TEX+, the renowned platform for emerging textile talent, has announced its call for entries for the 2025 edition. Building on the legacy of Texprint, the competition highlights the best final-year textile design students from across the UK in a curated showcase that fuses creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Students specialising in Print, Weave, Knit, Mixed Media, or Textile Concepts are eligible for nomination by their university tutors, with entries closing on 7 May. The TEX+ 2025 Showcase will take place from 16–18 July at The Triangle Building, Chelsea College of Arts, bringing together academia and industry to celebrate new voices shaping the future of textiles.

This year sees a refreshed judging process, with work assessed in five updated categories: Innovation and Creativity, Technical Excellence, Sustainability and Ethical Practice, Commercial and Market Potential, and Cultural and Social Impact. The programme continues to champion forward-thinking approaches while honouring traditional textile skills.

New developments in 2025 include TEX+’s registered charity status, enabling increased outreach and support for students. A newly appointed council - featuring respected industry figures such as Peter Ackroyd MBE, Becky Mars, Joanne Jorgensen, and Emma J Shipley - will guide the initiative’s future growth.

Entries will undergo initial online selection in May, with shortlisted graduates invited to interviews in June. Finalists will benefit from professional mentorship, workshops, networking, and the opportunity to win industry-sponsored awards at the July showcase.

Notable alumni of the programme include Margo Selby, Emma J Shipley, Katie Greenyer (Pentland Brands), Marie Crow (Nike), and Cherica Haye (McLaren), as well as the founders of Wallace+Sewell and Quinton Chadwick. TEX+ continues to serve as a vital launchpad for the next generation of textile designers.

“TEX+ is about supporting students who are driving the future of textiles through vision and skill,” said Prof Clare Johnston, trustee. “We’re looking forward to discovering and supporting the next wave of exceptional talent in 2025.”

www.texplus.org