University News Last updated 03 April 2013
An expo to showcase the best of Birmingham design to the world is set to be more stylish and cool than James Bond himself, pledges Aston Martin’s design guru.
Marek Reichman, Director of Design for Aston Martin – the car of choice for superspy 007 - made his comments after Birmingham City University’s own business think-tank IDEA Birmingham appointed him chairman of its 2013 design expo.
The 2013 showcases promise to be an exciting event with the transformation of Millennium Point at Eastside, adjacent to Birmingham City University city centre campus. The venue will feature giant interactive projections, breakout catwalk shows, drift car racing, a display of regional products that are world-beating - and even a surprise product launch.
Launched last year, IDEA Birmingham brings together influential business leaders to promote great brands and products using the campaign theme Birmingham Made Me, the Original Design City.
Marek will be chairing the Birmingham Made Me 2013 Design Expo to be launched in June with the mission of putting Birmingham and the Midlands firmly on the map.
“I’m looking forward to working with other parties and promoting a compelling message about the strength and depth of Birmingham and the Midlands in producing world class, quality brands,” said Marek.
“Aston Martin is just one of the many successful brands to emerge from the region, all of whom are extremely popular with consumers worldwide. Last year the Midlands was the UK’s second largest exporter after the South East.
“We need to publicise our design and innovation achievements and to harness the power of our Midlands brands to promote a clear message and unique position for our great gateway city of Birmingham.”
This year’s Birmingham Made Me Design Expo will be held at Birmingham City University’s Millennium Point campus from 6 - 21 June, culminating in an awards ceremony celebrating emerging and established brand-led design talent from across the Midlands.
The expo will include a showcase of graduate degree shows, exhibits, talent showcases and fashion shows and will include high profile business, innovation and design speakers with a focus on kick-starting growth through world-beating design.
Marek’s tenure as Aston Martin’s Director of Design have been one of the most prolific periods of new model introductions at Aston Martin. These have included the Rapidea four-door, high performance coupé of remarkable grace and poise, the DBS which featured in the 22nd James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and Aston Martin’s new One-77.