Hema design competition winners announced

Awards / Exhibitions / Fashion design

A stuffed cuddle toy and waterproof jacket take this year's top prizes for the annual Hema design competition.

By Jeanne Tan / 11-09-2008

Sustainability for the masses.

This year the 21st edition of the Hema design competition revolved around sustainability. The assignment was to design either a fashion or hardware product using sustainable materials, had an innovative application, could be produced in an environmentally friendly way and of course be suitable to sell in Hema department stores. The competition brief differs every year and is open only to students.

Congratulations to this year's winners:

Hardware category
Barbara Vos with Bête Tête: a rather eccentric-looking stuffed toy using leftover fabric remnants from clothing manufacture. Leftover materials are also utilised for the stuffing.

Fashion category
Elsien Gringhuis with 'Elke dag weer', a grey-coloured rain jacket, made from organic cotton and a natural rubber waterproof coating, that is very fitting for the Dutch climate.

The winners and a selection of finalists will be shown in an exhibition in the Lloyd Hotel as part of Inside Design Amsterdam from 11 until 14 September 2008.