New Designers is an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent. Since its inception over 40 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 2,500 graduates to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public every year.
New Designers, an annual celebration of emerging UK design talent, relaunched in 2026 in a one-week format, bringing together design disciplines including furniture and textiles, and showcasing the work of more than 2,500 graduates.
Now in its 41st year, this summer’s edition attracted more than 15,000 visitors, continuing its mission to connect the next generation of designers with industry professionals, employers, media and the public.
Event director Sally Bent comments: "The response to our new one-week format has exceeded our expectations. Bringing every design discipline together created a vibrant, collaborative environment that better reflects how designers work today and encouraged exciting conversations across creative sectors.
“Welcoming more than 15,000 visitors over four days demonstrates the continued appetite for discovering emerging talent and highlights the enduring importance of New Designers as a launchpad for the next generation. Seeing graduates making valuable industry connections with leading brands, employers and influential figures from across the design community made this year's relaunch particularly rewarding."
One of the highlights of this year's programme was Thursday Late, which welcomed award-winning British designer Matthew Williamson in conversation with presenter and beauty, fashion director and sustainability expert Scott Wimsett. The discussion offered a reflection on Matthew’s career while providing advice for graduating designers and insights into creativity, colour, craftsmanship and the future of design.
Across the four days, the ND Talks and Workshops programme offered graduates practical advice for navigating the design industry, covering topics including careers, entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation and professional practice – and the event again proved its worth as a destination for talent-spotting, recruitment, collaboration and trend forecasting. Representatives from John Lewis, Next, The Conran Shop, Sanderson Design Group, Marks & Spencer, Dezeen, Sainsbury's and Heal's were among those present.
The week culminated in the Prize and Partner Awards, following the Rising Star and Spotlight Awards earlier in the week. Together, the awards recognised graduates whose work demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and commercial potential.
Tale a look at September's issue for a few of the highlights …
All photos courtesy Sam Frost
