Living life in style

The back of an aluminium chair designed by Ron Arad

The lifestyle section of powerhouse::uk displays the most tangible side of contemporary British design and innovation.

The baggage carousel

Thirty-one suitcases move along a baggage carousel which has been shaped like a slalom ski slope, varying in height and direction.

Each suitcase is propped open to reveal a wide range of design-oriented consumer goods, such as palm-top Psion computers by Martin Riddiford; wine racks by Jasper Morrisson; and aluminium stacking chairs by Ron Arad.

Tom Dixon's "Jack" stools

Out of one suitcase spills the clothes of celebrated fashion designer Alexander McQueen, out of another high fashion stilettos that are the work of Manolo Blahnik.

The designers might not be British, but many have be drawn to the UK by its cutting edge attitude.

Paul Smith, the label worn by some of the world's most fashion conscious men is represented.

Wine racks by Jasper Morrison

At the other end of the spectrum is James Dyson's cyclone vacuum cleaners which combine slick design with patented revolutionary mechanics.

Tom Dixon, who made his name working on airport lounge seating and has just been appointed head of design for the household chain Habitat is also represented.

A mound of his illuminated "Jack" stools and tables light up one corner of the room.

Triumph of British design

On the other side is Triumph, a classic name from British engineering which has enjoyed a renaissance in the 1990s. Its shiny yellow Daytona motorcycle combines sleek good looks with menacing power.

Elsewhere there are toasters, cameras, woven silk shirts, dinner table glasswear made out of recycled glass and inflatable egg cup holders.