Winners of this year’s Junior Design Awards have been announced by the former glossy print magazine which is now published exclusively online.
The panel of judges for the coveted awards, which are now in their fourth year, included singer, WaterAid ambassador and mother-of-two, Rachel Stevens, among others.
Belle Enfant has won Best Baby Fashion Designer for the second year running
Junior said it had been “inundated with entries” in all categories and described the results are a “veritable treasure trove of all the brands and places that should be on your shopping list and places-to-visit list.”
Among the winners in the 50 categories is luxury British children’s fashion label Belle Enfant, which scooped Best Baby Fashion Designer for the second year running.
The brand launched just two years ago and has become well-known for its chic collection of clothing and accessories with a focus on pretty detailing and classic finishes in washed neutrals, blush and sherbet tones.
Co-founder and creative director Fleur Vidler commented: “We are extremely proud for Belle Enfant to be named Best Baby Fashion for a second year. Being recognised again for our latest collection makes us really believe we have something special.”
Another winner is Marks & Spencer for Best Baby High St Fashion. The judges said they were impressed with “the style injection that the design team at M&S has given its babywear collection”. They added that “the renewed babywear department at M&S is a one-stop-shop for a cool winter wardrobe”.
Meanwhile, the coveted award for Best Buggy Design has gone to Joolz for its first customisable pushchair, the Joolz Day Tailor. The brand has described the win as a “considerable coup… highlighting its growth in the UK market and reaffirming its position as a premium quality product.”
The Coco Bow Oxley triumphed in the Best Changing Bag category. Founder and Designer Katie Kaminski told Nursery Industry: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised for our innovative designs.
“Our aim isn’t just to create beautiful bags but to ensure each bag meets the varied needs of motherhood, ensuring style meets function.
“We have many more exciting designs to launch next year so feel this is just the start for our exciting brand.”
‘Gorgeous’
Babycup’s colourful winning cups come in packs of four
Babycup Baby & Toddler First Cups, meanwhile, has won the title of Best Feeding Product.
The Junior judges commented: “Babycup is testament to the fact that great design often stems from the simple act of solving a problem.
“They were invented after a mum couldn’t find what she needed – so made it herself. Perfect for little hands and in gorgeous colours.”
Babycup director and founder Sara Keel called the award “a design seal of approval”.
She added: “The Junior Design awards represent the ultimate shopping list for kitting out kids with great products and we are proud to be winners.”
No stranger to awards, the Stokke Tripp Trapp has triumphed in the Best Highchair category. The judges called it “a design classic”, adding that “every family home needs at least one Tripp Trapp”.
Winner in the Best Car Seat category is the Maxi Cosi 2 Way Pearl, which the judges recognised as a “design first for the UK” and said is “a brilliant car seat and a fantastic piece of design”.
The Baby Bjorn Carrier One scooped Best Infant Carrier, with the judges calling it innovative and adding that it is “brilliant in terms of ergonomics and does the best thing that a good design can do: gives a parent the power of choice”.
Play to Z said it was delighted to find that the Baby Curve has been awarded Best Toy for 0-to-2 year-olds. The judges described the toy as “simple, stylish, classic and educational” and Sue Gascoyne, creative director of Play to Z, said she was “thrilled” at the news, adding that the workers at Saffron Carpentry would be “over the moon”.
Winner of the best cot for newborn babies is the Shnuggle. Co-founders, Adam and Sinead Murphy described the win as “a fantastic way to finish off an amazing year”.
They added: “As parents ourselves, we know that the Junior Design badge is an indication of quality, style and innovation. We’re thrilled.”
Raising awareness
Numerous brands received Highly Commended awards and have contacted Nursery Industry to speak of their delight. SweetDreamers founder Lynda Harding said she was “truly honoured“ that Ewan the Dream Sheep has been Highly Commended in the Most Innovative Parenting Product category.
Frugi’s inspiring collection of organic clothing was also Highly Commended in the Eco Fashion category. Co-Founder Lucy Jewson said she was thrilled, adding: “Awards like this are brilliant because they help raise awareness for eco-fashion.”
Distributor Maguari is celebrating after all three of the products it entered into the awards were given the coveted Highly Commended badge – the Skip Hop Zoo Straw Bottles in the Best Feeding Product category, Skip Hop Duo Special Edition French Stripe in the Best Changing Bag category and The Buddy Feeding Pillow from ISI Mini in the Most Innovative Parenting Product category.
The Tidy Books bookcase was shortlisted in its category. Judges said Tidy Books had a “keen eye for design” and founder and CEO Geraldine Grandidier said she was delighted with the tribute.
Junior’s informative features and expert advice are highly respected among consumers and industry members.
The online magazine said: “We continue to recognise the brands and labels that share in our commitment to outstanding design and are flying the flag for being uncompromising on style, beauty and craftsmanship.”
A full list of winners, highly commended and shortlisted brands and products can be found on the Junior website.
www.juniormagazine.co.uk/designawards2014