A highlight of the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF), 18 – 21 July every year is the VIVID Design Awards. The 2019 Finalists have been announced and the selection bodes very well indeed for the future of the Australian design industry!

VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design) is Australia’s longest running design competition, now in its 16^th year. It is dedicated to giving new designers a platform for growth, recognition and opportunity. The program has kick-started the careers of many prolific Australian designers and is recognised as an important destination for both the local and international design industry. Previous winners include the creative powerhouses Adam Markowitz and Dowel Jones.

With over 53 innovative finalists this year, the display at AIFF is sure to prove a mecca for visitors with an eye for truly exceptional craftsmanship.

There are four key categories of design up for awards: Furniture, Lighting, Concept and Object. You can view the full impressive collective of finalists here.

Some of our favourites include ‘Oceania’ (lead image pictured above), inspired by designer Simon Haeser’s experience of Australia’s beautiful coastlines. The contemporary two-seater sofa’s clean lines and curves are sophisticated whilst also embracing comfort.

Also in the Furniture category, designers Rachel McGuigan, Kerri Hollingsworth and Zetta Kanta have banded together to create ‘form. fibre. furniture’ (below), a collection of three multi-functioning storage ottoman/coffee tables with reversible lids. On the surface, the story promotes an eco-conscious mindset and practical living, while underneath is a deeper reference to the human journey.

form.fibre.furniture’ by Rachel McGuigan, Kerri Hollingsworth and Zetta Kanta. Category: Furniture Design

In the Lighting category, Pauline Tsolos’ Brass Wall Sconce is a jewellery-like piece of functional sculpture which was delicately hand-crafted by the Melbourne designer.

Brass Wall Sconce, by Paulina Tsolos. Category: Lighting Design

The concept category always throws out some fabulous curve balls and this year is no exception. We love ‘Freak. the Chair’ by Ivana Dancova, which explores the multiple ways a human body twists and contorts in its physical environment by inspiring a physical interaction with this bulbous latex inflatable.

‘Freak. the chair’ by Ivana Dancova. Category: Concept Design

This year’s VIVID judges are leading figures from the industry and include George Danos of JR Furniture, Hayley Beaden from Tait, Dan Treacy of Rakumba, Fil Bjazvic from Latitude Group, Jan Henderson from Inside Magazine, Natalie Mortimer from Australian Design Review and Anne-Maree Sargeant from Authentic Design Alliance. You can explore all of the 2019 VIVID finalists here.

We invite you to meet and celebrate with the finalists at the VIVID exhibition at the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) from 18 – 21 July, and salute the 2019 winners at the awards ceremony at 3pm on Thursday 18^th July!

Register now to attend AIFF, which is co-located with Decor + Design at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Together the shows are the biggest event on the Australian design calendar. Entry to the exhibition is free but limited to trade visitors.

Design students are welcome to attend but please bring some ID to present at the registration desk on the day.