BA (Hons) Textiles graduates from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) exhibited at the prestigious New Designers show at the Business Design Centre in London.
New Designers is the biggest event for design graduates, with 2024 seeing more than 3,000 students and 16,000 visitors from the public and industry attend.
Providing a platform for graduating students to showcase their work, highlighting their skills, and unique perspectives, New Designers celebrates the creativity and innovation of emerging talents across various design disciplines.
Anne-Marie Howat, BA (Hons) Textiles Course Leader, comments, “Our students were at the centre of the show and welcomed interest from a broad range of textiles, interiors, graphics, and fashion industry specialists.
“The exhibition offers a glimpse into the future of design and serves as a launchpad for the next generation of designers reinforcing the importance of creativity and innovation in shaping our world.
“Our AUB graduates presented portfolios and work on their stand to River Island, Whitestuff, Hand & Lock, Wilcom, Priestman-Goode, Dr. Martens, private clients, and designer visitors including Zandra Rhodes.”
BA (Hons) Textiles student Sophie Haskell was shortlisted for the Ultrafabrics Sustainability Award, which looks for new innovations in textile design that prioritise sustainability. Sophie used upcycled reflective workwear in her woven handmade samples created on a digital jacquard loom.
"I found the experience of New Designers really inspiring, from talking to industry professionals to exploring the work of other universities," says Sophie. "I enjoyed expressing my passion for sustainable design with the team from Ultrafabrics and I am proud to say I was shortlisted for the award.
"Being able to exhibit my work amongst the talented cohort from AUB Textiles was a privilege and I now feel ready to enter my career in the design industry."
Fellow student Katie Pilgrim was awarded The Golden Ticket for The Annual Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery, which grants guaranteed and free entry into the 2025 awards. Katie was also offered a stand in London and Harrogate’s Stitch and Knit shows from the Embroiderers' Guild.
"New Designers was a wonderful experience to meet new people and discuss my work in a professional setting," says Katie. "Winning the Hand and Lock Golden Ticket was an unexpected delight, especially amongst all the other talented designers.
"Recognition from the Embroiderers' Guild and the opportunity to exhibit at the Knit and Stitch show has given me the confidence to take my ideas forward into industry. I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
Anne-Marie adds, “This year’s exhibition has been amazing with so many opportunities, internships, and commissions for our students… let's watch this space in the months to follow, we wish them all well as they embark on the next steps of their creative journeys.”
