Melbourne Design Week 2024 is fast approaching. You might have already seen our guide to some of the program’s standouts, but with more than 100 exhibitions taking place, it would be remiss of us not to shout out some of our favourite leading designers and brands that are getting involved in the eighth edition of MDW, curated by NGV’s Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture.

One of the most exciting events is the biennial Australian Furniture Design Award. Presented by NGV and Stylecraft in the latter’s Flinders Lane location, the showroom is hosting all the shortlisted pieces from the country’s richest furniture design prize. Stop by to see the winning piece that earned its maker $20,000, and get to know Australia’s next generation of up-and-coming designers.

Sustainability is a timely theme that unites many of the events this year. In Circular held at Daniel Boddam Gallery, Daniel has collaborated with Jessie French to create a collection of ‘reimagined pieces’ using waste materials from the fashion and construction industries.

Meanwhile in Fitzroy, Tait’s showroom also spotlights sustainability with series of chairs cleverly crafted from waste. Curated by designer Zachary Frankel, Forward Focus reveals the result of a two-day workshop where students were mentored by true talents from Melbourne’s creative community — including Nicole Lawrence and Samantha Barrow of Flack Studio!

Or visit furniture retailer Living Edge in Richmond for their Responsible exhibition, highlighting how legacy brands like Howe and Herman Miller balance their timeless sense of style with eco-friendly practices.

Plus, don’t miss your chance to explore the inspiring lighting collections in Equilibrium by Ross Gardam and CRUX by Christopher Boots, as both share a much-anticipated look at what they recently presented at Milan Design Week!

Melbourne Design Week 2024 runs from May 23 – June 2. Explore the full program online here.