist books, limited editions, and visual insights into the book design and production process. 

• The Hackney Room: An experimental audiovisual performance that immersed visitors in ambient sound, low lighting, short film screenings, and open audience Q&A. 

• Kotani: Studio pottery showcasing glaze mixing, functional ceramic forms, and custom studio furniture that highlights everyday craft ecosystems. 

• Studio Ojo & Luana Meneux Studio: A joint furniture and product design installation featuring finished pieces, new releases, and collaborative works-in-progress.

  Watch moments from the showcase here.