University News Last updated 16 July
A trio of talented students picked up major awards at the celebrated New Designers showcase in London.
Katherine Campbell-Howard (pictured) received the Dinny Hall New Jewellery Designer of the Year accolade after catching the eye with her emotive collection inspired by sound waves.
Reuben Porter’s industrial chair made of structural steel and sculpted English Sycamore landed him The Conran Shop Design Award.
And Rebecca Tombs claimed the M&S Design Award for Best Textiles, Print and Pattern New Talent with her “very well thought through” use of colour and mixed media.
The BA Fashion Design team also walked away with a coveted Best Stand Award as New Designers celebrated its 40th anniversary at London’s Business Design Centre.
Thanks to their award wins Katherine (HND Jewellery and Silversmithing), Reuben (BA Product and Furniture Design), and Rebecca (BA Textile Design) will each get the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience as they continue their careers.
In addition, Dinny Hall will take Katherine’s designs into production and showcase them at one of their six London stores.
The Conran Shop will turn Reuben’s winning design in to a fully resolved prototype and offer him a three-month paid internship at their head offices in London.
M&S will offer Rebecca, whose work also earned her the accolade of an AVA Academy Top 10 To Watch Winner, a week-long placement.
Several other BCU students were also recognised at New Designers 2025.
BA Design for Industry students:
- Chris Lewis – Hannah Martin
- Katherine Garner – Dinny Hall
- Phoebe Helder – Dinny Hall.
BA Textile Design students:
- Rebecca Tombs – Habitat
- Amy Newton – Mothercare, Kindred and ND Selects
- Ella Felgate – Embroiderers' Guild, AJS Embroidery and Kindred
- Rosie Butler – AJS Embroidery.
An annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent, New Designers has provided a platform for more than 2,500 graduates every year to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public.
The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 and Week 2, spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more.