One to Watch - Emma Eley

One to Watch: Emma Eley

Textile Design

Nottingham Trent University

Course tutors

Klaire Elton, Debbie Gonnet and Angharad McLaren

For emerging textile designer Emma Eley, colour, craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection come together to create materials that feel both restorative and deeply connected to nature.

Her graduate collection, Worn Serenity, draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, ageing and wear. Combining traditional craft with contemporary processes, Emma’s work explores how thoughtfully designed textiles can support wellbeing within interior spaces.

Being selected by the judges as one of CIDA’s Ones to Watch has given Emma greater confidence as she takes her first steps into the creative textile industry.

“I am honoured and incredibly grateful to have been selected by the judges. Their encouraging feedback and kind words have given me greater confidence in my work and inspired me to take the next steps as I begin my career.”

Tell us about the project that caught the judges’ attention.

My graduate collection, Worn Serenity, takes inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, embracing imperfection, ageing and wear.

Created for high-end interiors, the collection explores both emotional and physical durability. It uses natural processes and visible mending techniques to transform ideas of decay into expressions of quiet resilience.

By combining digital and hand embroidery with print and weave, I created tactile materials that invite nature into the home and help foster a greater sense of wellbeing.

How important is colour in your work?

Colour plays a vital role in my work. It helps me shape the mood of a collection and evoke feelings of calm, comfort and tranquillity.

Within Worn Serenity, colour was essential to creating peaceful textiles for the home. Using naturally dyed materials, I developed a palette of soft, muted hues that reflects the collection’s connection to nature and enhances its calming, restorative qualities.

Where do you hope to be in three years?

Over the next three years, I hope to begin building my career as a textile designer within the interiors industry. I want to continue developing my skills while contributing to meaningful and sustainable design.

Ultimately, my goal is to create thoughtful textiles that have a positive impact on both people and the spaces they inhabit.

Finally, what is your favourite colour?

My favourite colour has to be baby blue. It is the colour I am most naturally drawn to—whether I am wearing it, decorating a space or incorporating it into my designs. I love its soft, calming quality and the sense of tranquillity it brings.

Follow Emma’s work:

Instagram: @emmaeleydesign

Website: emmaeleydesign.weebly.com