Heriot-Watt textiles students are taking part in a prestigious furnishing fabric competition, the Bemz Design Award, for the chance to have their designs marketed worldwide.
"I am very excited to be taking part. It's a great opportunity to showcase my work and capabilities as a designer. I hope to win. It would be a great start to my career!
International competition
The 12 design students, all in their final year at the University's School of Textiles and Design, are competing against peers from the rest of the UK, France, Germany and Sweden for the chance to have their design chosen and sold in Bemz's online shop.
The Bemz Design Award is a new prize for students in the UK, France, Germany and Sweden and aims to help the next generation of textile designers break into the big league.
Bemz is a Swedish company best-known for its extensive range of slipcovers for IKEA furniture.
One winner from each country
One winner from each country will see their design developed, produced and available for purchase around the world as sofa covers, chair covers and bed covers.
The UK judging panel meets in January 2014 and will decide on three finalists to represent the UK, with visitors to the Bemz Facebook page choosing who will win the Bemz People's Choice competition for their country.
"The main focus is for students specialising in printed furnishing fabrics for the Honours year of their degree," says Mark Parker, Director of Studies for Textiles at the School of Textiles and Design.
"The competition brief really echoes their approach and skills, so fits in well to their course work. They're also very excited that our University is involved with a name like Bemz, given its close relationships with companies like Designers Guild and Marimekko."
"I am very excited to be taking part. It's a great opportunity to showcase my work and capabilities as a designer," says Nilufar Islam, a 23-year-old student from Edinburgh who is entering the competition. "I hope to win. It would be a great start to my career!"