THE Veuve Clicquot was flowing and creative types in heavy-rimmed spectacles were out in force; 10ft-high Swarovski chandeliers hung in mid-air like giant, sparkling creatures from the deep. This was the opening party for the London Design Festival at the newly revamped Royal Festival Hall on Monday. The Mayor of London turned up to show his support; possibly in an attempt to curry favour with the 800 party-goers, Ken Livingstone went as far as to say that he would rather that London be second in financial services and first in the creative industries. City workers are sure to be smarting at his comment, “no one comes to look at a city for its bankers”. However, according to www.designweek.co.uk, he later tried to play down his remarks.

The festival, which runs until Tuesday, has become one of the most important such shows in the world. Check out the official website, www.londondesignfestival.com, for events, maps, picture galleries and insider tips.

The festival’s first design medal was awarded to the architect Zaha Hadid – you’ll find lots of pictures of her work at her suitably beautiful official website www.zaha-hadid.com – but be aware that the accompanying descriptions “push boundaries” in the use of abstract nouns. For an easy-access Hadid hit, have a look at this blog, www.zahahadidblog.com , which is pinned to the Architecture and Design exhibition at the Design Museum (www.designmuseum.org ).

If the mere thought of all those events makes you want to crawl into bed until it’s all over, either watch some videos at www.swarovskisparkles.tvor go and see what the experts recommend. www.designboom.com and www.coolhunting.com have a round-up of their top ten events. Festival director Ben Evans shares his must-sees at timesonline.co.uk/londondesignfestival. Check out his top five picks for installations, product launches, young talent, and events in which you can take part. While you are there, read interviews about the festival with designers such as Tom Dixon, Ross Lovegrove, Jaime Hayon and Ed Carpenter. lucia.adams@timesonline.co.uk

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