An invitation only trade show, the inaugural Under Capricorn was the major event of the Melbourne Design Festival in 2006 and venue for the festival opening night. Featuring new products from Australian designers in all disciplines, the event was held in custom built marquees on the Federation Square carpark roof.

View images from Under Capricorn 2006

Ambiguous Horse was contracted by the National Design Centre to manage all aspects of the event, from planning to exhibitor liaison to production design. A variety of exhibitors were a given a leaf-shaped space in which to present their new product to a design loving Melbourne public.

The leaves were seen again on life size wishing trees, designed by local designer and jeweller Simon MacEwan. Three trees stood life size in the marquees, and guests were invited to write down their wish for Australian design, on a leaf shaped card beautifully designed by local stationers Poppies for Grace.

Visitors to the event saw Australian designed products by:

Aludean, Annabanno Design, Barbera Design, Buro North, Enzie Stairs, Erneste Tiles Concepts, Geoffrey Mance, Gin and Tonic, Join, Joseph Licciardi, Living Edge, Lock Clip, Lucid, Mitchell Plastics, PGH Bricks & Pavers, Poppies for Grace, pluscreate, Side Project, Quazi Design, Tiffany Treloar, rogerseller, Sacha Design, Steendyk, Studio Organic, Supertuft.

Over the three days the trees filled with wishing leaves, and visitors talked to the designers about their work. Under Capricorn was received as a unique and enjoyable event by the exhibitors and audience alike. The National Design Centre will stage the next Under Capricorn in 2008.