Yinka Ilori brings joy to Downtown Design 2026

At Downtown Design 2026, Yinka Ilori has created Chasing the Sun, a lounge for Veuve Clicquot that translates his distinctive visual universe into an immersive environment of vibrant colours, graphic patterns and sculptural forms. Conceived as the main lounge of the event, the project draws inspiration from the warmth of the sun, the spirit of conviviality and the maison’s optimistic outlook. More than a temporary installation, it is an invitation to pause, meet and share: a place where design becomes an experience and an opportunity for human connection. Born in London in 1987 to Nigerian parents, Ilori has developed a multidisciplinary practice in which architecture, art, interior design, graphic design and product design intersect through storytelling. His British-Nigerian heritage is a constant source of inspiration: his work brings together references to Nigerian parables and oral traditions, personal memories and a distinctive contemporary visual language. Colour and pattern are not simply decorative elements, but tools for telling stories, building connections and reimagining the way people experience spaces.

After studying Furniture and Product Design at London Metropolitan University, Ilori began his career by restoring and reinterpreting vintage furniture. In 2015, he established his London studio, now comprising a team of architects and designers working across a wide range of scales, from objects to architectural and urban interventions. His work has also gained recognition through installations and public projects. Among the best known are The Colour Palace, the pavilion created in collaboration with architecture studio Pricegore for Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2019, bringing African and European visual traditions into dialogue; and Launderette of Dreams, a project developed with LEGO Group to celebrate the creative potential of play and community.

Over the years, Ilori has collaborated with brands and cultural institutions including Adidas, Pepsi, Bombay Sapphire, Somerset House and Pinterest, bringing his distinctive language to cultural, commercial and social contexts. In 2020, he received the Emerging Design Medal from the London Design Festival, followed by an MBE in 2021. The collaboration with Veuve Clicquot is a natural extension of this creative journey. In Chasing the Sun, the vibrant energy and storytelling dimension of Ilori’s work meet the maison’s distinctive identity, shaping a space designed to welcome people and encourage interaction. It reflects a vision of design that goes beyond function and aesthetics to focus on people: creating environments that inspire optimism, encourage connection and leave a lasting impression.