Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in Arabic Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.“We like to say that we’re the Scandinavian design authority,” says Daniel Heckscher, the director of Stockholm Furniture Fair, established in 1951, and its newer sibling, Stockholm Design Week, founded in 2002. “In Sweden, we have so many design areas — it’s not just limited to furniture. We want to show the breadth of all that talent.”Next week more than 300 exhibitors will showcase a mix of new and heritage products across venues ranging from a disused atomic bunker to the 19th-century auction house Bukowskis to the private apartment of a collector.There will be a strong nod to Sweden’s design history. An exhibition at 20th-century Scandinavian furniture gallery Jackson Design takes a striking 1950s blue carpet by textile designer Astrid Sampe as its starting point. Arranged around it will be objects from the Jackson collection: “pieces that, while crafted by familiar names, are perhaps lesser known or unexpected”, says curator Lieke Penders.Collaborations between heritage brands and contemporary designers will be a key theme of the fair. Scottish born, Sweden-based designer David Taylor will exhibit 25 aluminium works at Bukowskis, while Swedish designer Monica Förster has created huge floor pillows with Kasthall, one of the country’s oldest rug manufacturers. Alexander Lervik drew inspiration from Art Deco and Bauhaus for his new collection with furniture makers Johanson Design, using AI to create 3D models.In Sweden, we have so many design areas — it’s not just limited to furniture. We want to show the breadth of all that talentThere is also a blending of disciplines. “The fashion and design worlds are finally coming together,” Heckscher says, noting the exhibition of clothes and furniture made by Swedish fashion designer Angelo da Silveira and sustainable textile company Ludvig Svensson. British multidisciplinary designer Faye Toogood will be the fair’s guest of honour. “Faye is a crossover designer, working in interiors, in furniture, in fashion. She’s the perfect person to communicate our goal,” Heckscher says.Sustainability is a priority. Heckscher, a designer and interior architect by training, is excited by the new upholstery by furniture brand Verk, “the first upholstery produced in Sweden with Swedish wool in 60 years”, as well as screws made from Swedish raw materials. “New solutions” by other emerging designers include lamps printed from corn starch, and food packaging and vases made from waste wood. Heckscher only took over the directorship in August but has grand plans as the fair approaches its 75th anniversary next year. “Our aim isn’t to be the biggest furniture fair in the world, but certainly the best,” he says.Stockholm Design Week, February 3-9; stockholmdesignweek.com; Stockholm Furniture Fair, February 4-8; stockholmfurniturefair.seFind out about our latest stories first — follow @ft_houseandhome on Instagram
