- Huw Hughes
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Sabine Skarule, a graduate from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Antwerp, Belgium, has been named the winner of H&M’s annual design
awards.
The Latvian designer was announced as the winner on Thursday evening in
Berlin after her collection, inspired by the craft of her home country, was
selected by a panel of industry experts, winning her a prize valued at
50,000 euros.
Established in 2012, the award, which is now in its ninth year,
celebrates young and upcoming talent from around the world. This year, BA
and MA graduates from 42 selected design schools in 17 countries were
considered for the award.
Skarule’s winning collection drew inspiration from her Latvian
childhood, with her knitting techniques inspired by clothing she made with
her mother. She incorporated a fresh twist by playing with the scale of
stitches and folkloric patterns, contrasting with sharp yet feminine
tailoring.
“It’s unbelievable. Winning the H&M Design Award is such an amazing
starting point for me to begin my own label. This prize opens the door, and
gives me the freedom to fulfil my dreams,” Skarule commented at the
awards.
The jury this year included Priya Ahluwalia, who won the H&M Design Award
2019; fashion photographer Felix Dol Maillot; fashion director of
Glamour Germany, Véronique Tristam; London-based talent supporter Harry
Fisher; and H&M’s creative advisors Ann-Sofie Johansson and Margareta van
den Bosch.
Johansson commented: “Sabine’s collection was truly amazing. It was such
an emotional collection that really touches you. There were so many
different elements, so much craft and technique. It makes you want to see
more.”
Photo courtesy of H&M
