We’re delighted to announce that Alexander Taylor will be a judge for our V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge 2026 – 27.
Alex has developed new technologies such as PrimeKnit, which has been hailed as one of the most sustainable and innovative shoes produced by the brand. PrimeKnit is made to stretch with you as you move and offer superb ventilation, which feature slip-on construction often eliminating the need for laces. Alex launched his studio in 2002 and garnered international prestige with the launch of the Antlers coat hook, which won multiple awards. Alex has place within the V&A collection with the Adidas x Parlez Ultraboost trainers sitting in the design 1900-now collection. They are made from Parlez ocean plastic, with a purpose to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly practices in the footwear industry.
We spoke to Alex about being on the panel and why design is important to him.
1. What are you most looking forward to as a V&A Innovate judge, and why?
The unfiltered purity/ innocence of the thinking and imagination.
2. What do this year’s themes of ‘Simplify, Empower, Nurture’ mean to you?
To ‘simplify’ should arguably be the first bullet point on any design brief.
To empower is to trust in ideas and enabling the capacity and space to breathe and come to life, ensuring we nurture look after the notion of being able to think differently and develop ideas and the quality of the questions we ask.
3. Why is design important to you?
Design provides the opportunity for change; I take on the deep responsibility which comes with being a designer. If we are responsible for creating a product or a solution then it must offer something new (that can be experience, function, visual etc.) OR offer viable, intelligent alternative solutions to that which already exists; design is the opportunity for change!
4. What invention or innovation could you not live without?
Pen (and pencil).
5. Can you share any top tips for the students taking part in the V&A innovate this year?
‘Keep it simple’ and remember, to always think that if you yourself were to use the ‘product’ / ‘invention’ you design, how would that feel or work and would it be something you would use? No idea is too big! …Most of all enjoy it.
REGISTER TO TAKE PART
The 2026-27 Innovate National Schools Challenge is now open for registration and entry submissions from student groups in years 7, 8 and 9 from state schools in England. This year’s themes are Simplify, Empower and Nurture, and a theme inspiration pack as well as Teacher and Student Toolkits to help with the design journey and submitting entries are now on the V&A website.
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