To enter the awards please contact productawards@design-et-al.co.uk
British fabric house Moon, was shortlisted into The International Product Design Awards 2012, their stunning fabric collection won over the shortlist panel. Here their Design Director, Martin Aveyard discusses his key influences.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
The past! As ever, design is looking towards the past for inspiration and adapting it for living in the present. We’ve recently rediscovered 1950`s mid century modern style.
What are the key influencing elements at present?
BEING PROUD TO BE BRITISH AGAIN. As British manufacturers we have been aware of this trend for a while and our customers have realised the marketing benefits of promoting our (and where appropriate their) craftsmanship and heritage. The huge success of the Olympics can only serve to reinforce this trend. We have reminded the world and, more importantly OURSELVES ,that we are still a great nation. Inventive, quirky, stylish and when we put our mind to it our design, organisation and sheer determination to succeed are second to none.
What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
New home furnishings, scarves and apparel collections. As well as designing products for our own brands I work closely with our fashion customers to ensure their designs have their own unique handwriting. Working with other designers helps me to see things with fresh eyes.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Life inevitably suffers.
Name 5 key essentials for 2012 and beyond.
Great Britain – Heritage – Craftsmanship – Sustainability – Traceability
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Don’t be a slave to fashion – be comfortable with your own choices.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
With family – Hyundai Santa Fe 7 seats
On my own – 1976 Alfa Romeo Spider
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
That’s a difficult one as with my job I’ve been lucky enough to travel widely.
On business I would have to say Italy, for holiday Bird Island Seychelles.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
IL Carpaccio Milan. An unpretentious family run restaurant with great food and a simple ambience.
The place that gives you the most energy?
China
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Any pub with my family and a good pint of bitter.
Your favourite food and drink?
Italian Food
Timothy Taylors Bitter from Keighley.
Amarone red wine from the Veneto region of Italy.