The TexSelect charity announced the winners of its prestigious awards at a prize-giving ceremony held at Première Vision Designs in Paris. The TexSelect Prizes highlight the exceptional and innovative textile design developed in UK colleges and universities and was judged at TexSelect London Preview by Abigail Bomford, creative director Camira Fabrics, Polly Leonard, founder/editor Selvedge magazine, Helen Palmer, Director of Materials & Knit, WGSN, Andrew Dawson, Master of The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, and Michael Angove, eponymous designer and artist. The winners are:
- TexSelect FASHION Prize – Matthew Briggs, for the best fashion fabric design in any discipline;
- TexSelect PATTERN Prize, sponsored by Liberty London Fabrics – Erin McQuarrie, for the best use of pattern;
- TexSelect INTERIORS Prize, sponsored by The Clothworkers’ Company – Eve Campbell, for the best fabric design for interiors;
- TexSelect COLOUR Prize, sponsored by Mode Information and Pantone – Grace Hartley, for the best use of colour.
The Woolmark Company TexSelect Award was judged at Première Vision Designs by Natasha Lenart of Victoria Beckham and Eda Karadogan of Ipekis, and went to knit designer Matthew Briggs. Those eligible for this award must incorporate a minimum of 60% of Merino wool into their textiles, and demonstrate a good understanding of its qualities and potential application in fabric. The winner receives £1,000 and the ongoing support of The Woolmark Company.
The Marks & Spencer TexSelect Fashion Textile Award was judged at TexSelect London Preview in July by Natalie Ansell senior print designer at Marks & Spencer, and the winner is Sam Wilde who receives £1,000. Judged at Texprint London in July by Helen Palmer, director of materials & knit, WGSN, the WGSN TexSelect Textiles of the Future Award honoured three winners. Erin McQuarrie, Matthew Briggs and Molly Hayden will each receive an additional 6 months access to WGSN, coverage on the WGSN service, and time spent with the WGSN Materials team.
Summing up the 2018 TexSelect Awards, TexSelect chairman Barbara Kennington said: “I am inspired by the determination to succeed and the extraordinary level of design skill and craftsmanship shown by these young designers. Exposure to the industry is critical and invaluable and greatly enhances their understanding of the marketplace and the opportunities available globally. As a charitable organisation, we invite industry to get involved and support this valuable initiative.”
