Woolmill introduces new textile design award for students

THE AWARD WINNING Knockando Woolmill is itself to introduce a textile designer award that seeks to target emerging talent from throughout the UK.

In a competition that aims to uncover the best of new textile design talent, the Woolmill is inviting current students and recent graduates to submit innovative, contemporary designs that push boundaries.

The competition is open to entries from today (August 30) and closes at midnight on September 30, at which point 10 finalists will be chosen by a judging panel consisting of the team at the Mill, Anna Freemantle, director of the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival, and a guest judge (to be announced closer to the closing date of submission).

Anna Freemantle said: “[This is] a hugely exciting opportunity for young and relevant creativity and innovation to be implemented into an old functioning mill and its traditional, existing design.

“The winning design will be announced by a top, internationally recognised judging panel as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Fashion Festival (November 8 to 12). The winning design will then be produced commercially and sold with custom labelling featuring the designer’s name.”

Knockando Woolmill is the oldest continually working rural mill in Europe, and has been producing woven textiles in Speyside for over 230 years. It is recognised as a unique part of Scotland’s manufacturing heritage and was awarded significant funding for its restoration.

Further information can be found on the Knockando Woolmill website.