TalentLAB – Where Bright Ideas Get MADE

The initiative began as an attempt to support early-career designers and to connect them directly to their audience. Emerging designers were asked to submit projects they would like to be realized to MADE. From these submissions, a selection of the most popular pieces have been curated as part of an online auction on MADE.COM. Customers can vote for the designs that interest them by pledging a refundable deposit of £5, the designs that receive the most votes will be made available on the MADE.COM website for purchase. “The TalentLAB process is an innovative way for consumers to have their say in what goes on site, and support emerging designers at the same time,” explains Ruth Wassermann, MADE’s Design Director. The designs this year include a brass, angular watering can by British designer Aaron Colfer, Slovenian designer Metka Zver’s innovative book stand made from dark stained Acacia wood, a hand-tufted rug in a maroon gradient from Lyon-based designer Notaroberto Boldrini, and more. In addition to supporting these young designers, a pledge to a product also means that you will receive a 30% discount on the item, and will receive it before it goes online at the main MADE site.

This feature was created in collaboration with MADE.com