Design Graduates: TEX+ winners secure Première Vision Paris showcase as charity celebrates UK's emerging textile talent

Three of the UK's promising emerging textile designers will exhibit at Première Vision Paris this Autumn, from 1 - 3 September, after being awarded the TEX+ International Exhibition Prize during the TEX+ Showcase at Chelsea College of Arts in London on 15 July 2026.

Left to right:  Lili Mizuno, Twig Searle and Christie Shannon
Credits: Tex+

The international exhibition awards were presented to Twig Searle,  of Falmouth University, Christie Shannon from Glasgow School of Art and Lili Mizuno of London College of Fashion, UAL.  They are all 2026 graduates.

The trio will exhibit at the influential Paris textile trade fair alongside previous International Exhibition Prize recipients Ruth Kent and Nikki Kewley (2024 cohort) and Freya Booth (2025 cohort), providing them with an opportunity to present their work to an international audience of fashion and textile buyers.

The announcement formed part of the annual TEX+ Prize Awards, which recognise exceptional creativity, technical excellence, innovation and craftsmanship among the UK's graduating textile designers. As well as celebrating emerging talent, the awards provide financial support, professional development opportunities and valuable industry connections designed to help graduates establish careers within the textile and fashion sectors.

Building on the 50-year legacy of Texprint, the TEX+ charity brings together education and industry through exhibitions, mentoring, networking and career development initiatives. Former participants have gone on to work with leading brands including Chanel, Nike and Liberty.

Jeremy Somers, Chair of TEX+, said: "The TEX+ prizes recognise the outstanding creativity, innovation and technical excellence emerging from the UK's textile graduates today. We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors and supporters, whose generosity enables us to celebrate exceptional talent while providing meaningful opportunities that help graduates take the next step in their careers."

2026 TEX+ Prize winners (for details of the winners, click HERE)

Among the principal awards, Maia McLaren received the Pentland Prize, worth £1,000 together with a work placement.

The two Liberty Fabrics Studio Prizes, each worth £500, were presented to Grace Holden and Xavier Theobald.

Lisa Rogerson won the Worshipful Company of Weavers Prize (£1,000), while Roisin Foster received both the Juliet Vogel Colour Prize (£1,000) and the Pattern Cloud Support Award, which includes one year's complimentary access to The Pattern Cloud Plan.

Molly White and her printed textile designs.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

The Bay & Brown Support Award, comprising a Beginners Complete Surface Textiles Print Online Course, an Online Floral Print Course and a portfolio session with Tracey Brown, was presented to Molly White.

Printed textile designs by Harriet Letts.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Harriet Letts received the Sahara Prize, including £500, a one-month placement at Sahara and a potential design purchase opportunity.

The Inge Cordsen Craftsmanship Prize (£1,000) went to Zoe Noble, while Lili Mizuno also received the TEX+ Industry Prize for Technical Excellence (£1,000).

The TEX+ Sustainability & Ethical Practice Prize (£1,000) was awarded to Ruby Bolt.

The Helga Goldman Legacy Prize, recognising Innovation and Creativity and accompanied by a £1,000 award, went to Belén Fernández, while Twig Searle also collected the John Miles Legacy Prize (£1,000).

Additional industry awards included the Kvadrat Prize, a trip to the company's Wooltex mill in Huddersfield, presented to Lola Bate, and the London Embroidery Studio Prize, a six-month studio residency, awarded to Kate Crilly.

Supporting graduates into industry

Tex+ 2026 Finalists
Credits: Tex+

This year's awards come as many textile graduates continue to face significant barriers when entering the creative industries.

Research commissioned by TEX+ found that 56% of textile graduates are not currently working in a full-time textile role, while 36% are balancing multiple jobs. More than half (51%) have relied on financial support since graduating.

The findings highlight the continuing importance of initiatives such as TEX+, which connect emerging designers with employers, mentors and industry professionals through practical career development opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Through its network of designers, educators, industry partners and alumni, TEX+ continues to strengthen pathways into the textile industry, ensuring that the next generation of creative talent gains the experience, confidence and professional connections needed to build successful careers.

Trade Fair Report: Scoop strengthens its international credentials with landmark Italian Trade Agency partnership

As UK retailers continue to look beyond volume sourcing in favour of originality, craftsmanship and premium quality, Italy remains one of Britain's most influential fashion trading partners. Worth an estimated £3–4 billion annually*, UK imports of Italian clothing, footwear, textiles and leather goods continue to perform strongly, driven by sustained demand for luxury womenswear, premium footwear, leather accessories, sustainable textiles and high-quality fabrics.  Against this backdrop, Scoop International's latest collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) reflects both the continuing appeal of 'Made in Italy' and the growing appetite among British buyers for distinctive international brands.

From Italy, clockwise from top left: Ripani, Serienumerica, Sayyou
Credits: Scoop International

The partnership marked one of the standout features of Scoop International's Spring/Summer 2027 edition, held at Olympia National, London, from 19–21 July 2026, and completed the show's major trade calendar following its whimsical Autumn/Winter 2026 edition earlier in the year.

Jewellery from Angela Caputi Giuggiù of Italy at SCOOP International
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Making its Scoop debut, the Italian Trade Agency presented an exclusive collective of 32 contemporary Italian designers and brands spanning womenswear, knitwear, accessories and lifestyle collections. With the majority of the exhibitors not yet represented in the UK, the showcase provided buyers with a rare opportunity to discover a new generation of Italian labels seeking distribution within one of Europe's most influential fashion markets.

Scoop International July 2026 edition featured a vintage circus themed for Spring/Summer 2027 showcase.
Featured were fun-house mirrors, mannequins on rope swings, and a red-and-white striped Big Top Café.  Entertainment was provided by live piano music and an onsite tarot card reader.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

The initiative also demonstrated Scoop's growing role as a gateway for emerging and family-owned Italian manufacturers looking to expand internationally. Many of these businesses produce collections distinguished by exceptional design, craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise, yet often lack the commercial infrastructure and distribution networks needed to establish themselves overseas.

The collaboration represents a natural evolution for Scoop according to Scoop founder and Creative Director Karen Radley. Throughout the show's history she has successfully introduced carefully curated Italian collections to the UK market, and the partnership with the Italian Trade Agency enables Scoop to showcase the depth and diversity of contemporary Italian creativity on a significantly larger scale. It also lays the foundations for an even stronger Italian presence at the show's Autumn/Winter 2027 edition, which returns to London's Olympia National from 7–9 February 2027.

From France, clockwise from left: Vanessa Bruno, Aurège and Zag Studio.
Credits: Scoop International

While the Italian contingent attracted considerable attention, it formed part of an increasingly international exhibitor line-up. French brands including Vanessa Bruno, Aurège, Zag Studio, Ma Petite Capsule, Travaux En Cours, Minuit Douze and Julie Sion exhibited alongside Spanish labels Dr Bloom, Sophie + Lucie and Rita Row, Scandinavian names Masai and A-View, together with British designers and brands from Australia and the United States.   New exhibitors this season included JC Sophie, Resume, MRP Star, Alessandra Salvatore and Kore Collections.

Jewellery made in Paris by Julie Sion.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The show's international appeal was reflected in the calibre of buyers attending. Retailers including Liberty London, Fenwick, Cream, The Dressing Room, Galeries Lafayette, El Corte Inglés and Printemps were among those searching for fresh collections and new brand discoveries.

 Anna Berkeley hosted daily Style Spotlight presentations at Scoop.
Photo: Lucia Carpio

Alongside the buying opportunities, Scoop's content programme added further value for visitors. Stylist and former fashion buyer Anna Berkeley hosted daily Style Spotlight presentations together with her Behind the Curtain sessions, guiding buyers through key Spring/Summer 2027 trends and helping retailers translate seasonal direction into commercial buying strategies.

With its expanding international exhibitor base, influential retail audience and successful debut partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, Scoop has further strengthened its position as one of the UK's leading contemporary fashion trade events. The collaboration not only showcased the enduring strength of Italian creativity but also highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in connecting emerging brands with new markets. Those relationships are expected to continue developing when Scoop returns to Olympia National for its Autumn/Winter 2027 edition from 7–9 February 2027.

*HMRC commodity data

Announcement: British Fashion Council unveils provisional London Fashion Week September 2026 schedule. McQueen, Mulberry and Marks & Spencer among highlights of London Fashion Week SS27

 The British Fashion Council (BFC) has unveiled the provisional schedule for London Fashion Week (LFW) September 2026, which will take place from 17-21 September and feature a mix of established British fashion houses, emerging designers and retail activations.

The SS27 edition marks the return of several major names to the official schedule, including Alexander  McQueen, where creative director Seán McGirr will stage his first London runway presentation featuring both menswear and womenswear collections. Mulberry also returns to the schedule, with Christopher Kane set to present his debut collection for the British leather goods brand.

Other established labels confirmed for the week include Barbour, Burberry, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Harris Reed, Richard Quinn, Roksanda and Simone Rocha. Contemporary designers Aaron Esh, Ashley Williams, Chopova Lowena, Knwls and Paolo Carzana are also among those showing.

The schedule continues to highlight emerging talent through the BFC NEWGEN programme, supported by Pull&Bear. Newcomers Francesca Lake, Gui Rosa and Petra Fagerström will make their London Fashion Week debuts as NEWGEN recipients, joining returning designers Charlie Constantinou, E.W. Usie, Liza Keane, Octi, Oscar Ouyang, Pauline Dujancourt, The Ouze and Yaku.

Fashion East will once again present its showcase following the BFC's recent commitment to increase investment in the talent development initiative. The programme will also feature a showcase from Birmingham City University, reflecting the organisation's continued focus on supporting creative talent from across the UK.

Several brands will appear on the official schedule for the first time, including British menswear label Geordie Campbell, womenswear designer Joyce Bao, Indian fashion label Lovebirds and demi-couture brand Onalaja.

Alongside runway shows, the SS27 season will feature a series of presentations, installations and cultural events. J.L-A.L will unveil its latest collection through an immersive presentation, followed by an event celebrating the launch of its collaboration with Puma. Meanwhile, Paul Smith Foundation designer-in-residence 5000 will present its new collection through a sound bath experience combining fashion, music and art.

Retail brands continue to play an increasingly prominent role during London Fashion Week. Marks & Spencer will make its LFW debut by presenting its first exclusive runway collection, adopting a "see now, buy now" format for menswear and womenswear as part of the retailer's centenary celebrations. Dover Street Market will host an in-store jewellery showcase, while H&M is collaborating with photographer Nick Knight and SHOWstudio on a reimagined fashion presentation. eBay will return with its Endless Runway pre-loved fashion show, which will be shoppable via eBay Live, and Selfridges will spotlight London Fashion Week designers through dedicated in-store installations and curated retail edits.

Commenting on the programme, British Fashion Council chief executive Laura Weir said the September schedule reflects the "confidence and momentum" of British fashion, bringing together established brands, emerging designers and industry partners while reinforcing London's position as a centre for creativity, innovation and commercial opportunity.

London Fashion Week September 2026 runs from Thursday 17 to Monday 21 September.  

Click HERE to explore the London Fashion Week September 2026 Schedule.

Awards: British Fashion Council strengthens support for emerging fashion designers and businesses with 2026 funding awards

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 designer support programmes, with Bianca Saunders, LABRUM and six independent fashion businesses receiving funding to accelerate growth and strengthen the UK's creative fashion sector.

Bianca Saunders has been named the winner of the 2026 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, receiving a £150,000 grant alongside a tailored programme of business mentoring and professional services. The award, delivered in partnership with British Vogue, supports established British designers with the potential to achieve long-term international growth.

Since launching her eponymous label following graduation from the Royal College of Art in 2017, Saunders has earned widespread acclaim for redefining contemporary menswear through the lens of her British-Caribbean heritage. Her collections explore identity, culture and masculinity, combining innovative tailoring with thoughtful storytelling.

The BFC has also named LABRUM as the recipient of the 2026 BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund. Founded by Foday Dumbuya in 2014, the menswear label will receive a £100,000 grant, a year-long business mentorship programme, pro bono legal support from Sheridans and access to a network of specialist business advisers.

Drawing on Dumbuya's upbringing in Sierra Leone, Cyprus and London, LABRUM has established a distinctive identity by blending African cultural narratives with British tailoring. The brand has gained international recognition for collections that celebrate migration, identity and the African diaspora while presenting a contemporary vision of British menswear.

Alongside the two flagship awards, the BFC has revealed the latest recipients of the BFC Fashion Trust, its grant programme designed to support designers at key stages of business development. The 2026 recipients are Clio Peppiatt, Conner Ives, Nicholas Daley, Paolo Carzana, Patrick McDowell and Tolu Coker.

Established in 2011, the BFC Fashion Trust has distributed more than £3 million through the BFC Foundation, supporting 59 designer businesses with investment across areas including production, merchandising, e-commerce and product development. The initiative was recognised at The Fashion Awards 2025, where founder Tania Fares received a Special Recognition Award celebrating 15 years of the programme.

Commenting on the announcements, BFC chief executive Laura Weir said the awards reflect the organisation's commitment to supporting commercially resilient British fashion businesses through its BFC 2030 strategy. She described Bianca Saunders and LABRUM as designers whose creative vision and cultural storytelling exemplify the strength of British fashion, while noting that the Fashion Trust continues to play an important role in helping independent businesses scale sustainably.

The BFC's portfolio of prizes and funding programmes forms part of the BFC Foundation, which provides financial support, mentoring and business development opportunities to designers at different stages of their careers, with the aim of strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the British fashion industry.

Obituary: The Campaign for Wool announces the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE

The Campaign for Wool announces with sadness the death of its Chairman, Peter Ackroyd MBE.

Peter Ackroyd MBE was appointed Chairman of the Campaign for Wool* in January 2025, succeeding Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer since joining the organisation in 2009.  His appointment recognised more than five decades of distinguished service to the international wool and textile industry, as well as his unswerving devotion to championing wool as one of the world's most remarkable natural fibres.  

“Peter was a lifelong Wool Man of the highest calibre, who knew every mill, every player and wool champion in the UK and beyond. He was a Great Man, a gentleman and a friend to so many of us. He will be profoundly missed by the entire wool community," Sir Nicholas Coleridge CBE.  

Throughout his career, Peter earned enormous respect across the global textile community. He served as President of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), was Global Strategic Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation and Woolmark, and was formerly the Vice President of the Strategy Committee for Premiere Vision and former President of the Bradford Textile Society. Peter devoted much of his professional life to promoting wool through innovation, education, international collaboration, and responsible manufacturing. In 2006, he was awarded an MBE for services to the textile industry. 

As Chairman, Peter had the privilege of serving the Campaign under the Patronage of His Majesty King Charles III and provided steadfast leadership at a key time for the international wool sector. He was passionate about championing wool's environmental, technical and economic importance, helping to strengthen relationships across farming, manufacturing, fashion, interiors, retail and government while ensuring the Campaign remained focused on its founding purpose: promoting wool as a natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre for future generations. 

Those who worked alongside Peter will remember not only his remarkable knowledge of the global wool industry, but his humour and ability to lighten any room with one of his speeches and fluency in many languages, along with his generosity, kindness and steady determination. He had an outstanding ability to bring together people from across the international supply chain, earning the admiration of colleagues, growers, manufacturers, designers and retailers alike. His counsel, integrity and lifelong devotion to the industry leave a permanent legacy that will continue to shape the future of wool for years to come. 

The Campaign for Wool extends its deepest sympathies to Peter's family, friends and the many colleagues throughout the international wool community who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. 

Additional announcements regarding funeral arrangements and the governance of the Campaign for Wool will be made in due course.

*The Campaign for Wool is a not-for-profit international organisation that aims to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique and sustainable properties of wool as a natural fibre and to promote the many ways it can be used and the products in which it can be used. His Majesty King Charles III first conceived the initiative in 2008, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, and it was formally launched to consumers in 2010. As a committed environmentalist, His Majesty believes wool's natural, renewable origin and highly technical structure offer fashion and interiors many superior benefits.

Exhibition: Florals Bloom Beyond Fashion as Paris Unveils a Monumental New Design Experience

Florals are reigning supreme this year, but not in the traditional sense. Across fashion, contemporary art and interior design, flowers are being radically reinterpreted as sculptural, immersive and thought-provoking creations.

Sculptural dress and shoes by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, for her "18th Century Punk" Haute Couture Collection,  as presented at Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning exhibition at Palais Galliera in Paris 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Fashion designers are moving beyond delicate botanical prints, instead embracing structural 3D appliqués, sheer romantic detailing and bold, contemporary tailoring. Flowers are no longer decorative motifs confined to fabric. They are challenging conventional garment silhouettes through texture, three-dimensional craftsmanship and surrealist forms that transform clothing into wearable works of art.

Chanel evening dress by Karl Lagerfeld, Haute Couture SS 2019
as presented at Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning, at
Palais Galliera in Paris 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The resurgence is also being celebrated institutionally.  Currently at the Palais Galliera in Paris is exploring the enduring influence of the floral motif in haute couture through its landmark exhibition, Weaving, Embroidering, Embellishing: The Skills of Fashioning which runs until October 2026. Bringing together more than 350 garments, textile samples, tools and archival materials, the exhibition examined the extraordinary craftsmanship behind weaving, embroidery, lace-making, artificial flowers and decorative embellishment, all united by a single theme: the flower.

Le Grand Bouquet
from Uchronia at Le Grand Palais, Paris

The same creative evolution is taking place in the worlds of art and design. Florals are experiencing a major renaissance, shifting from subtle background decoration to commanding centrepieces. Contemporary artists are using botanical forms to explore themes of climate, identity and material innovation, creating monumental site-specific installations rather than traditional paintings.

This creative movement will take centre stage during Paris Design Week 2026 (10 to 19 September 2026 ), when the Grand Palais becomes home to one of the festival's most anticipated installations. Created by design studio Uchronia, Le Grand Bouquet is a monumental sculptural flower that appears to emerge from the Rotonde d'Antin, transforming the historic setting into an immersive world of colour, form and architecture.

In a recent interview, Uchronia founder Julien Sebban explained that the project was inspired by the architecture itself.

"Discovering the Rotonde d'Antin at the Grand Palais, one thing became clear: to create a work that would not merely fit into this space but would emerge from it," he said. "Le Grand Bouquet was born from this intuition. A monumental flower blooms there, drawing its lines and curves from the surroundings."

Sebban revealed that every architectural detail influenced the design, from the mosaic floors and floral ornamentation to the vegetal mouldings and circular geometry of the rotunda.

Colour, a defining characteristic of Uchronia's work, plays a central role in the installation, while its monumental scale has been carefully conceived to enhance the visitor experience rather than overwhelm it.

Outside the Grand Palais, an inflatable sculptural structure extends the experience before visitors even enter the building.

For Uchronia, Le Grand Bouquet blurs the boundaries between architecture, design, scenography and contemporary art.

The project also celebrates craftsmanship through collaborations with Atelier François Pouenat, Chromatic and PPG, Tréca Paris, Prelle, Tiptoe, Fenix and Material Bank, each contributing specialist expertise to create the layered, immersive installation.

Ultimately, Sebban hopes visitors leave with something simple yet profound.

The experience continues beyond the installation itself, extending into the Grand Palais concept store where Uchronia has created a collection of distinctive design objects inspired by the project.

As Paris Design Week transforms the French capital into a living atlas of contemporary creativity from 10 to 19 September 2026.  While Le Grand Bouquet promises to be one of its defining attractions - a spectacular dialogue between colour, shape, architecture and craftsmanship  - Paris Design Week will transform the Left Bank into a vibrant showcase of creativity, inviting visitors to explore a carefully curated trail of galleries, studios, showrooms and cultural venues around the Luxembourg Gardens. Blending newly opened spaces with long-established design institutions, each destination offers fresh inspiration and unexpected discoveries in the heart of Paris.

Fashion News: Levi's enters Paris Haute Couture with Christelle Kocher capsule

Levi's is making its Paris Haute Couture Week debut with a capsule collection created in collaboration with French designer Christelle Kocher, marking a significant step in the denim giant's continued push into premium fashion and cultural collaborations.

The 10-look collection reinterprets some of the brand's best-known silhouettes – including the 501® jean and Type II Jacket – through the techniques and craftsmanship associated with French haute couture. 

Developed with Kocher, who is Artistic Director of Maison Lemarié and founder of the KOCHÉ label, the capsule combines Levi's heritage with couture-level textile innovation and hand craftsmanship.

The collection transforms denim through featherwork, hand embroidery, sculptural fabric treatments, floral construction, plissé draping and resin-coated finishes, demonstrating how one of fashion's most commercially recognisable fabrics can be elevated for couture presentation. 

Alongside reworked denim separates are black denim gowns, feather capes and statement headpieces, while the Levi's Baby Brooklyn Bag has also been reimagined as a couture accessory.

The project reflects Levi's growing focus on positioning its heritage beyond traditional denim, following a series of collaborations spanning fashion, music and culture. Showing during Haute Couture Week places the American brand alongside some of the industry's most prestigious luxury houses, underlining its ambition to explore new creative territory while reinforcing the craftsmanship behind its products.

Christelle Kocher

"It was a privilege to bring these two teams together and see this collection come to life," said Kocher. "This capsule reflects my life between the United States and France, two countries that fuel my creative energy."

Mathilde Vaucheret, Vice President, Europe Marketing & Brand Experience at Levi's, said the collaboration represented a milestone for the company.

"Bringing Levi's to Paris Haute Couture for the first time is a major moment for us," she said. "With over a century of history behind the brand, partnering with Christelle Kocher felt like a natural fit. She brings a distinctly Parisian perspective with a modern edge that complements our denim heritage. Her Couture-à-Porter vision is the perfect way to elevate the craftsmanship of denim."

A key feature of the collection is the level of textile experimentation undertaken during its development. Research carried out at Levi's Eureka Lab at the company's global headquarters explored new applications for denim, including feather construction, sculptural volumes, hand embroidery and advanced fabric manipulation. Campaign imagery by photographer Kayla Connors focuses on these technical processes as much as the finished garments, highlighting the craftsmanship behind each piece.

For Kocher, whose career has combined luxury fashion with contemporary streetwear influences, the collaboration continues her long-standing interest in bringing couture techniques into everyday wardrobes. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she has worked with Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, Chloé, Martine Sitbon and Giorgio Armani. Since 2010 she has served as Artistic Director of Maison Lemarié, one of CHANEL's Métiers d'Art houses, while her own label, KOCHÉ, has earned a reputation for blending couture craftsmanship with modern sportswear and inclusive design.

The collaboration also reflects a broader trend within luxury fashion, with heritage brands increasingly using couture craftsmanship to reposition familiar products for high-profile cultural moments, celebrity dressing and red-carpet appearances. For Levi's, whose history stretches back more than 150 years, the collection signals that denim remains a platform for innovation as well as commercial appeal.

The Christelle Kocher x Levi's capsule debuts during Paris Haute Couture Week this July.