The next generation of textile designers has been recognised in the New Designers awards.
The New Designers Part One awards covered textiles, fashion and costume; contemporary design crafts; ceramics; glass; jewellery and precious metalwork. New Designers Part Two continues at the Business Design Centre, London until 8 July, covering furniture, product design, industrial and spatial design, graphic design, illustration and animation; motion and digital arts.
Among the Part One winners were: The Habitat Future Design Award: Millie Farley, Nottingham Trent University for Where Poison Lies, an interiors collection intended for a cafe inspired by Agatha Christie. ‘Beautiful illustrations with great storytelling, Millie exhibited a great breadth of knowledge and skill, says the judges. The prize is a six month paid placement.
Hallmark Connection Award: Aiden McIntosh, DJCAD University of Dundee for Bold Folds and Optical Control, hand printed textiles and wallpaper design work. ‘Simple and elegant 3D illusion, Aiden displayed clever paper exploration to textiles.’ The prize is a paid internship.
Cole & Son Award for Future Designers: Niamh Knight, University of Nottingham, for Beautiful Decay, an interiors collection inspired by artist Rebecca Louise Law that explores the lifespan of flowers as they decay. ‘A thoughtful depiction of ever-changing beauty.’ The prize is £1,000 cash and a four month paid placement.
The Marks & Spencer Design Award for Best Textiles, Print & Pattern New Talent: Amy Jane Foxon (pictured), Nottingham Trent University, for Apricus. ‘Apricus means full of sunlight, Amy’s design brings the wonder of the outdoors inside to create a calming atmosphere for positive wellbeing. A considered collection and print pairings with tasteful colour palettes. A polished and professional collection.’ The prize is the purchase and production of print/prints, with ongoing mentoring if requested.
The Romo Award for Innovation in Design and Colour: Georgia Dunn, Arts University Bournemouth, for Greek Islands, a textile collection inspired by bold graphic Grecian architecture and figurative landscape. ‘The combination of Georgia’s bold yet sophisticated use of colour and her energetic portfolio of design work is innovative and well considered.’ The prize is £500 and a paid internship.
Sanderson Design Group Award: Catherine Owen-Milsom, Loughborough University, for Grow Together, a lifestyle collection that draws its essence from community gardens and allotments, emphasising the transformative power of outdoor spaces in bringing communities together to learn and grow collectively. ‘Strong, confident and joyful use of colour and pattern. A layered approach to design which considers different applications and end uses within interiors.’ The prize is a 12 month paid internship with Sanderson Design Group.
