By Amy Corcoran, Studio Manager and Designer
I recently had the pleasure of attending TopDrawer 2025 at Olympia London, and it was a fantastic experience. While the event’s main purpose is to connect design-led businesses with trade buyers, there was so much more to it than just business. It was a true celebration of creativity and passion.
All under one roof, the exhibition brought together some of the best up-and-coming businesses and creators. It was inspiring to see the talent and vision that are shaping today’s design trends. Talking to the exhibitors, you could see their passion in every detail, from the choice of fabrics and colours to the unique designs. Each product was a testament to their thoughtful and careful craftsmanship.
For me personally, it was especially rewarding to meet some of the creators behind the brands and designs I’ve long admired and even purchased myself and hear their stories firsthand.
Key Takeaways from TopDrawer 2025
The show highlighted a few key themes that are resonating with today’s consumers: a focus on quality and sustainability, a desire for joy and personality and a clear move towards bold, playful designs combined with classic patterns.
Quality and Sustainability
This year’s exhibition placed a strong emphasis on sustainably sourced and British-made designs, everything from fabrics made in the UK to children’s toys that are biodegradable. This focus on quality and ethics reflects a major shift in consumer behaviour. In today’s economy, people are more mindful of their spending and want products that are built to last and have a deeper meaning.
Additionally, many designers celebrated a sense of place. I saw everything from brick-inspired vases to prints celebrating local areas such as our very own Bury St Edmunds. This emphasis on local pride makes products feel more personal and meaningful to consumers, creating a connection that goes beyond just a purchase.
Don’t Be So Serious!
Beyond the focus on quality, there was a clear message that design should be fun. The show was bursting with products designed to spark joy. Stands were full of bright colours, playful prints with funny slogans on, fruit-shaped jewellery, and playful stickers. In a world that can often feel heavy, it was a great reminder that everyone needs a little bit of brightness and humour in their life. These designers are creating products that means we can bring a sense of lightness and fun into our homes.
Trending Colours and Patterns
The playful atmosphere at TopDrawer was amplified by a clear trend in colours and patterns. Exhibitors embraced bright, bold hues that instantly uplifted their stands and products. I saw a lot of neon risograph prints, alongside warm tones of pinks, reds, and oranges, and deep greens that made a striking impact. It’s clear that these vibrant colours were chosen to evoke a sense of happiness and excitement.
This use of bright colour was often paired with equally bold patterns. Classic designs like gingham, polka dots, and stripes were everywhere, particularly across the fabric products. The combination of bright colours and strong patterns created a playful aesthetic that was a recurring theme across the exhibition.
Christmas Sneak Peak
One of the most exciting parts of the exhibition was getting a sneak peek at upcoming Christmas collections. It was clear that the trends of playful styles, bold colours, and fun patterns are extending into the festive season. I was particularly inspired by the innovative colour combinations. A standout for me was the mix of deep greens with bright bubblegum pinks. This felt like a fresh, modern twist on the traditional red and green palette, offering a more playful and unexpected feel. It was great to see how designers are moving beyond the conventional to create Christmas products that are both festive and fun.
TopDrawer 2025 was a showcase of creative talent and the future of design. The exhibition made it clear that today’s design is all about creating products that are not only well-made but also full of personality and fun.