Lidewij Edelkoort to Headline TEX+ 2025 Awards Ceremony in the UK
TEX+ 2025 Awards Celebrates Emerging Textile Talent
The TEX+ 2025 Awards took place last night at the Triangle Building, Chelsea College of Arts, shining a light on the UK’s rising textile stars. This year’s event attracted notable figures from the design field, such as Orla Kiely and Zandra Rhodes, and featured a keynote speech from renowned trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, marking her first public appearance in the UK in several years.
A Vision for the Future
“The future is incredibly bright,” Edelkoort stated, commending the new generation of graduates. She highlighted their bravery in addressing major contemporary challenges, from rethinking materials to reviving traditional crafts.
A Legacy of Support
Formerly known as Texprint, TEX+ continues its 50-year tradition of nurturing emerging talent in fashion, interiors, and materials innovation. Finalists hailed from prestigious UK institutions, including Central Saint Martins, Glasgow School of Art, and Manchester School of Art. Awards were presented based on achievements in creativity, sustainability, technical skill, and market viability.
Notable Winners of the Evening
Among the standout winners was Beth Lingard from Leeds Arts University, who received several accolades, including the Sanderson Art in Industry Prize and the Sahara Prize. Amber Fry from Central Saint Martins took home the Sustainability Prize and the Mary Restieaux Prize, while Esme Whitton from UWE Bristol earned a mentorship opportunity with Liberty Fabrics.
Recognizing Upcoming Designers
The Awards also recognized the commendable work of Severina Seidl from the Royal School of Needlework, Aidan Morris from the Glasgow School of Art, and Yingruo Cao from the London College of Fashion, among others.
Voices of Change in Design
TEX+ Chair Jeremy Somers commended the talent of the 2025 cohort. He remarked, “These designers possess not just technical skills, but they are also engaging with pressing topics in today’s design landscape, from sustainability to identity. The TEX+ prizes serve to acknowledge that and to help elevate these voices within the industry.”
Influential Alumni
TEX+ alumni have gone on to join renowned brands like Chanel, Nike, and Liberty. The program has produced celebrated designers such as Margo Selby and Emma J Shipley.
What are your thoughts on the future of textile design?
