Reet Aus Elected New President of the Estonian Designers' Union
The Estonian Designers' Union (EDL) has unanimously elected internationally recognized fashion designer and researcher Reet Aus as its new president. Former president Ilona Gurjanova, who led the union for 22 years, did not stand for re-election.
At the election of the president and governing bodies of the Estonian Designers' Union (EDL) held on June 18, Reet Aus was unanimously elected as the new president. Aus is a fashion designer and scientist specializing in sustainable design, circular economy, and value-retaining reuse of materials. Her research and practical solutions help reduce the environmental impact of the textile and fashion industries.
Aus has developed industrial upcycling methods and created the Upmade certificate, which helps manufacturers reduce waste and return residual materials to production. At the Estonian Academy of Arts, she researched sustainable design and materials, combining design, science, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness. Aus has also actively participated in the union's board as a co-author and initiator of many projects.
"Design should be understood not only as an aesthetic addition but also as an engine of the economy, a tool for innovation, and an important part of cultural diplomacy," Aus said in her inaugural speech.
Ilona Gurjanova led EDL since 2004 and transformed the union into one of the central representative organizations of Estonian design, belonging to three international umbrella organizations in the field. Working in their governing bodies, Gurjanova participated in shaping European design policy. She will continue organizing the "Design Night" festival and will serve as a senator in EDL.
"Ilona's contribution to the development of Estonian design is difficult to overestimate. Her initiatives have created a solid foundation on which the new leadership can build further," added Aus.
EDL has 198 members. The new governing body includes professionals representing various design fields: Björn Koop, Anne-Liis Leht, Kairi Lentsius, Tarmo Luisk, Kärt Summatavet, Eva-Karlotta Tatar, Maali Roomet, Vilve Unt, Keret Altpere, Elise Hiiopp, and Jular Linnuste.
New President Reet Aus will take office on August 1. The goals of the new leadership include strengthening the international competitiveness of Estonian design and the creative economy as a whole, as well as supporting the professional development of designers and their social sustainability.
