H&M 2013 Design Award Winner Named

MINJU KIM is the winner of H&M's 2013 Design Award. The South Korean designer - who presented her new collection via a catwalk show in Stockholm this morning - hails from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, studying under Walter Van Beirendonck and Dirk Van Saene - who are known for being the original members of the infamous Antwerp 6 design movement and champions of concept-based design. 

The designer won over seven other highly talented students, spanning the UK to Germany and was selected by a diverse jury that included H&M head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson, London-based designer Jonathan Saunders and myself, a Vogue Italia Talents writer.

Described by Kim as "happy, brave, love", the collection - aptly titled Dear My Friend - explores the relationship of colour, plays with texture and infuses traditional elements, such as Japanese illustrations on leather. These contrasting techniques highlight Kim's strengths and capabilities, especially considering the pieces were handmade. 

Super-stylist and fellow juror Leith Clark confided that "the moment I saw the collection I knew I would have it photographed". A good indicator, considering Clark knows how girls want to dress and we will see soon enough when the mini-capsule hits H&M stores in Europe this autumn/winter 2013-14. Additionally, H&M creative advisor Margareta Van Den Bosch says that "we can work with Minju's ideas and make a very special and playful collaboration".

We can only look forward to seeing what this new partnership will bring.