Opening at Abbotsford Convent on Thursday 12 September, Fringe Furniture is back for its 33rd year and will no doubt surprise and delight with an array of obscure yet practical design options.

Renowned for unexpected and often experimental designs, Fringe Furniture is a firm favourite in the hearts of Melbourne’s design crowd.

Kohtaroh Matsura Shida

In 2019 the program continues to push forward with initiatives to open it up to new audiences and make a stand of equity. Last year saw the launch of the Fringe Furniture Gender Equity initiative, in partnership with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation. Continuing this year, the initiative has seen an immediate increase in female and non-binary designers – which is now up 38 per cent from last year.

Another initiative pushing for inclusion is the Tactile Tours, designed for those that are vision-impaired or blind. The tours will ensure the visitors can get an up-close and personal alongside an accessibility guide and audio tour.

One of the key themes noted from this year’s array of exhibiting objects is the rise in sustainable products. From pendant lights made from repurposed corn husks to a gravestone made from recycled polypropylene and acoustic wall panels made from recycled paper pulp – the true innovation is in the investigation and execution of completely new types of materials.

Sara Tan – Intersect

Established as an experimental playground, Fringe Furniture is a standout exhibition of emerging and market-ready design.

Fringe Furniture 33

12 September – 29 September
Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 5pm
Abbotsford Convent, Rosina Auditorium

Duncan Young – Drafter Stool