Yesterday, several shops and designers in Shoreditch had press shows to reveal collections that are launching officially in September at this year’s London Design Festival. A sort of pre show show, if you will. I made it to Shoreditch crazy early (8.30), so got a glimpse of the local school run, which I’ll describe quickly as bikes and hair cuts. I also went past my old flat in Bethnal Green, which is a cool area and not really any slicker than it was back in 2002, there’s just evidence of more creatives lurking around. And better pubs. Aaaaaaanyway…here are three very quick design highlights – monochrome as it turns out – starting at SCP’s show:

Some beautiful marble tables available in black, white, brown or green by Danish brand Gubi. They’re called TS, which is short for The Standard – a 1930’s Art Deco building in Copenhagen and the inspiration behind their design. There was a lot more at SCP, including lovely striped Moroccan platters in green and blue and those fab cushions by Nathalie du Pasquier from the Wrong for Hay collection. Also, some Japanese products. It’s the second time this week I’ve heard that Japan is hot (was it ever not?).

There was more luscious marble at Lee Broom…

His On The Rock glassware collection – made with Carrara marble – launched in Milan I believe. These were totally gorgeous glasses in real life and led me to try and imagine the person who might own and break one and not go wild about it. Is there such a person? I go wild when I break one of my Ikea glasses.

Lastly, I nipped in to see Charlene Mullen on Calvert Avenue.

It’s all go in there and Charlene has several new collections in collaboration with other brands including Miranda Watkins, Kaymet trays and Noble & Wood, who she made these very cute spun copper and brass hooks with.

I’ve got one more tip for you – SCP now has an in house coffee shop (and a basement after having a revamp). My coffee was honestly one of the nicest I’ve had in ages, but I think it might be strong owing to the all-day chat that occurred afterwards.