Final-year Heriot-Watt University Textiles Design student Ruth Duff (21), is taking her first steps towards what could be a glittering career when she exhibits her stunning new fabric designs at the esteemed Edelkoort Exhibition in Milan.
Edelkoort Exhibition
Being chosen to exhibit my work with one of the most influential people in design is a dream come true. I have had a fantastic time over the past four years at Heriot-Watt and now I'm ready for the hard work to really begin
The exhibition (Tuesday 12 - Sunday 17 April) is part of Milan's Furniture Fair, taking place at the prestigious Spazio Gianfranco Ferre in Milan and is the mastermind of trend forecaster and design curator, Lidewij Edelkoort.
Edelkoort is showcasing the freshest new design talent from across Europe as part of her ongoing initiative to promote textile design education and Ruth has been selected as one of 18 young graduates to exhibit their work.
Major opportunity
"Being chosen to go to Milan and exhibit my work with one of the most influential people in design is a dream come true", said Ruth.
"This is a major opportunity for me and one that I hope leads to a future and a career in this industry. I have had a fantastic time over the past four years at Heriot-Watt in Galashiels and now I'm ready for the hard work to really begin."
This is a brilliant opportunity for her to show the skills she has learnt over the past four years in weaving and printing
Mark Parker, programme director of Design for Textiles, Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design said, "Ruth's designs are extremely creative and innovative. Her designs are very individual yet suited to a commercial market and I envisage her having a successful future in the textiles industry.
"She works hard and has stayed very focused throughout her studying at Heriot-Watt. This is a brilliant opportunity for her to show the skills she has learnt over the past four years in weaving and printing."
Graduate designer exhibitions
The designs on show at the Edelkoort Exhibition include textiles, rugs, curtains, lighting, accessories and upholdstered furniture. The graduate designers are supported by Skillset, British Fashion Council, UK Fashion & Textile Association and Textprint.
Ruth will also be exhibiting her work as part of the School of Textiles & Design Graduate Exhibition & Fashion Show (20-25 June) at the Dovecot in Edinburgh.