Design Lines

THE UNSTOPPABLY innovative designer Ron Arad this week unveiled his latest creation, "Fantastic Plastic Elastic" (FPE, pictured below). Made in association with the Italian company Kartell, it consists of a single polymer sheet bent into shape (a revolutionary process, natch) and slotted into an aluminium frame. Sleek, stackable and available in many colours, it can be purchased for the equally startling price of pounds 125, from Artworks, 21-22 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0PQ (0171-359 4778).

LOVERS OF Italian films, the Fifties and mechanical delights should head to the European Academy for the Arts (8-9 Grosvenor Place, London SW1, Tues-Sat 10.30-5.30, Sun 2.30-5.30, Wed 10.30-8) for a new exhibition: "The Vespa: a 20th-century design icon"(0171- 235 0303).

WOMEN DESIGNERS made a huge impact in the Potteries from the 1920s onwards. Find out more about Susie Cooper, Millicent Taplin and others in an exhibition at the Croydon Clocktower. The Clocktower is holding a woman-only "Decorate your own pot" as part of International Women's Day on 8 March.

"Dynamic Designers: pioneering potters and paintresses" runs until 31 May at The Clocktower, Katharine St, Croydon (0181-253 1030).