CONNECTING WITH THE NATURAL WORLD: VISIONARY DESIGNERS UNVEIL WORK AT NEW DESIGNERS 2023

From hand forged river rocks to naturally sourced materials and botanic inspired collections - this year’s designers were awarded the top accolades at the launch of New Designers last night. 

 

Running until Saturday 8 July, this two-week celebration of design and innovation brings together over 3,000 hand-picked graduate design talents from the UK and beyond. Week One showcases designers working in textiles, fashion and costume, ceramics, contemporary design craft and jewellery. 

 

The ND Awards are an integral part of the event, with accolades given to the most creative and forward-thinking exhibitors in the show, in partnership with leading design brands and organisations: Cole & Son, Creative Conscience, The Designer’s Guild, Fashion & Textile Museum, Habitat, Hallmark, Hockley Mint, Marks & Spencer, Romo, Sanderson Design Group, Stephen Webster, Tu Clothing, and Weston Beamor. The prizes, which include cash, professional advice and paid work placements, offer graduates vital support as they embark on their creative careers.

 

The winner of the New Designer of the Year Award was Beth Somerville, a textile designer from Falmouth University whose collections Stigma Stamen and Mountain Fold explore where new technologies and old craft processes meet. The New Designer of the Year Award was chosen by David Harber (Sculptural Artist), Dinny Hall (Founder & Director, Dinny Hall Jewellery), Emma Shipley (CEO & Founder, Emma Shipley), Nina Luminati (Design Director, Christopher Farr Cloth), Rebecca Howarth (Head of Design, HK Jewellery), Zoe Eaton (Creative Director, Ohpopsi).

 

The New Designer of the Year Runner Up prize was awarded to Joe Shevelan, an artist blacksmith from the Hereford College of Arts with a collection of delicate and traditional, yet innovative pieces of wearable jewellery inspired by the Lake District and a calmer way of living. 

 

Trends amongst this year's award winners included the incorporation of Earthly elements, celebrating the serenity of nature and working sustainability amidst the profound impact of the climate crisis on our planet. The full list of winners can be found in Notes to Editors.

 

New Designers takes place at the Business Design Centre, London N1, in two, four-day parts, each devoted to a different set of creative disciplines: 

  •       Week One runs until Saturday 1 July covering: Fashion & Costume, Contemporary Design Crafts, Textiles, Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery & Precious Metalwork.
  •       Week Two takes place from Saturday 8 July covering: Furniture, Product Design, Industrial & Spatial Design, Graphic Design, Illustration & Animation, Motion & Digital Arts.

New Designers ticket prices start from £18.00 and are available on the door or from the website: www.newdesigners.com

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS 

 

For more press information, please contact Kallaway on newdesigners@kallaway.com

 

The full set of New Designers 2023 Award winners in Week One are as follows: 

 

The New Designer of the Year Award

Winner: Beth Somerville, Falmouth University, T46

Title of work: Stigma Stamen and Mountain Fold

Description of work: Two textile collections - a trimmings and textiles collection which is digitally embroidered and a second, process-led, innovative, fabric collection inspired by mountains.

Judge’s comment: Beth’s collection combined experimentation with modern techniques and showed bravery, juxtaposition, and beauty.

Prize: £1250 cash

 

The New Designer of the Year Award Runner Up

Winner: Joe Shevelan, Hereford College of Arts, JC63

Title of work: Balance

Description of work: A collection of hand forged rocks which are also wearable jewellery and objects of contemplation.

Judge’s comment: The cathartic nature of the piece is drawn out of an understanding of the natural material and the human condition.

Prize: £750 cash

 

The Habitat Future Design Award

Winner: Millie Farley, Nottingham Trent University, Stand T1

Title of work: Where Poison Lies

Description of work: An interiors collection intended for a cafe inspired by Agatha Christie’s 

Judge’s comment: Beautiful illustrations with great storytelling, Millie exhibited a great breadth of knowledge and skill

Prize: 6 month paid placement

 

Hallmark Connection Award

Winner: Aiden McIntosh, DJCAD University of Dundee, Stand T42

Title of work: Bold Folds and Optical Control

Description of work: Hand printed textiles and wallpaper design work.

Judge’s comment: Simple and elegant 3d illusion, Aiden displayed clever paper exploration to textiles. 

Prize: Paid internship

 

Cole & Son Award for Future Designers

Winner: Niamh Knight, University of Nottingham, T1

Title of work: Beautiful Decay

Description of work: Inspired by artist Rebecca Louise Law, Niamh’s interiors collection explores lifespan of flowers as they decay

Judge’s comment: A thoughtful depiction of ever-changing beauty

Prize: £1000 cash and 4 month paid placement

 

Creative Conscience & New Designers Ethical Makers' Award

Winner: Martha Wiles, Manchester School of Art, JC1

Title of work: Regenerative Appetite

Description of work: A collection of ceramic trophies and medals which raise awareness of food waste issues, each ceramic in the collection is dedicated to different food waste organisations within Manchester for whom the artist has volunteered for

Judge’s comment: This project has already created impact, both socially and environmentally. This is clearly a very skilled, conscious, and talented artist

Prize: Creative Impact programme with Creative Conscience

 

The Designers Guild Award for Textile Designer of the Year - for Colour, Pattern and Innovation in Textiles

Winner: Victoria Hughes, Glasgow School of Art, T36

Title of work: Cut & Paste

Description of work: A collection of woven textiles made for transport fabrics such as bus, train and plane seats to bring joy to the daily commute

Judge’s comment: Excellent use of colour and graphic form in design

Prize: 6 Week Placement

 

Fashion and Textile Museum Award for Excellence in Textile Design

Winner: Emma Gorrie, DJCAD University of Dundee, T42

Title of work: Textile Design for Art Psychotherapy

Description of work: Emma’s collection investigated the impact of social isolation since Covid and the increase of depression and loneliness. Emma coordinated art therapy sessions with students to connect people to art and to one another

Judge’s comment: Complete and sophisticated collection with a well thought-out process and development of concepts and techniques

Prize: Commissioned textile work to be displayed in Fashion and Textile Museum

 

Hockley Mint Jewellery Designer of the Year Award

Winner: Augusta Lazenby, University of Birmingham, JC84

Title of work: Interlocking Rings

Description of work: After winning a competition with an engagement ring design in 2022, Augusta wanted to expand on her design with a dull collection which provided an unorthodox engagement ring and wedding band stack. 

Judge’s comment: Using a mixture of manufacturing techniques and a commitment to sustainability, the winner has achieved a trendy product

Prize: 1 month placement at Hockley Mint premises

 

The M&S Design Award for Best Textiles, Print & Pattern New Talent

Winner: Amy Jane Foxon, Nottingham Trent University, N1

Title of work: Apricus

Description of work: Apricus means 'full of sunlight, 'Amy’s design brings the wonder of the outdoors inside to create a calming atmosphere for positive well being

Judge’s comment: Considered collections and print pairings with tasteful colour palettes. A polished & professional collection

Prize: Purchase & production of print/prints, ongoing mentoring from our team if requested

 

The Romo Award for Innovation in Design and Colour

Winner: Georgia Dunn, Arts University Bournemouth, T37

Title of work: Greek Islands

Description of work: Greek islands is a textile collection inspired by bold graphic Grecian architecture and figurative landscape

Judge’s comment: The combination of Georgia's bold yet sophisticated use of colour and her energetic portfolio of design work is innovative and well considered

Prize: £500 cash and a paid internship

 

Sanderson Design Group Award

Winner: Catherine Owen-Milsom, Loughborough University, T7

Title of work: Grow Together

Description of work: The lifestyle collection, Grow Together, draws its essence from community gardens and allotments, emphasising the transformative power of outdoor spaces in bringing communities together to learn and grow collectively.

Judge’s comment: Strong, confident and joyful use of colour and pattern. A layered approach to design which considers different applications and end uses within interiors

Prize: 12 month paid internship with Sanderson Design Group

 

Tu Clothing Creative Pattern & Print Award

Winner: Peace Rodliff, Loughborough University, T7

Title of work: Home is not a place

Description of work: A textile collection which celebrates immigrants contribution with culuytsl trgrtrnvrd snf voloutd, inspired by Peace’s grandmother's migration story from Belize to the UK.

Judge’s comment: We were really impressed with Peace's variety of print techniques and her hand drawing was incredible.

Prize: 1 Year Paid Placement

 

Weston Beamor Creative Innovation in Jewellery Award

Winner: Abigail Pontefract, Glasgow School of Art, JC53

Title of work: Perming Your Ears

Description of work: A jewellery collection conceptualised around the celebration of the ceremony of getting ready. Abigail’s collection contrasts the ceremony of getting ready with the absurdity of the circus

Judge’s comment: A playful collection with impressive use of CAD & 3D printing and innovative materials and concept

Prize: 2 Week InDesign Studio Mentorship

 

Stephen Webster Jewellery Designer of the Year

Winner: Ruby Taglight

Description of work: A jewellery collection which takes myths and creatures from mediaeval art and creates sculptural yet functional jewellery which retells these creatures' stories.

Judge’s comment: Charming pieces with character and distinctive DNA

Prize: 1 carat sky diamond and 6 hours mentorship with Stephen Webster

 

New Designers ND Selects Award

Winner: Maia Flaia

Description of work: A collection of ornaments which started as dated figurines but have been embellished and made into something new. Maia takes old and broken decorative objects and give them a second lease of life so they avoid landfill 

Judge’s comment: Innovative approach to the reinvention of historical items to create beautiful new work that surprises

Prize: Exhibition space at Future Icons during London Craft Week 2023

 

New Designers Best Stand Award

Winner: De Montfort University, JC54

 

ASSOCIATE PRIZES

 

The Pattern Cloud Award for Innovative Display

Winner: Sophie Amelia, Leeds Arts University, T34

Title of work: Authentic Expression

Description of work: A collection of sensory textiles for neurodivergent adults using specialist print finishes, made due to the lack of accessible sensory aids on the market for neurodivergent adults

Judge’s comment: Lovely use of colour and layering to create a beautiful display

Prize: 1 year free subscription to a Pattern Cloud website 

 

Ashley Wilde Award for Creativity and Innovation

Winner: Alice Newnham Stebbings, Nottingham Trent University, T1

Title of work: Renea

Description of work: A high end interior collection inspired by the rewilding movement.

Judge’s comment: A diverse mix of mediums and design styles that felt individually unique but that sat effectively as a collection. The designs felt that they would translate and transition seamlessly into a commercial setting

Prize: 1 month paid placement

 

Tatty Devine Jewellery Prize

Winner: Molly Rigby, DJCAD Univ of Dundee, JC13

Title of work: Clubbing through the generations

Description of work: As Molly has gotten older, her parents have become more candid about their own 90s clubbing experiences and she was struck by how similar these were to her own -  Molly has created two collections of jewellery which are designed to spark conversation between different generations of clubbers and capture the joy and togetherness sparked by nights out. 

Judge’s comment: Molly’s work is full of joy, colour and self-expression. It is both personal and collaborative and starts conversation

Prize: Work Placement and £150 jewellery

 

The CMS Future Design Star Award

Winner: Vera Bergshoeff, University of Dundee, T42

Description of work: A collection of multi-purpose materials which consist of wood and wool inspired by the architecture of The Hague (Netherlands) where Vera is from. 

Judge’s comment: Candidate offered an inspiring and innovative development in the realm of textiles that could be used across many applications with the potential of significant commercial success

Prize: Free UK trade mark application for a brand name / product name [in up to 5 classes

 

Diana Porter Jewellery Prize

Winner: Laura Cruikshank, Dundee DJCAD, JC13

Description of work: A fine jewellery collection loosely based on botanicals which Laura deconstructed in order to create earrings with lots of movement 

Judge’s comment: Every design used different techniques

Prize: £500 cash prize, exhibition, and mentorship

 

Clothworkers Company Award 

Winner: Hayden Mackenzie, Arts University Bournemouth, T37

Title of work: The Macaroni Club

Description of work: In the Georgian period, very wealthy men went on continental tours and brought back goods like lace, foods, and arts to the UK. They were societally condemned in Britain for being ‘too queer’ following their travels. The Macaroni Club is an eccentric interiors collection which celebrates that queerness as well as modern queerness.

Judge’s Comments: We were impressed by the scope of work that Hayden had produced. His expansive portfolio reflected growth, authenticity and curiosity. The strong use of colour showed maturity

Prize: £1000

 

Thrown Contemporary Ceramics Award

Winner: Sarah Cappard

Title of work: Terra Incognita

Description of work: A series of vessels based on themes of decay and the passing of time, in the wider landscape of global ruin in light of climate change

Judge’s Comments: Stand out work which encompasses both the traditional and the fictional. Already excited to see more

Prize: Online solo focus and 2x 1hr mentoring

 

The Weavers’ Company Woven Textile Design Award

Winner: Anita Sarkezi, Glasgow School of Art, T36

Title of work: Hybridisation of colour and ornament

Description of work: Being a migrant, Anita says ‘you have an extra awareness of your own culture’. Anita wanted to create her own culture in the UK and so made an imaginary folklore to create belonging. Anita created a Jacquard woven collection after taking inspiration from the archives of Eastern European folklore. 

Judge’s Comments: Demonstrated an excellent standard of research, investigation, weave structure, design and colour use. An eclectic and imaginative portfolio

Prize: £1000

 

The Weavers’ Company Woven Textiel Design Award

Winner: Anita Sarkezi, Glasgow School of Art, T36

Title of work: Hybridisation of colour and ornament

Description of work: The starting point of the project was looking into archives of Eastern European folklore especially looking at textiles and full costumes - the way the ornaments interact and their colours. Being a migrant, and being from somewhere else, you are aware of your own culture a bit more. Anita wanted to create her own culture here and so made an imaginary folklore to create belonging. Anita created a Jacquard woven collection, its still hand-woven despite being digital. It’s the right tool because Anita could fully translate the complexity of her drawings.

Judge’s Comments: Demonstrated an excellent standard of research, investigation, weave structure, design and colour use. An eclectic and imaginative portfolio.

Prize: £1000

Prestigious Textiles Award

Winner: Sarah Mills, Birmingham City University, T14

Title of work: The Wetlands Collection

Description of work: A luxury interiors collection, centred around raising awareness for the environment whilst also bringing joy to people’s homes. The collection includes cushions, pouffe, and fabric drapes which depict the surroundings of Sarah’s rural hometown.

Judge’s Comments: Innovative fabric choice with varied techniques which are great for the interiors market. Good use of scale and characterful work

Prize: 1 week, expenses paid placement

 

Wilcom Software Prize

Winner: Falmouth University, T46, notable mention for Beth Somerville, Falmouth University, T46

Prize: Wilcom software

 

Colour in Design Award

Winner: Amber Lily, Manchester Metropolitan, T16

Title of work: Noticing the unnoticed 

Description of work: Amber Lily’s project depicts the mundane and stems from photos of the everyday - such as scruff and dirt. She Aimed to show a juxtaposition of inane shapes from the everyday with bold colours from bright palettes, making people notice the unnoticed. 

Judge’s Comments: Impressive body of work and a sensitive approach to colour and craft.

Prize: £1000, unique trophy, mentoring

 

Author’s Choice ND Selects Award

Winner: Steve Cook, NDS6

Title: Modern Ceramic

Description of work: Hand thrown ceramics that are minimalist and combine traditional pottery techniques with new materials and new techniques. Modernic Ceramic creates objects with utility - such as teapots and tea cups, carafes and glasses, incense burners and more - with a bit of a twist. Judge’s Comments: An elusive combination of beautiful form and useful function. The pieces look sculptural as well as practical. 

Prize: Featured on the AUTHOR Interiors website and have their chosen piece exhibited at the London Art Fair 2024 Collectors Lounge.

 

About New Designers 

New Designers is an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Since

its inception 38 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates to

present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public every year. The event takes

place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 and Week 2, spanning

fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more. With a focus on creativity,

innovation, and sustainability, New Designers is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the

future of design. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a student, or a professional in the industry, there’s something for everyone at New Designers.