The Future is Bright with TEX+

In a stirring celebration of the UK's brightest emerging textile designers, TEX+ 2025 opened its doors this summer with a bold declaration from Lidewij Edelkoort: “The future is incredibly bright.” Returning to London for her first public appearance in several years, the revered trend forecaster launched the showcase with a keynote address that was as visionary as it was hopeful.

Zandra Rhodes, Orla Kiely and TEX+ trustees. Image Source: Tex+

Hosted at the Triangle Building, Chelsea College of Arts, TEX+ 2025 gathered together a powerful constellation of industry icons - Orla Kiely, Zandra Rhodes, Mary-Ann Dunkley of Liberty Fabrics - to honour 25 exceptional graduates from across the UK. Representing leading institutions from Central Saint Martins to the Royal School of Needlework, these designers are redefining what textiles can do - and what textile designers can be.

Formerly known as Texprint, TEX+ has long been a launchpad for textile stars. Its alumni network boasts big names like Margo Selby, Emma J Shipley, and countless others now at the helm of studios or leading innovation for Chanel, Nike and Liberty. But with its new charitable status, TEX+ is looking beyond prestige, aiming to build a community that nurtures talent with deep, ongoing support - mentorship, placements, professional development, and a vital sense of belonging.

This year’s winners showed remarkable range:

Beth Lingard (above) (Leeds Arts University) scooped the Sanderson Art in Industry Prize, the Sahara Prize, and The Pattern Cloud Prize for her printed textile collection 'Dusk till Dawn', inspired by a dreamlike transition into an otherworldly jungle.

Esme Whitton (above) (UWE Bristol), will gain archive access and mentoring through the Liberty Fabrics Studio Prize for her printed textiles inspired by the story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1982).

Amber Fry (above) (Central Saint Martins) was recognised for both sustainability and artistry, receiving the Trustees’ Prize for Sustainability & Ethical Practice as well as the Mary Restieaux Prize for 'Plot 24' - a 100% naturally dyed, 100% British wool collection of handwoven textiles...

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Image Credits:

Lead Image: Winnie Sowter, Mixed Media Installation/Sculpture. Photo by Hope Holmes