NEW DESIGNERS 2013 - BEST OF

Now in its 28th year, New Designers is undisputedly the best place in the UK to discover up and coming design talent, fresh from their student days and on the cusp of glittering careers – set in the crystal palace like structure of the Business Design Centre, Islington, it really is a hot house of ideas.

Over the course of 2 weeks, over 3,000 graduates showcase their work for the very first time. What makes it special are the different levels of either fully finished or prototyped products – this show is wonderfully rough around the edges. From ceramics, print and home ware, to product and furniture.

Here are some of our favourites from 2013. (To see more, check out our board on Pinterest too! http://pinterest.com/theformemporium/new-designers-2013/ )

Joe Buttigieg, a graduate of Buckinghamshire New University, has designed a chair that can be easily stored on a desk or table. The tubular frame has a unique way of presenting a seat, and the laminated plywood contrasts wonderfully. The M6 is lightweight, stackable, very easily assembled and we love it.

Next up is Northumbrian Graduate, Josie Morris. Josie has managed to create a very simple but effective range that features lighting, furniture and product. Her Handle lights are particularly good, and the handle feature acts as a common detail amongst the family of shapes and sizes which allows the end user to group or hang them separately.

Leala Dymond, also of Bucks New Uni, has received recognition with the shows 100% Design award for her clever Bungy Sofa that uses elasticated bungy cords to hold cushions and other objects in place. Here it is, looking equally attractive with or without the cords in use:

Henry Franks shared the 100% Design award with Leala, with his collection of dyslexic design objects. These included a hanger with 2 hooks which can be hung either way round and mugs which are inverted and made usable upside down. “Henry joyfully combines utility with human behaviour resulting in a clever, well rounded collection, brimming with unique ideas,” said the award judges.

Other notable works include the Spun Stools by Hugh Leader Williams in One Year On, Katharina Einkoeck’s Nomadic Light and Nicolette de Waart’s tessellating stools in the shape of a leaf.