Once upon a time, actually just over five years ago, thorsten decided he was going to wander out into the big wide world of furniture, lighting and home accessories and make a name for himself. The fact that his parents gave him quite a good name made it a little bit easier to find a name for his new company. His own name. Thorsten van Elten.
He found himself a few young London-based designers who were happy to work with him on a small collection of products which was first shown at 100% Design in London in September 2002. Alexander Taylor, Ed Carpenter, mosleymeetswilcox and Sam Johnson were some of those designers.
In April 2003 Thorsten took his products for the first time to the Milan Furniture Fair to be exhibited with Designers Block and got a great response.
September 2003 saw the launch of his second collection, including new products by Alexander Taylor, Ed Carpenter, mosleymeetswilcox and Sam Johnson alongside products by Barnaby Barford & André Klauser, Gavin Coultrip, Richard Shed & Rose Cobb.
Since then Thorsten has regularly launched his new designs at both 100% Design in London and the Milan Furniture Fair adding constantly new names to his list of designers. In 2005 it was Gitta Gschwendtner and in 2006 Alex Hellum and Camila Prada.
October 2004 saw the opening of his shop in London’s Fitzrovia, where he shows his own collection alongside products he distributes in the UK and other interesting items that will make for a unique range of products for sale.
Thorsten and his products are regularly featured in the national and international press. In May 2006 his shop was voted No.19 in London’s 100 Hottest Shops (compiled by Time Out Magazine) and in September 2006 won best stand/contribution to 100% Design (voted for by the editorial team of Icon Magazine) for his persistent quest to find the best individual designs and designers.
He promises to continue to find the most interesting and innovative products for everyone to enjoy.
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