In 2022 we launched our inaugural ‘Rising Stars’ feature– our way of highlighting those who, though at the beginning of their careers, are already making waves in the industry. From embroiderers to antique dealers to interior, furniture and product designers, it was a group of 45 creatives to keep an eye on. And we’ve done exactly that. For these individuals, the last year has seen launches, collaborations, awards and new projects arriving in spades.
One of the impressive furniture designers featured on the list, Mac Collins, who went on to win The Design Museum’s 2022 Ralph Saltzman Prize, has taken the design world by storm. His pieces are made in wood and - just as much art as they are functional - have been exhibited at a host of prestigious exhibitions since our June 2022 issue was published: the Harewood House Biennial, ‘Open Code’ at Primary in Nottingham and ‘Dancing Beneath the Moon’ at the British Pavilion during the Venice Biennale this year. According to fashion designer Samuel Ross, ‘Mac fills the void’ of black furniture designers: a demographic poorly represented in the industry.
Interior designer Sophie Rowell, of Côte de Folk, has recently released her debut line of furniture - called ‘The Chubby Collection’. Though small (the collection consists of just two pieces, an upholstered bench and coffee table), there’s an enchanting playfulness to the curved edges and bright fabric. Sophie has already used both in a handful of her own interior design projects, which range from a cottage in Woking to a full renovation in Clapton.
Some of our Rising Stars have teamed up with other brands (or, delightfully, each other) to create products which celebrate each of their respective strengths. Textile designer Amechi Mandi has certainly been busy: this autumn he is releasing a series of quilts in collaboration with Heal’s, a rug with Floor_Story, and a piece for Disney’s centenary Charity Auction, taking place this summer.
Garden Designers Farlam and Chandler and Furniture Designers Bibbings & Hensby - both class of ‘22 Rising Stars - have joined forces on a range of garden furniture - the details of which are very hush hush at the moment, but it is safe to say it will be as inventive and artistic as both studios’ projects have been so far.
Jules Haines, who was awarded the House & Garden ‘Responsible Design’ award earlier this year, continues to tackle textile waste. Through ‘Haines’, she sells surplus fabrics, wares from a curated selection of eco-conscious brands and makers, and one-off pieces made in collaboration with designers. This year, that includes fashion label Daydress on a collection of cushions and lampshades, and interior studio That Rebel House.
Wallpaper designer Nicholas Hughes caught our eye with his intricately drawn wallpapers he designed through his studio, Diddleton. In the year since, he has worked with architecture studio Waldo Works on a series of bespoke wallpapers for a hotel project in an old gold mining ranch, Colorado, US.
A recurring theme among all of the Rising Stars is growth, both in terms of workload as well as reach. TAT London, founded by Charlie Porter in 2016, now deals in art as well as antiques, and in April, Charlie held her first ever exhibition. She is also set to open her first ever shop later this year, near Ladbroke Grove.
Interior designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza’s growing studio continues to take on projects which stretch across the globe: from Brussels to Portugal to the UK, her vibrant aesthetic seems to be attracting clients from all over. James Mackie, who started his career as an interior designer just three years ago, has already graduated onto the House & Garden Top 100 Interior Designers and Architects list, and is currently working on several large-scale projects. One of which, a townhouse project started by the late Robert Kime before his death last year, feels like a rather lovely passing of the torch. Modestly, he says ‘it’s been an extraordinary learning curve’.
Bringing home the gold - literally - is garden designer Charlie Hawkes, who this year was awarded a gold award for his ‘Sanctuary Garden’ at the Chelsea Flower Show.
It was a year ago that - following a painstaking selection process - we hand-picked these individuals for their skill, ambition and ideas, expecting great things from them. We are so proud of the progress they have made and we can’t wait to see what they do next.
