The work of more than 3,000 of the UK’s most talented design graduates from across the UK is showcased every year at the New Designers Show, held at the Islington Business Design Centre.
The event, which takes place in two parts in July every year, exhibits work in textiles and accessories, fashion, applied art, ceramics and glass, jewellery and precious metalwork, as well as furniture and product design, visual communications, spatial design and motion arts.
The show is an opportunity for students to showcase their work to people in the design industry, while also competing to win coveted awards that are sponsored by companies such as John Lewis, Goldsmiths’ Company and Hallmark.
Many of the country’s top designers have exhibited at this show in the past, including world-famous Thomas Heatherwick, who designed the 2012 Olympic cauldron and redesigned London’s iconic red double-decker bus.
The New Designers Show has been successfully bringing together for 28 years education, private and public enterprises and the media and is a pivotal event for all individuals involved in design. This year, 3,500 graduates in design will present their creative excellence at New Designers 2014 which is seen as the most important showcase for prospective employers, buyers, galleries, studios and public visitors who are seeking UK’s most talented new designers.
Last year New Designers also marked the beginning of a new partnership with the Design Council through the launch of the Future Pioneers, a new scheme to provide a platform for designers whose work can contribute to economic growth and solve social problems in inspiring and exciting ways.
New Designers announces this year an extensive series of talks and events, which allows visitors to explore the design world through industry leaders and experts who will give talks and tours around the Show.
Isobel Dennis, Director of the New Designers Show said: “For anyone graduating now, this is a daunting time thanks to the economic recession. But the good news for anyone who wants to make their career in design and craft is that there has never been a better time to do so. The most exciting periods of design have always been the periods of greatest change, and we are now living through a phenomenal period of unprecedented change at extraordinary speed and scale. The designers’ role is to help society to make the most of these changes, to make sure that they affect our lives for good rather than bad. In fact, we are here to help young creative designers to promote their products and their creations.” She also added: “This event, which is presented in partnership with leading brands and organizations, recognizes the design world’s rising stars, offering winners and runners-up vital support as they embark on professional careers.”
New Designers has launched over 100,000 students into the professional world since it began 28 years ago and it has also reported a record attendance of 18,265 people making it the busiest year in the Show’s 28 year history. Miss Dennis also commented: “This year, the energy and vibrancy throughout each part of the show is unfailing and we are absolutely delighted with record attendance figures. The leadership that our loyal partners and sponsors show demonstrates their passion to support the emerging talent they discover at New Designers. They are integral to the Show’s continued success in introducing new talent into the commercial world.”
Imogen Belfield, New Designers winner of the 2010 Show said: “New Designers is one of the best opportunities available to new graduates; offering a trade show environment at a subsidized rate and giving the experience needed to trade, sell and promote your brand and business.” Thanks to New Designers she opened her own shop in 2011, selling through well-known retailers. She also was selected to be part of the British Fashion Council’s Rock Vault, resulting in exhibitions at London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Couture, Las Vegas. Imogen’s jewellery designs are a favorite among celebrities such as Rita Ora and Georgia May Jagger, with her work having featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Elle magazines.
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