Top Drawer has revealed the talent shortlisted for the inaugural edition of the Spotted Award, with the winner being chosen during the show on Sunday January 14.
A panel of seven industry professionals chose the ten designers who will go forward, having judged them on the criteria of originality and innovation, commercial viability, clarity of brand and communication of message, and quality of the design. The selected designers are:
Alexia Peck (Stand SP431), whose collection of six fragrances includes candles, room sprays and diffusers, are all designed in matching packaging to create a strong brand identity. The candle lids live on after the candle has been used in the form of paperweights.
Divine Savages (Stand SP211), a design-led interiors brand delivering an inspired collection of glamorous home accessories, luxury wallpaper, fabrics and limited edition art prints with a flourish of both the divine and the savage.
Hello Grimes’, (Stand SP421) which offers bright, bold illustrated prints, enamel pins, greetings cards and paper goods inspired by nature and the British heathlands.
Mynn London (SP52) is a lifestyle brand specialising in fun and unique textiles inspired by the dynamic of contemporary culture. The product range covers napkins, placemats, tea towels, oven gloves and cushions across three collections, which are designed to be mixed and matched.
Rowenna Mason’s mill-woven cushions (top, Stand SP420) and throws are refreshingly modern designs for a snug and stylish home.
Keeler and Sidaway (Stand SP200) make art prints, notebooks, greetings cards and textile products, characterised by their bold, colourful graphic style.
Stay Sixty’s (SP302) aim is to highlight the alarming levels of plastic pollution in the UK today by offering a stylish, modern alternative to single-use plastic bottles.
Nick Crowe and Neil Baber of The Pattern Book (SP202) have created over one hundred thought-provoking greeting cards exploring the history of ideas and design. Sourced and adapted from long-forgotten graphic works, technical drawings and scientific illustrations, the ranges explore the theory of colour, iconic 20th century product design, studies in the techniques of dance and sport, and an array of vintage and historic graphic works.
Cult Vinegar (SP443) is all about we are sharing the love of live vinegar. The brand has two parts: customers can make their own live vinegar in the Vinegar Vase, a contemporary take on the traditional vinegar fermentation crock designed by ceramicist Billy Lloyd, or add live vinegars made from premium wines, sakes, ports and ciders to what they eat and drink for a probiotic twist.
J Dryer (SP411) is a unique, compact and very stylish wall-mounted drying rack for indoor and outdoor use. Originally created in the 1950s, it has been re-designed for 21st century aesthetic by Juliet Howard.
The Judges included: Charlie Gladstone, Pedlars; Hannah Thistlethwaite, Heal’s; Geraldine James, Harrods; Annabelle Dodds, V&A; Ella Doran, Designer, Charlotte Abrahams, Spotted Curator and Alejandra Campos, Top Drawer Director.
Spotted, Top Drawer’s launch pad for emerging brands, has to date supported over 150 new businesses. Now firmly established as one of the show’s main attractions, Spotted is a curated showcase of innovative, market ready, design-led businesses new to the major UK trade fair market. The Spotted Award winner and runners up will be announced on the opening morning of S/S18 edition of Top Drawer on 14th January 2018.
Left, Divine Savages
