Fresh Thinking at New Designers

Last week I paid a visit to Business Design Centre, Islington for New Designers.

New Designers does exactly as it describes - it is an exhibition for new designers to exhibit their final year coursework to potential employers, press, trend spotters and the public.  Over 2,500 graduates attend from some of the country's best design courses.  Disciplines include textile and fashion, jewellery and precious metalwork, ceramics and glass and contemporary design crafts.

The industry attends in droves seeking new talent. Buyers from big name retailers including The Conran Shop, John Lewis, Habitat and Liberty Fabric select their favourite designers sometimes offering internships as the ultimate prize.

I attend to get a feel for emerging trends.  I also make a beeline to the curated One Year In, where you can find interesting fledgling designers launching their creative businesses. Bright colours and floral designs were the flavour of the moment.  

The Pattern Cloud selected Immy Lee as winner of the most innovative display. Inspired by Columbia Flower Market, she had made a bold display of colourful character cut outs and paper flowers.

Abby Worsdell's work was picked out by Sanderson.  Abby presented her vibrant floral collection - 'a garden in my head' packed full of wondrous wildflowers.  The collection had been created using a careful combination of processes - digital print, hand-sewn beads, appliqué and digital embroidery.

Liberty fabrics highlighted Anna Millington's peculiar plant stories collection. Each exotic 1960s vibe design inspired by a peculiar plant story.

In contrast to all the negative press coverage that constantly fills our newspapers column inches, there is an air of optimism at New Designers that is intoxicating.  These graduates' designs are vibrant and colourful and they are actively seeking solutions to building a more sustainable future in their fields. 

Organisers, Immediate Live write: 'New Designers is full of disruptive thinking, ambitious ideas and fresh approaches.' This is spot on.  In these turbulent times, these graduates are an absolute breath of fresh air.