LEICESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, is one of only two UK Universities to be invited to attend YODEX (14^th to 17^th May), one of the largest design fairs of its kind. This builds on DMU’s strong track record and high number of awards across the Creative Industries.

Award-winning innovative furniture designed by three talented DMU students was recently showcased at the biggest home show in the world within the Innovation Nation feature at the EDF Energy Ideal Home Show, which ran from 20^th March until 13 April at Earls Court, London.

The Ideal Home Show wanted to draw attention and celebrate the role of the designer and through the Innovation Nation initiative it aims to recognise imagination, creativity and technical expertise amongst design students at Britain’s universities and colleges, and to reward innovation at the earliest stage of a young designer’s career.

Impressed by their creativity, final year Furniture Design students from De Montfort University were chosen to address a project brief on the subject of Compact Living. Three projects stood out and it was decided that each of their designs was so good that they were all showcased at this year’s Show.

Meanwhile, Fashion Design students from the University wowed industry experts in two national competitions set by high street store River Island. First year students Emily Andrews, Sophie Kempner and Roseanna McReynolds won the Recycling Competition and will now see their work displayed at Graduate Fashion Week from 7 to 11 June 2009. Graduate Fashion Week, which is sponsored by River Island, was launched in 1991 as a forum to showcase the best fashion design talent amongst new graduates in the UK.

About YODEX

YODEX 2008, which will be held at the Taipei World Trade Centre, Taipei, will see an exciting mix of up-and-coming young designers and established manufacturers exhibiting. De Montfort University representatives will be in the Overseas Design Colleges area.