15 Rising Stars Set to Dazzle at Formex Design Talents
When the Formex trade fair opens its doors in Stockholm, Sweden, on 16th January, 15 up-and-coming designers will showcase their work in the coveted Formex Design Talents exhibition. For over two decades, Formex has provided a platform for emerging designers to present their creations to a discerning audience of buyers, manufacturers, and the press. The exhibition has helped launch the careers of hundreds of designers, with past winners going on to achieve great success.
This year’s crop of Design Talents represents a diverse range of aesthetics and inspirations. Swedish designer Anna Daniels draws on the folk traditions of her hometown Leksand, while Chinese creator Bo Zhang brings a minimalist Asian sensibility from his Beijing studio. Husband and wife duo Alex and Inge Widell put a playful spin on household essentials with their brand Korvbrädan.
The Design Talents exhibition is a highlight of the bustling Formex fair. “The area where our Design Talents booths are located is full of life and curiosity,” said Sonja Björk Ebert, Formex project manager. “It is incredibly important to highlight, encourage, and shed light on the future and growth in the industry.”
On opening day, judges will award the “Best in Show” prize to the most outstanding Design Talent. Last year, the honor went to Stockholm-based Elin Fyhr of Plantstraws, for her sculptural and sustainable plant irrigation systems.
The 2024 Formex Design Talents are:
- Anna Daniels, www.annadaniels.com, Leksand
- Emma Bernhardsson & Sofia Wigen Neye, BONKI studio, www.bonkistudio.com, Malmö
- Bo Zhang, Desz, www.deszoffice.com, Beijing
- Sophia Forslund, Forslundska Form, www.forslundska.com, Torsby
- Simon Hallgren, INTERIORBYSIMON X MOGIHOME, @interiorbysimon, Västerås
- John Jakobsson, www.johnjakobsson.com, Katthammarsvik
- Alex Widell & Inge Widell, Korvbrädan, @korvbjudning, Sollentuna
- John Andersson, Lursta, www.lursta.se, Lyrestad
- Moa Märta Markgren, @mosarn, Göteborg
- Elin Fyhr, Plantstraws, www.plantstraws.co, Stockholm
- Ida Thoursie Scherdin & Robin Thoursie Scherdin, Rododa, @r.ododa, Vallentuna
- Jessica Persson, Rum och Flora, www.rumochflora.se, Nyland
- Madelen Möllard, Studio Madelen Möllard, www.madelenmollard.com, Stockholm
- Anna Brandt, T I D Studio, www.tidstudio.se, Kristianstad
- Ann-Sofi Karlsson, Vemod keramik, @vemodarts, Hultsfred
The Formex trade fair runs from January 16-19. Design enthusiasts eager for a first look at emerging talents should be sure to visit the Design Talents exhibition. As past years have proven, the next big names in Nordic design are certain to be unveiled.
