Design Connections 10x10 will return this year on Wednesday 19 September, showcasing a selection of the best emerging design talent in the UK, in collaboration with the Design Museum. We caught up with speakers Congregation to find out more about their practice. 

Tell us about yourself or your practice.

I’m marie founder of Congregation, a fluid design structure. From fashion practice Congregation challenges the global industry by proposing a sustainable and singular approach to the current social and commercial model.

Congregation design takes the form of a group of anonymous designers working on one core of research; each season will be a different team combination. The Designers and artists involved each deliver a unique and personal translation of the theme. From garment, accessory, jewellery, furniture, song, etc... 

What are you working on at the moment?

Congregation is launching soon its new collection. Exciting time ahead - editing lookbook, planning video and a presentation later in the year. I enjoy this part of the process as much as designing. While design and making time can be isolating; editing and organising extra outcomes re-connects me to the creative community.

What key issues are you addressing with your work?

Congregation aims to offer to its designers a creative alternative to day-to-day 9-5s. A space where they could experiment, challenge and create without commercial or crazy pace coercion. Each project goes to its own pace and therefore tackling down the spine of the fashion industry.

Same with the audience, Congregation e-shop compiles pieces that designer wish to repeat and sale - no stock needed, on demand principle - . Some pieces are from up cycling ressources and will be one off, some other are from vintage fabric cuts and therefore each garment produce will be unique. It is all up to the designer.

What impact do you hope to see through your work?

For people to consume less and better - for designer to create less with a stronger vision.

Why is design important?

Design is the way we live our live - an everyday necessity.

Tell us about something you’ve seen that’s inspired you recently?

I had the chance to work on Project Seoul Apparel (British Council, 2017); a multidisciplinary design lab presented at Seoul Architecture Biennale; very inspiring! I brought back from the residency there so much visual and emotive material that I wanted to share further. Therefore I’ve used them as research for Congregation Collection2. It is amazing to see the different responses delivered by Congregation members from Paris, Glasgow and London - just keeping up the Korean leitmotiv.

To hear more about Congregation work, join us at 6pm on the 19 September at the Design Museum. Find out more and book your tickets here.