The Power of 100

Meet the designers who are transforming overlooked everyday items into new design collectables.

Every creative knows the frustrating feeling of an unrealised idea. Sometimes they languish because of crippling procrastination – because we REALLY need to prioritise cleaning that cutlery drawer. Other times it’s a lack of manufacturing know-how, money, or specific skills. But, most of the time, it’s a mixture of all of the above. 

This is where Atelier100 wants to help. As a new pilot scheme, Atelier100 aims to give agency to the ideas that might have otherwise remained in limbo by enabling a collective of makers, designers and artists to produce new collections. The only catch – their objects have to be made with materials and manufacturing processes found within a 100-km radius of London. 

It’s an inspiring scheme that has offered participants support in cash, tangible business support and mentorships with the likes of the very fabulous Seetal Solanki, who have helped guide the cohort through the ups and downs of creating a new product from scratch. 

The final products, each as individual as the people who made them, range from £7.50 to £700 and are available to buy at the new Atelier100 retail space in Hammersmith and on their dedicated online store. 

We spoke to two of the creatives involved, designer Clara Chu and sculptor Emmely Elgersma, who both utilised existing materials in their new designs, transforming overlooked and discarded textiles or objects into brilliant new collectable pieces that not only look appealing but also speak to the cultural and environmental moment we’re all currently all living through.

Both Clara and Emmely had fascinating insights into their own creative practices, life's challenges, and harnessing creativity. In our conversations, we covered the importance of real community, the beauty in nurturing creativity from a young age and the need for unwavering resilience and tenacity when things go wrong – as they inevitably will.

Read on, enjoy and visit the store here for more information.