Formex announces this year’s award winners

FORM 01 by Skrufs Glasbruk in collaboration with Linnér Projects receives Formex’s new award, In Focus, where Frida Ramstedt has selected her personal favourite based on material, craftsmanship, and functionality. Design Talents – Best in Show, awarded to emerging designers, goes to Hermine Blixt, while Stikkan is honoured with Stand Spotlight for its outstanding exhibition stand presentation.

In Focus

At each edition of Formex, an invited industry profile selects a favourite product from across all areas of the fair. The first guest is Frida Ramstedt, author and founder of Trendenser.

Ahead of the launch of the award, Frida described what she was looking for:

“My goal is to highlight a product that reflects the values Trendenser stands for, namely knowledge-driven design. It may be an idea born from an understanding of a material or a specific craft technique, or from knowledge of how a particular shape can support a practical function, making the product more than just beautiful to look at,” she says.

The winning product will also receive visibility through Frida’s channels, which reach followers well beyond Sweden. Her interior design handbooks have been translated into 30 languages.

This year’s recipient of the In Focus award is FORM 01 by Skrufs Glasbruk in collaboration with Linnér Projects. The award was accepted by Kent Elm, CEO and co-owner of Skrufs Glasbruk, and Johanna Linnér, founder of Linnér Projects.

Jury statement

The FORM 01 collection combines craftsmanship, material expertise, and Swedish manufacturing with a thoughtful approach to what has already been created. Rather than starting from scratch, Johanna builds upon existing knowledge, history, and timeless forms.

It is a project that both preserves and renews, demonstrating the value of safeguarding Swedish craft traditions by actively putting them into practice.

“It means a great deal to both Kent and me. FORM 01, as the collection is called, focuses on timeless, clean shapes. The collection is made from clear glass and is based on old moulds that have been reused. Everything is produced in Småland,” says Johanna Linnér.

Design Talents – Best in Show

For more than ten years, Design Talents has provided emerging designers with an opportunity to showcase their work at Formex. Around 20 participants are selected for each edition, all competing for the Best in Show award.

This year’s recipient of Design Talents – Best in Show is Hermine Blixt for her chair BACKBONE CHAIR.

Jury statement

This product evokes a hell of a lot of emotions. Chaos lives next door to creativity here. The sensual meets the raw in a form that makes no apologies, communicating both character and strength. Firmly grounded in its sculptural shape, it leaves no one indifferent. Is it a sculpture? Is it a chair? Or is it simply that the world needs a strong backbone in 2026?

“Before my chair came to life, I studied Scandinavian design classics and noticed that they all had strong defining characteristics. Having a backbone is a symbol of courage, and that idea shaped both the form and construction of the chair. I made the first prototype in plywood in 2019 and intended to continue developing it in solid wood. Despite other design commissions, I could never let go of the chair. Perhaps that is the kind of madness that keeps a designer going. When a carpenter advised against wood and a designer suggested aluminium, a long journey began towards the version that exists today. This summer, I invested everything in producing it in aluminium. It is now made to order in Hjo. I want to work in Sweden, preferably locally, close to production, and continue learning. This award is a fantastic recognition of all the persistent work that has led me here,” says Hermine Blixt, industrial designer with a Master's degree in Design from HDK-Valand and a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from LTH, Lund University.

The prize includes coaching, film and photography production, a feature article, visibility across Formex channels, and a fully equipped exhibition stand at the next edition of Formex.

Stand Spotlight

This award recognises an exhibitor that has created a cohesive environment where architecture, products, materials, and communication work together. The stand is evaluated as part of the content itself, rather than merely its frame.

This year’s recipient of Stand Spotlight is Stikkan.

Jury statement

Through a carefully considered space, the exhibitor has created an environment that sparks curiosity while clearly demonstrating the product’s possibilities in its natural context.

By focusing on the details, the company proves that it is possible to create interest, inspiration, and impact regardless of stand size.

The winner was selected by this year’s jury based on the criteria of innovation, inspiration, and originality.

“The stand is only 9 square metres, and since this is my first time at Formex, it was very important that it felt like coming home. Home to a kitchen full of inspiration, where everyone is welcome,” says Malin Lindgren, CEO of Stikkan.

Selection panels and juries

In Focus

• Frida Ramstedt, author and founder of Trendenser

Design Talents – Best in Show

• Lisa Bengtsson, designer and previous Best in Show recipient
• Cissi Blomqvist, ceramic artist and creator
• Ann-Louise Andrén, founder of Ceannis and international coach
• Jesper Tillberg, Editor-in-Chief, Plaza Interiör