Born from a collaboration between Only Natural and Material Matters, a panel of natural material experts were brought together at the 2024 Student Design Competition Awards, hosted at the U.S. Embassy, London.
The panel was hosted by Grant Gibson, co-founder of the Material Matters design fair and the founder and host of the Material Matters Podcast, a platform where Grant speaks to a maker, artist, architect, or designer about a particular material or technique with which they are intrinsically linked.
The panelists included Joanna Knight OBE; marketing professional, published writer and speaker with more than 30 years experience in the furniture & furnishings sector, Ana Del Rio; fashion designer specialising in leather and founder of eponymous label ANA DEL RIO, and Edwin Ryder; founder of award-winning joinery studio EAST JR.
The panelists brought together their extensive knowledge and experience in the design industry to discuss the importance, sustainability and future of natural fibres. From wool to leather and artificial intelligence to corporate spaces, the panel highlighted key challenges facing today’s designers and consumers.
Thank you to our incredible panelists, with special thanks to Material Matters for this collaboration and to the U.S. Embassy for bringing this event to life.
Watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel
