Connecting With The Natural World─Visionary Designers Unveil Work At New Designers 2023
Image By Courtesy of Beth Somerville
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.
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.
