Congratulations to our emerging designers

Back in October we started our hunt for Britain’s most exciting up-and-coming student designers. We received a huge number of fantastic entries and are now delighted to announce our winners, as selected by our expert panel of judges.

Isobel Walton

Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds College of Art

Isobel wins £3,000 to help launch her design career, a lifestyle shoot with a top photographer and will see her winning fabric go into production and upholstered on to a sofa.com item, soon to be revealed right here on our website.

Our two runners-up, Hannah Weedon and Emily Thompson, win £1,000 each, as well as the chance to see their fabric design made into a one-of-a-kind armchair for the photoshoot. You can see their designs below, along with the winner of our People’s Vote, Isabel Crossman.

We’d like to thank everyone who entered our Emerging Designers Competition, as well as everyone who took part in our People’s Vote.

view Isobel's page

view the shortlist meet the judges view the brief

David Nicholls, Design Editor, Telegraph Magazine "This is a very clever idea - a print which mimics the look of a traditional craft skill. I could see this in a modern design exhibition and in the homes of people who are not afraid to take a bit of a chance with something unusual."
Jaime Derringer, Executive editor and founder, Design Milk "I love the handmade, hand-stitched look of this fabric design. It's a modern, updated and artistic twist on a traditional weave, which feels refreshing and even cutting edge. It's versatile, too, in that it could look great on either a modern or traditional piece."
Rohan Blacker, Founder, sofa.com "Working with Isobel is an exceptionally exciting proposition. She clearly has enormous flair, her designs are absolutely of the moment, and I can’t wait to see the finished product!"

the runners-up

Hannah Weedon

Textile Design at Falmouth University

Emily Thompson

Textiles for Fashion & Interiors at Bath Spa University

People's vote winner

Isabel Crossman

Textile Design With Business Studies at Brighton University