Design competition - UK final

The SDC design competition heat winners (previously announced here) from the SDC regions across the length and breadth of Britain - London Region, Midlands Region, N England Region, Scottish Region and W England/S Wales Region - came together for the UK final which took place at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) last week.
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Judging
Each of the five finalists had the opportunity, individually, to meet the judges and talk about the inspiration for their designs and, in particular, their focus on colour and social responsibility. The judges included, pictured L-R below: Chris Sargeant, SDC Board trustee for fashion and design; Saloni Sachdev, design expert visiting for the occasion from India; Laura McCafferty, textile artist and designer; and Kathy Dickinson, senior tutor at NTU School of Art & Design.
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Judges talking with Lauren Chiu, London Region finalist (Lauren not pictured)

Kelly Taylor, Midlands Region finalist, talking with the judges

Workshop
As part of their experience in the UK final, each of the students also had chance to take part in a unique dyeing workshop with renowned Japanese textile artist Akihiko Izukura - a highlight for many, particularly as the students were also lucky enough to be invited to a private view of Mr Izukura's Life in Colours exhibition at NTU (outlined in this previous blog post).

Mr Izukura in the workshop with Laura Dowey, the N England Region finalist (front left) and Lauren Chiu, London Region finalist (front right)

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Sarah Finlay, Scottish Region finalist, in the workshop

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During the workshops, the finalists worked with natural extracts from plants and insects to dye silk garments following an ancient traditional practices followed by Mr Izukura that have at the route a zero-waste concept.

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Reception

Next the finalists had the opportunity to exhibiting their own work at a reception where SDC members and colour experts had chance to view their designs and talk with the students.
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All the finalists at the reception are pictured above, with Chris Sargeant, pictured L-R, and below with their work:

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-Kelly Taylor, De Montfort University (Midlands Region)
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-Laura Dowey, University of Huddersfield (N England Region)

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-Sarah Finlay, Duncan of Jordanstone (Scottish Region)

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-Lauren Chiu, Central St Martins College of Art & Design (London Region)

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-Olivia Goss, Plymouth College of Art & Design (W England/S Wales Region)

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During the reception, each of the finalists were presented with gifts sponsored by NCS and the UK winner was announced as Kelly Taylor from De Montfort University. The judges deemed her entry to be the most innovative and creative, outlining a clear understanding of social responsibility and the issues which surround the fashion and textiles industry today. Commented Kelly, who is in her final year studying textile design, 'In my designs, I was influenced by the pattern, texture and colour of worn ancient oriental armour and I combined a variety of fabric weights, textures and techniques to create the collection.'

UK final winner Kelly Taylor

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Thanks to all the judges that were involved in the final, and the heats thus far, as well as to all the SDC regional committees for organising the heats, judging and regional prizes. Kelly will now go on to the grand final in London in October, along with all the other country winners from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore and South Africa. The Hong Kong finalist has already been decided and we'll be announcing all the country winners by the end of June, so watch this space!

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by CMcN