LIVERPOOL is at the centre of the creative universe this week with an event showcasing the very best in cutting edge design. Design Show Liverpool is being staged at Novas’s Contemporary Urban Centre in Greenland Street. The four-day event features exciting new designers and well-known brands from Liverpool, the north west and beyond. It has been hailed as an important step in highlighting talent outside London. Arts Council North West’s Sarah Fisher said: “This is a momentous occasion. “There hasn’t been anything like this outside London. “And it’s important we have something here in the north west that shows the talent we have and that welcomes international talent. “This gives us a national and international profile.” Fiona Gasper, of Liverpool Culture Company which co-commissioned the show, said: “It’s a real opportunity to support something that shines a spotlight on design and has both a national profile but also a local offering.” More than 150 exhibitors are taking part with visitors able to both view and buy designs ranging from furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting and interiors, to jewellery, fashion and accessories. Clare Wilson, of Liverpool-based accessory company Nook and Willow, which has a stand at the show, said: “We’re really happy to be here and proud something like this is happening in Liverpool.” The event also features daily catwalk shows, product launches and children’s creative workshops. Highlights include the Fast Glass project, using recycled Cains beer bottles, to set a record for designing, creating and retailing a new glass product. Meanwhile, the Designers of the Future Awards, judged by Red or Dead fashion label creator Wayne Hemingway, celebrate young designers aged 14 to 16. The overall winner, announced at a preview last night, was 15-year-old Lauren Langley from Belvedere Academy, who designed the Chesteazze heat pad to help people with chest infections. Mr Hemingway, who praised the standard of entries, said: “The show looks great and we need to spread this kind of thing throughout our cities.” Design Show Liverpool runs until Sunday, from 10am-6pm (11am-6pm on Sunday). Tickets cost £5 by logging on to www.designshowliverpool.com or £8 on the door. | 
