New Designers 2026 showcases zero-waste textiles and sustainable design
The UK's leading graduate design exhibition, the 2026 New Designers, is set to take place from July 1 to 4, showcasing more than 2,500 graduates. Notable projects include Ellie Blow's 'Interwoven: Reclaiming the Domestic Fibre' from Edinburgh College of Art, focusing on zero-waste textiles; Freja Malle Høyer's embroidered installation 'Min Musling' from the Royal School of Needlework; and Eli Tinapp's recycling initiative 'RePaper Line' from the University of Sussex. Additionally, Iris Reed from London Metropolitan University presents 'The Jarapa Chair,' crafted from second-hand t-shirts, while Bhavnesh Modgill from the University of Brighton showcases an accessible toaster design titled 'Your Last First – Toaster.' Other contributions come from Ellie Gummery, Isabella Malmström-Bevan, Molly White, Aurora Stevens, and Matthew Morris, representing various institutions.
Key facts
- New Designers 2026 takes place 1–4 July in the UK.
- The showcase has run for over 40 years, featuring 2,500+ graduates annually.
- Ellie Blow's 'Interwoven' uses deadstock yarns and a zero-waste laser-cut knitting process.
- Freja Malle Høyer's 'Min Musling' is an interactive textile installation with five sensory elements.
- Eli Tinapp's 'RePaper Line' is a three-step wastepaper recycling system for schools.
- Iris Reed's 'Jarapa Chair' combines Spanish heritage techniques with pre-owned t-shirts.
- Bhavnesh Modgill's toaster explores universal design, accessibility, and repairability.
- Ellie Gummery's ceramic cups use slip and stencil decoration with ash glaze.
Entities
Artists
- Ellie Blow
- Freja Malle Høyer
- Eli Tinapp
- Iris Reed
- Bhavnesh Modgill
- Ellie Gummery
- Isabella Malmström-Bevan
- Molly White
- Aurora Stevens
- Matthew Morris
- Holly Bint
- Zehra Saygi
- Joseph Robinson
- Gina Tang
- Joshua Watson
- Fay Markopoulou
- Anna Lynch
- Rebecca Ketchell
- Lauren Ketchell
- Ella Smith
- Marisa Thorogood
- Lola Powell
- Teepakorn Prasarttong-Osoth
- Evan Daggert
- Oliver Hordon
- Ed Satchell
- Ania Blanda
- Millie Rowlandson
- Rose Barlier
- Amber Moore
- Ruari McVeigh
- Kerstin Gren
Institutions
- New Designers
- Dezeen
- Edinburgh College of Art
- Royal School of Needlework
- University of Sussex
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Brighton
- Hereford College of Arts
- Nottingham Trent University
- Falmouth University
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- Kingston University
- Morley College
- Swansea College of Art
- Arts University Bournemouth
- Southampton Solent University
- Manchester School of Art
- Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts
- West Ham Football Club
- Kew Gardens
- Norwich University of the Arts
- Birmingham City University
- Robert Gordon University
- Northumbria University
- University of Plymouth
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Glasgow School of Art
- University of Glasgow
- Grays School of Art
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Alpujarra
- Spain
- Kent
- London
- Dartmoor
- UK
- Dufftown
- Scotland
- Cornwall
- Cornish Coast
- Monknash
- Wales
- South Africa