Wallpaper 2

As the founder of fashion label Lemlem,
Ethiopian model Liya Kebede has been
championing African craftsmanship since
2007, offering effortlessly stylish, exquisitely
crafted outfits based on her homeland’s
cotton garments. As one of the most in-
demand models in the industry, Kebede is a
perpetual traveller, and particularly enjoyed
the Best New Hotel selection, saying of the
winner, Santa Clara 1728, that ‘its modern
interiors and ancient walls were a really
interesting juxtaposition’. It’s no surprise
the ‘Dot’ smartwatch got Kebede’s vote, too.
‘It’s such a smart innovation that will really
help a lot of people,’ she says. Pei-Ru Keh

JUDGE

Liya Kebede

Model, entrepreneur

and campaigner

∫

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of all our judges,

see Wallpaper.com

South Korean start-up Dot ‘strives to

be a pioneer in accessible and affordable

innovations for the vision impaired and the

deafblind’. The design of its minimalist

smartwatch is informed by the iconic style of

Dieter Rams, and the technology behind it

gives new meaning to the word ‘smart’, as

this is the first time active braille technology

has been integrated into a mobile device.

Combining a lightweight aluminium body

with a white plastic face and a choice of

bands, the watch not only tells the time

and date, but also offers notification on

calls and messages, and can be combined

with an app for further features.

LIFE-ENHANCER

OF THE YEAR

‘Dot’ braille smartwatch, by Dot

Judges’ Awards