(Image courtesy of Texintel)
The 2024 Epson Design Awards honored outstanding creativity, unity, and progressive thinking in fashion design across the Benelux region. With inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, designers from various backgrounds converged to showcase their talents and ingenuity in a celebration of artistry and innovation.
In collaboration with LABELEDBY., the competition, once again, served as a strategic platform for emerging designers to amplify their voices and push the boundaries of conventional design. The awards were judged by previous winners of the awards Sophie Wantia and Megan van Engelen, Troy Nachtigall (Chaired Professor of Fashion Research & Technology–Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences), and Ruben Jurriën Breed (Fashion designer–participant Epson Design Awards 2022.
The competition prominently featured themes of inclusivity and diversity, motivating the participants to infuse their collections with a strong sense of unity and representation.
The winning designs by Annalie van Doorn, Lotte van Stijn, and Povilas Gegevicius not only captivated visually but also embodied the core values of inclusivity and sustainability. Their work stood out in demonstrating a deep understanding of the importance of diversity and sustainability within the fabric of contemporary fashion design.
Collaboration emerged as a cornerstone of the Epson Design Awards, particularly in championing sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Partnering with key players in the textile sector such as Klieverik, Coldenhove, and Greentex fabrics, designers had access to expertise and eco-materials (including a selection of dead stock textiles) that collectively promoted eco-conscious design and production. This collaborative effort enriched the competition, fostering a culture of responsible fashion that echoed the overarching ethos of the awards.
Among the standout designers, Annalie van Doorn shone as the overall winner of the Epson Design Awards 2024. In a recent interview, Annalie shared her creative journey and the inspiration behind her award-winning collection.
We asked Annalie what inspired her collection. “I’m always inspired by different types of values and how we psychologically are driven to give something that specific value. I do a lot of research on that. For me, inclusivity stands for connection. And where I find connection is at my dining table, which is from my grandparents and all the people from all over the world hand-signed their names into it. I was fascinated about tables, and I found inspiration from the Gilded Age dining era where the elite had the craziest dinners—stuffed swans, spoonshine cutlery’s, weirdest extravagant cocktail prickers, and crazy dresses. How they decide who’s allowed to attend these dinners and who’s included and excluded—I believe it’s a big contrast today which concerns me.”
Drawing from the harmonious patterns found in nature and the opulent dining experiences of a bygone era, Annalie’s collection, aptly named “Spoonshine Swan,” shared some intriguing thoughts on being inclusive, the lavishness around us, and the stark differences in society. Annalie’s designs, featuring striking shapes and complex patterns, redefined traditional views, merging whimsy with deep reflection.
The integration of Epson technologies into the design process marked a significant leap forward for the competition. Designers like Annalie leveraged Epson’s state-of-the-art sublimation printers to enhance the vibrancy and detail of their creations, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of color and print quality.
This perfect blend of tech and creativity highlights how innovative tools are revolutionizing the future of design and how we express ourselves creatively.
Material selection played a pivotal role in shaping the designers’ narratives and creative outcomes. While constraints were placed on material choices, working with sustainable fabrics from Greentex introduced a layer of eco-consciousness to the designs. For Annalie, the challenge of utilizing spandex sparked a cascade of inventive solutions, leading to garments that not only showcased creativity but also embodied a commitment to sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.
We asked Annalie how her win might further her career and design journey.
“For now, I’m focusing on a new collection and how I can implement new shapes and prints into this new concept. I am also using the Epson printer for all my samples and smaller productions. I have something to look forward to explore!”
Beyond individual accomplishments, the Epson Design Awards fostered a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among participants. The swapping of ideas, different takes, and the support given each other really shows how connected the design community is, and just how powerful we can be when we get creative together.
Epson also gave an award for showing the best use of diversity and inclusivity.
The winner, Lotte van Stijn, commented that participating in the awards was already a source of pride and enjoyment for her, as it presented an opportunity to challenge herself and delve into the realm of printmaking. “Winning the prize felt surreal, particularly considering the exceptional designs and diverse concepts put forth by her fellow participants, making the recognition even more special.”
When asked about the inspiration behind her collection, Lotte shared her motivation to shine a spotlight on Paralympians and elevate their visibility on a platform they truly deserve. With inclusivity and diversity as the thematic pillars of the competition, she aimed to encapsulate the essence of the Paralympic Games and celebrate the strength and resilience of Paralympians. Integrating elements of track and field and a tribute to powerful women in sports, Lotte's designs aimed to mix practical use with a splash of art, all to send a strong message.
Describing her final garments as “feminine-focused sportswear,” Lotte emphasized the importance of filling a gap in the market for sports attire that combines femininity with functionality. Addressing the lack of diversity in sportswear design, she strived to create pieces that celebrated individuality and empowered athletes to express themselves authentically. By researching the specific needs of Paralympic athletes and integrating these insights into her designs, Lotte ensured that her creations were not only visually striking but also practical and supportive, embodying a fusion of creativity and functionality that resonated deeply with her vision of inclusive and empowering sportswear.
The winner of the Most Colorful Print, Povilas Gegevicius, drew inspiration from a captivating Lithuanian riddle that had lingered in his mind, shaping the essence of his collection.
The enigmatic riddle revolving around a hanger, a watcher, and a dangling piece of meat served as a metaphor for exploring the shadowy aspects of “inclusivity.” Through his designs, Povilas sought to capture the poignant feeling of exclusion, highlighting the yearning for acceptance and the illusory belief that attaining a certain goal would resolve all challenges, akin to the cat fixated on the hanging meat.
In giving voice to the rejected and marginalized, Povilas aimed to shed light on the experiences of those often overlooked in society. His collection served as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by individuals who navigate the complexities of rejection and resilience, waiting for the next opportunity to rekindle hope and pursue their aspirations.
Reflecting on his final garments and prints, Povilas emphasized the interpretive nature of his creations, inviting observers to derive their own meanings from the vivid and expressive designs. For him, the collection represented an exploration into structured, extravagant evening wear for the female form, a departure from his usual artistic endeavors. The success of his experimental venture gave him a huge sense of satisfaction. It highlighted his knack for pushing the envelope and getting innovative results that really rang true with both authenticity and creativity.
In conclusion, the Epson Design Awards 2024 encapsulated a journey of creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries. The competition showcased the transformative power of design in shaping a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable future.
As designers continue to push the envelope of creativity and embrace the challenges of tomorrow, the legacy of the Epson Design Awards will endure as a beacon of inspiration and excellence in the ever-evolving world of design and fashion.
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