We’re Open !
We have a number of different accounts on social media and, whilst updating everything else regularly, I completely lost track of our blog! As I write this we are still in lockdown with Covid-19 precautions, but the group is still running as normal, connected via the internet and working from home. We are sending out our weekly portfolio selections to customers (do ask to be added to the list if you're not already on it and would like to be!), there is the online library of our work and we welcome any new commissions or projects for individuals or the group as a whole. We took part in the Spring 2020 shows, but since then events have been cancelled. The next one on the calendar is Evolution Amsterdam in September, but we will of course have to see whether travel restrictions are lifted for us to take part. If it's on we will be there!!! Please get in touch if there is anything you would like to see or simply for a chat about work in these difficult times. Take care, stay safe, warm regards, Louise and all at Rafale Design...
2018/2019 Show Schedule so far!
As a new season in our design calendar kicks off, I thought I’d share our initial travel plans for the year. It’s looking like an exciting year of trains, planes and automobiles for me in particular and Jane has created this fun illustration complete with my little yellow car! So far this is how the year is taking shape, but watch this space for additional dates. Looking forward to meeting everyone and showing off our new designs! : 2018 September - Birmingham (Autumn Fair) London (Top Drawer) October - San Francisco (BLUEPRINT AUTUMN SHOW) November/December - New York/London (Trend Shop) 2019 January - London - (Top Drawer) Paris - (MAISON ET OBJET) Frankfurt - (CHRISTMASWORLD/PAPERWORLD/CREATIVEWORLD) February - Birmingham (SPRING FAIR) May - New York (BLUEPRINT SUMMER SHOW) June - Amsterdam (EVOLUTION) We do not show within the exhibitions of all the shows, so please get in touch if you would like to arrange a presentation or a chat, we’d love to hear from you!...
Rafale Easter designs in-store at Paperchase
Spring is in the air! The first of our Easter collection designs have arrived in store at Paperchase. Beautiful work by Helen with a vintage theme in surface pattern and greeting cards...
Becky’s Critters on Show at Frankfurt
Pleased to spot a couple of our Festive Critters character tags on the Vivid Heritage Trend display at Christmasworld. We've enjoyed seeing all trend areas at the Frankfurt shows this year and the displays throughout the halls. Next stop Spring Fair, Birmingham and then London Design week....
Creativeworld Frankfurt
Always love to see all the trends in techniques and colours at Creativeworld Frankfurt. Love this collage of experiments in their Trend area. Feeling inspired and ready for our Mark Making Day 2018 on 28th February!...
European Show Trail 2018
On the Spring 2018 European Show Trends trail! So far Top Drawer and Maison&Objet, with Creativeworld, Christmasworld, Paperworld, Spring Fair and London Design Week to look forward to! Enjoying meeting up with customers, fellow creatives along the way and seeking out the new trends...
Maison&Objet 2018
Inspired by skill, innovative use of materials as well as traditional techniques at Maison&Objet 2018. Individual artists and craftspeople showing and selling their work, large companies demonstrating the quality and skill involved in the creative process. To mention a few, from top left clockwise : Craftsman at work on furniture & lighting stand (www.preggogroup.com) – Bea Yato (bea@yato.fr) - artist handpainting ceramics on Vista Alegre Atlantis booth (www.vistaalegre.com) – Laurence Lehel papier mache sculptures (www.laurencelehel.fr) – Amnon Lipkin Textile Art – Stephanie Calemard wax woven lampshades (www.petites-series-entre-illuminees.com) ...
New York Trend Shopping
Checking out the stores and markets in Manhattan this week looking at the current and emerging Christmas trends ready for our portfolio trend boards....
London Christmas Trends
It's that time of year again! Helen and I have made a start on our Christmas Trend Shopping report 2017. First stop London. Love these ornaments in the Liberty Christmas Shop on Regent Street! We will be working our way around the stores in the UK and heading over to New York in a few weeks time, meeting up with clients along the way. Best make a start on our own Christmas shopping too!...
Make A Mark Day!
All set for fun in our studios tomorrow! Everyone in Rafale Design is spending the day playing with techniques and mark making. A Free Play day, that may lead to something, or simply remind us to experiment and explore materials for their own sake...