Meet the 2016 International Design Competition finalists

The grand final of the SDC International Design Competition 2016 takes place on November 23^rd at Shanghai University of Engineering Science in China. We are pleased to introduce our finalists, all of whom have won the regional heat in their own country. The focus for the competition is colour science education and it is open to fashion and textile design undergraduates in participating countries. The theme for 2016 is ‘Making it Personal’.

Ommar Davin Morrow Yohansha is studying at Raffles Design Institute, Singapore. Ommar commented: “Winning Singapore’s regional heat for me is a great achievement for myself and for my portfolio. Even from my school there are about 60 students that submitted, and for me to be the one that will be representing Singapore is an honour. It means a lot to me and means so much that I can represent Singapore and my school to compete in Shanghai”.

Kristen Ristow from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is the South African finalist. Kristen commented: “When I first entered the competition, just amongst those selected to enter in my institute, I felt intimidated. After posting off our boards whilst walking back to class I told myself, ‘just the fact that you were chosen to enter is enough.’ And two months later I am on cloud nine having being selected as the South African regional winner! I am proud to be showcasing a design which encapsulates the essence of my country. My designs are made from 100% mohair products, a fibre proud to South Africa. So, for me representing a concept which is truly personal and South African, on behalf of South African design students, in vibrant Shanghai, is an experience and opportunity many only dream off!”

Rafia Akter Munir is studying Fashion Design and Technology at BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Bangladesh. Rafia said: “Winning the regional heat means a lot to me. As I have been chosen to represent my country it’s a really great honour but at the same time I have to make sure I represent my country well”.

Yiu Kei-fung Kelvin is the Hong Kong representative from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he is studying Fashion and Textile Design. Kelvin said “It is my honour to have won the contest in Hong Kong region. Really thanks to SDC provide give me a chance to bring my design to international. I will try my best in Shanghai”.

Riddhi Majithia is studying Fashion Design at B D Somani Institute of Art and Fashion Technology, India. She said: “I’m overwhelmed with joy on winning the national heats and it gives me immense happiness to represent my college and country at an international event. I am looking forward for a great experience at the grand finale in Shanghai”.

Huang Huiqin is studying Fashion Design at Huizhou University, China. The university hosted the grand final of the competition two years ago. Huiqin’s entry is entitled ‘Dream Plant Colour’. Also from China we are welcoming Liu Chang from Shanghai University of Engineering Science, hosts of the grand final event.

Fiona White from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin is the Irish representative. Fiona is studying Textile Surface Design and she commented: “Winning the Irish regional heats of the SDC International Design Competition is an absolute honour. I am extremely grateful to be moving forward with this society and be provided with a fantastic opportunity to learn, network and travel. I am privileged to present my work to a panel of international judges who are experts in terms of colour within the textile industry”.

Habiba Ishtiaq from GIFT University, where she is studying Textile and Fashion Design, is representing Pakistan. She said: “Participating in international competition and winning the regional heat is not less than a blessing to me. As a student it is really a big opportunity, also representing my country is really a great achievement. I hope to give my best”.

Miguel Soares is studying Fashion Design and Marketing at Minho University, Portugal. He said: “It’s a great opportunity, and an extreme honour to represent my country in this prestigious event. I reckon this competition has a great theme, considering the present concerns of the textile industry and the environmental and social issues regarding it, trying to find solutions and answers”.

Sataphon Jamsri is a Fashion Design student at Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand. He said: “Winning my regional competition marked the beginning of a significant chapter of my career. I owed my inspiration to the tragedy of Thai agricultural farmers specialised in rubber plantation, who were affected by the declining sales. This led to the growing number of suicide amongst them. While this happened it inspired me to combine unconventional material into creating innovative conceptual design. It was rewarding to see the whole collection come together. In the end, this collection did not only show my passion, but also became a medium that informed people about this current event that happened to my countrymen”.

Laura Ensinger is a student at Huddersfield University, UK, where she is studying Textiles with Surface Design. Laura said: “I am delighted to have my work selected and the chance to share a project focused on colour that I feel so passionately about. I’m excited about the opportunities that this competition may present at the start of my career, and I’m looking to take full advantage of the wealth of information and experiences provided by industry professionals that I meet”.

We look forward to welcoming all the finalists to Shanghai.

The brief for the 2017 competition is now available, with the theme of ‘design for a circular economy’. Take a look at the brief on our website for details.