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Final year students from the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD)’s Surface Pattern Design and Textiles programme are celebrating after making an impact at New Designers 2025, one of the UK’s leading graduate design showcases.

Among the standout talents was Mini Sharma McLachlan, who was awarded £1,500 by leading British interiors and wallpaper brand Cole & Son. Known globally for its distinctive and innovative designs, the brand recognised Mini for her exceptional drawing skills, beautifully presented sketchbooks, and a refined, dynamic pattern collection.

Georgia McKie, Programme Manager for Surface Pattern and Textiles (SPT) at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, said:

“To receive an accolade from such a prestigious brand as Cole & Son is a pinch me moment for all of us in SPT. This brand is consistently inspirational to our team and our students, and for them to recognise Mini’s talent like this is so validating. We are thrilled for Mini, and can’t wait to see what she does next, and where her connection with this brand takes her. Her drawing stood out to the judges, they loved her sketchbooks and were impressed by the breadth and refinement of her pattern collection.”

The awards at New Designers were presented by legendary British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, who opened the show and celebrated the creativity of this year’s cohort of emerging talent.

Other UWTSD students also made a strong impression on industry judges and brands:

• Aimee Rayner won the SDC Associate prize and also received love tokens - recognition awards - from Laura Ashley and Romo, both well-respected names in home interiors and textiles. Aimee has also secured a prestigious 13-month paid internship with Rolls-Royce, a result of her exceptional work on a live industry project during her degree.
• Lily Staniforth received a love token from Habitat, recognising her creativity and potential as an emerging surface pattern designer.
• Susan Down received a love token from M&S and Ashley Wilde.

Mini Sharma McLachlan said:

“I’m so grateful to have been selected by Cole & Son. This brand has always been an inspiration, and I’m still in shock to have been recognised by them at such a major event. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from our lecturers at UWTSD.”

Held annually in London, New Designers showcases the UK’s top emerging design talent and attracts major brands, recruiters, and trend forecasters. The event is a key platform for final-year students to connect with industry, gain exposure, and launch their professional careers.

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art & Media, said: “We are incredibly proud of Mini, Aimee, Lily, and all our talented students who represented UWTSD at New Designers 2025. Their success highlights not only their individual creativity and drive but the strength and industry relevance of our Surface Pattern Design and Textiles programme.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071