New Designers is an annual exhibition showcasing the work of recent graduates from design courses around the country. Everything from textiles, fashion, jewellery, product design, furniture, interior design and illustration are covered in the first week.
It can be overwhelming so, as a long-term visitor, I tend to skim-view the displays, only stopping when something stands out from the crowd. Here are some of the projects that did just that for me.
It was the humour and playfulness of Molly Junetta‘s prints from Bath Spa that struck me. She really went for her chosen design theme of the pub and had fun at the same time. I couldn’t help but smile at her installation.
Mario Gibbs of Birmingham City was in complete contrast with an assured, sophisticated dress using sliced and pleated polka dot printed net. Very grown up and quite beautiful.
I always like to see what my former art school is doing and Loughborough University‘s textile course had quite a strong environmental theme this year. I appreciated the fully biodegradable outdoor fabric ideas from Freya Holmes using natural forms. Rather than just slabs of material these looked as if they might really work in a garment that you would want to wear.
The jewellery I like is either discreet or dramatic. Aya Al Shalal (IYUH) of Central St Martins showed the latter, making a big statement – definitely for going out out.
Multipurpose furniture can be a difficult nut to crack to do well so it was good to see that this design by Anan Mohamed from Birmingham City had been recognised by Habitat.
I’ll be interested to find out how these students get on in the next few years.