Join eporta to kick-start the Christmas festivites at the December edition of our popular Industry Insights events hosted in collaboration with the iconic Danish brand, Fritz Hansen in their lovely Fitzrovia showroom.

In the spirit of festive togetherness, this month we're talking about 'Design Collaborations'; a topic which forms an integral part of the DNA of the Fritz Hansen brand. We are honoured to be joined by Fritz Hansen's Head of Design, Christian Andresen who will share some of the brands most inspiring stories on their collaboration processes and the work they have done with some of the most iconic designers of today including Jaime Hayon and Kasper Salto. Following Christian's presentation we will hear from Ella Doran & Claire Gaudion, two award winning, up and coming British Designers who specialise in working collaboratively with leading retailers, institutions and private clients.

Programme of events

17:45 - Arrival, drinks and canapés

18:00 - Programme begins

- Introduction & welcome from eporta

- Christian Andresen (Head of Design at Fritz Hansen) on design collaborations

- Short introduction from Ella Doran & Claire Gaudion - overview of their work and brand ethos

- Panel discussion & Q&A experiences of design collaborations from various perspectives, featuring Christian, Ella & Claire

19:00 - Christmas drinks & networking

There will be plenty of opportunity to explore Fritz Hansen's pieces on display in the showroom as well as a selection of signature pieces from Ella Doran & Claire Gaudion which they will bring along for the evening.

Please note there is limited capacity for this event so tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

We look forward to seeing you there!

More about your speakers

Christian Andresen - Head of Design at Fritz Hansen

Christian has always has always had a passion for design, starting out with studying at the Danish Design School where he graduated with an MA in industrial design in 1994. From 1994 - 2006 he was designer and project manager at Christian Bjorn Design in Copenhagen which at that time was the largest and most prestigious industrial design studio in Denmark. From 2006 - 2015 he was Head of Design at Henning Larsen Architects, responsible for developing and managing the interior design and product design department at the studio. Since 2015 Christian has been head of design at Republic of Fritz Hansen. He is married and has two grownup children.

Ella Doran

Award-winning designer Ella Doran first set up her own-brand homewares business in the late 90s, quickly winning fans and awards for her pioneering application of photography-based images and patterns onto functional, household products.

Ella’s photography, mark-making and textile design skills have since been commissioned by The Royal Society of Arts, Tate, Paloma Picasso, Portmeirion, John Lewis, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park and many others – and used on everything from products and textiles to large-scale interior graphics. She has most recently launched a children’s range in collaboration with Tate Modern, a fashion range in collaboration with fashion designer Kirsteen Stewart and a series of homewares inspired by 20th century classic chair designs in collaboration with specialist design retailers twentytwentyone.

Ella Doran’s own-brand label meanwhile continues to feature regular launches of brand new capsule collections, as well as ongoing classic ranges. Her boundless curiosity, passion for travel and great eye for colour, nature and form ensure that her impeccably-produced products are always innovative and inspiring, as well as witty, functional and fun.

Claire Gaudion

British textile design studio, Claire Gaudion, designs original and contemporary woven and printed interiors textiles and home accessories. Colour, pattern and texture are central to her designs, as are an emphasis on quality and integrity. Founder and creative director Claire, draws inspiration from her home island of Guernsey, as well as her admiration of the Bauhaus and Mid-Century Modern movements. Her designs reflect her Guernsey heritage and a philosophy that balances creativity, craft and innovation. In addition to their collection, Claire Gaudion provides a custom design service for exclusive projects for retailers, trade and private clients as well as collaborating with other brands and manufacturers for exciting new ranges.