Trend round-up from Staffordshire's Show and Tell

Another trend that features heavily at the show is touch and texture. The works of Katrina Lewis and Sarah Parton both explore the sense of touch through the design and development process. Lewis’ work involves the mixing of materials such as ribbon and wool to create a 3D tactile surface, whereas Parton’s work is primarily paper based and focuses on small details such as small needlepoint holes, delicate laser cutting and texture.

Russell’s use of a chalky colour palette is a trend continued throughout the exhibition. The dusty greyed blues against whites and beiges sit against the stronger, smoky grey palette of Sarah Patron’s designs, which include an element of blush powder pink. Soft neutral colour palettes of greys, white, and beiges, mixed with greyed down primary colours and pastels are key. 

A standout highlight at the show is a beautiful rug design by Lisa Elizabeth, a graduate of the Surface Pattern Design course whose work will also be exhibited at New Designers 2014. The sophisticated colour combination of mint green juxtaposed with the jewel aubergine and soft creams makes the design difficult to miss. The simple block stencil floral pattern suits this colour palette perfectly, creating a beautiful, commercial yet innovative piece.

Another designer that focuses on the themes of heritage design and traditional techniques is Alicia Russell from the BA (Hons) Surface Pattern Design course. Her use of chalky blues creates a sophisticated and understated traditional look with a contemporary twist. Her designs are inspired by worn heritage surfaces ­– using styles of the past in order to inform the future of design. Alongside the graduate show, her work will also be showcased at the New Designers Part One and Two exhibitions, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, 25-28 June and 2-5 July. 

One of the key trends across the exhibition is heritage. This is illustrated in the works of designers including Maeve Haugh, from the MA Ceramic Design course. Her contemporary ceramic forms are created in a heritage colour palette of graphite blacks with highlights of mustard yellow, against a more contemporary stark white. In addition, the use of a vintage floral pattern invites the onlooker to view the designs in more detail, creating an added element of curiosity to the pieces. 

Degree show season is upon us, with graduate designers up and down the country showcasing their final collections, ideas and innovations. The shows present an exciting opportunity to view the up and coming talent that will be emerging in the industry come September. Our design team has been scouting the talent on offer at the local universities, starting with Show and Tell at Staffordshire University near our Stoke-on-Trent base. 

Exploration is a key theme seen throughout, in terms of the development and experimentation of combining materials, using materials in new ways and functions, and focusing on the revival of traditional techniques such as silkscreen printing for a contemporary and commercial arena.