Top Drawer has announced that Ben Langworthy Paper Goods is the winner of the Autumn/Winter 2018 Spotted Award.
Ben Langworthy makes vintage-inspired paper goods featuring strong colours and typography, underpinned by his belief in the special importance of a hand-written note. He hand-draws all his designs using traditional techniques, and everything is printed in the U.K. His cut out cards – which can be cut and folded to make a miniature model – are particularly special.
Spotted is Top Drawer’s curated showcase of innovative, market ready, design-based businesses new to the major UK trade fair market. All new brands accepted into the September 2018 edition of Spotted at Top Drawer Autumn were eligible, and entries were judged by a panel that included:
Annabelle
Dodds, Senior Buyer at the V&A; Charlotte Abrahams, Spotted Curator; Dan Flower, owner of AIM Brands; Johnathan Brown, Founder of Cult Vinegar; Nicki Sloan, Founder & MD of Cubic Products Ltd and Sophie Hughes, PR & Brand Marketing Manager of West Elm.
The brands were judged on originality and innovation, commercial viability, clarity of brand, communication of message and the overall quality of their products.
One runner-up in this round of awards is Finfo Design, which makes illustrated tableware featuring people from all corners of the world with the aim of promoting friendship and conversation. The designs are created with ink finger prints and brush strokes.
The other runner-up is Roadscents, a French perfumed car fragrance. Designed to be a luxury impulse buy, Roadscents is a take on the traditional hanging cardboard fragrances featuring witty designs, luxury packaging and high quality, French-made perfume.
Judges also gave special mention to Playroom Interiors for their stand design, as well as shortlisted brands and Hirsch & Kirsch and Kesemy Design.
Spotted was established to help emerging brands at a crucial stage in their development and the prizes reflect that mission. As the winner, Ben Langworthy receives a free stand at Top Drawer and all three finalists will be rewarded with one-to-one mentoring from six industry experts: Dan Flower, Owner AIM Brands; Ged Mace, MD The Art File; Kirpal Bharaj, Co-Founder of Spotted Award Winner Spring/Summer 2018 Stay Sixty; Lorna Syson, Print Designer; Rosie Wolfenden MBE, Co-Founder & Director Tatty Divine and Sharon Good, MD of Good Results PR.
Charlotte Abrahams, Spotted’s curator, says “All three winners are making considered, original products that will enhance the lives of those who buy them. I am thrilled that the Spotted Award will help them take their brands forward.”
