As New Designers 2019 prepares to open on 26th June, 32 international brands including The Conran Shop, Epson Europe, John Lewis, Made.com and Sainsbury’s have been announced as the exhibition's sponsors.
Spanning the worlds of interiors, healthcare, hospitality, fashion, food, travel, toys and more, these sponsors recognise the importance of nurturing new design talent to sustain their industries, and New Designers' role in finding it.
The awards range from financial help to professional experience and mentoring, and are bestowed upon some of the most creative and forward-thinking exhibitors in the show. New Designers’ awards and associate placements have launched the careers of many designers, with a large number ending up permanently working with the brand supporting their award.
Joining the eminent line-up of sponsors in 2019 are iconic design store The Conran Shop and design innovators, Epson Europe. The Conran Shop will select one talented designer to receive either £3000 towards launching their design career or a work placement in their London headquarters, while Epson Europe’s award will see a textile graduate commissioned to create a series of designs for a soft furnishings collection.
Stephen Briars, creative director of The Conran Shop, comments: "New Designers represents fresh ideas and aspirations, offering brands a golden opportunity to connect with young emerging design professionals. Whilst The Conran Shop famously carries some of the greatest, most iconic brands in the world, including Knoll, Vitra and Carl Hansen & Son, we also massively appreciate the many benefits of working with new talents. As a sponsor of New Designers, we get access to a platform of brilliant graduates, and with that an opportunity to tap into the latest design methods, trends and ways of thinking."
Heather Kendle, market development manager, Epson Europe, adds: "New design is essential for our thriving UK fashion and textile industry. The growth in digital textile production across Europe means there will be many more opportunities for young, home-grown talented designers to create new and exciting collections. As a leading player in digital textile printing, Epson already works with many design schools across Europe. Our support of the New Designers Award 2019 demonstrates our continued commitment to the development of new, emerging talent in fashion and digital textile design."
Highlighting the ongoing success of previous award winners, furniture designer Mac Collins and ceramicist Laura Plant return to New Designers in 2019 to take part in the show’s flagship exhibition, One Year In.
New Designers takes place at London's Business Design Centre across two phases – from 29th June-1st July, and from 3rd-6th uly – and the awards will be presented at preview evenings on 26th June and 3rd July.
