Signe Rand Ebbesen bags Woolmark Texprint Award

The prize was judged by John Walsh, managing director of Abraham Moon & Sons; Daliah Simble, head of sourcing & production, and Estelle Williams, collection development manager, at Roland Mouret.

Signe's designs were created with 60% or more Merino wool and the prize honours the inventive use of wool in textile design.

The judges selected Signe Rand Ebbesen as the winner out of the 24 shortlisted designers taking part in the Texprint programme this year, all of whom are presenting their work at Indigo.

Signe Rand Ebbesen received £1,000 in prize money at event, which was presented by this year’s Texprint prize presenter; Maurizio Galante, member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and Woolmark’s Peter Ackroyd. As part of her prize, she will also be given extensive training on the benefits and uses of wool through the nearest Woolmark International office.

John Walsh said the judges selected Signe because of her superb use of texture, she has a distinctive style and her understanding of the benefits of this natural sustainable fibre which she used to bring her work to life.

He said: “Some of the textures were beautiful and she has also understood the commercial side to her work - she can go far with it”. Estelle Williams agreed: “She has thought about the commerciality of her work which is really important shown by her ability to work to a brief”. Daliah Simble added: “We both loved Signe’s innovative techniques which we at Roland Mouret look for. We would love some of those fabrics at Roland Mouret”.

The judges also highly recommended Cherica Haye and Phoebe Brown, both RCA graduates for their innovative techniques and use of wool.

The Texprint designers are all UK art and design school-trained and work across several disciplines including print, weave, knit, stitch and mixed media. Signe showed her award-winning work at the Texprint stand, 17-19 September at Indigo, Première Vision.

Texprint