Take a piece of design history home
This issue’s cover (and the matching print on our coveted tote bag) has been designed by the creative minds at Design District-based sports brand HEAD. Look closely and you’ll find the hidden stories of HEAD’s first-ever invention, Greenwich Peninsula landmarks and more…
1947
HEAD’s founder, Howard Head, had a penchant for poker and parties, but it was a ski trip to Vermont in 1947 that led to the launch of the legendary company. Howard hated the wooden skis that were the standard at the time, so he used his experience as a metal riveter to invent the first composite ski made from aluminium, plastic and plywood.
1800+
“'We are one community’ was in my head because we’re in Design District,” says Karl Heasman, HEAD’s head of art, noting Design District supports over 1800 creatives. “Everyone is doing different things: the florists are making incredible arrangements, the pottery studio is crafting beautiful ceramics… so it was just a really simple message of inclusivity about all those different areas. It feels right for Greenwich Peninsula, like we’re a bunch of creative pirates together.”
“Some of the buildings here are very cool, like Canteen Food Hall & Bar’s giant transparent bubble or the rooftop basketball court on Design District’s Building C1, so there’s inspiration in terms of the location and architecture here, too.”
When it comes to the overall style, this was Karl’s chance to break out: “I do a little bit of printmaking in the background, so the design was geared towards that really: very simple, three-colour, very bold with a little sprinkle of typographic elements. I’m a bit of a magpie when it comes to design, art and creativity, so I wouldn’t necessarily say my style fits into one particular box, but it was nice to break open another aesthetic that feels quite different to the regular things that HEAD produces.”
No.1
In 2024, HEAD was the number one tennis racket brand in Europe with household names such as Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic using their designs. However, anyone who picks up a racket, ski or ball is at the heart of what they do, explains Daniel Ward, HEAD’s production director. “It’s about the energy, inspiration and connection of the moment – the winning, the losing. Sport can bring all sorts of good things: friendship, for example. Sport can be that point of contact for people to meet up to chat, play, engage and have fun; it’s limitless, really. That’s coming through on the tote bag as well: it’s about community.”
Daniel says that HEAD’s design team takes its inspiration from London and beyond when it comes to creativity. “Simply moving through the city offers a constant stream of visual and cultural stimuli. We make a conscious effort to observe people, fashion, shop windows, signage – anything that catches the eye or sparks curiosity. Pinterest, digital channels, Behance, museums – all of it shapes our creative thinking.”
