Designers of the Year 2021: Introducing our Fashion Design Judges

Get to know these top designers from around the world€”and then get your entry ready: the deadline for DOTY 2021 is April 2. 

Satu Maaranen, Marimekko

Satu Maaranen, a graduate of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, is an award-winning designer specialized on sculptural shapes and hand-painted prints. Maaranen started as Marimekko's head designer of ready-to-wear, bags and accessories in January 2018.

Prior to that position, Maaranen designed ready-to-wear and prints for Marimekko as a freelancer, and has worked for a number of international brands, such as Petit Bateau in France.

In 2013, she won the Grand Prix at the prestigious Hyères Fashion Festival in France. She has also been awarded at Copenhagen Fashion Week, and nominated in the 2015 British Design Museum's annual Designs of the Year Awards€™ Fashion category among seven other nominees including Raf Simons and J.W. Anderson.

Before switching to fashion, Maaranen's background was in art studies.

Gaby Bayona, Truvelle

Gaby Bayona is a Vancouver-based business owner. Since 2013, she’s launched bridal brands Truvelle, Laudae, Aesling, and Halseene & has opened Lovenote Bride with locations in Vancouver and Calgary. In 2018, Gaby founded Stranger Agency — a modelling agency which aims to push diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She’s been twice named the Western Living Fashion Designer Of The Year. 

Treana Peake, Obakki

Treana Peake's passion for travel and eye for design, combined with her lifelong dedication to making a difference in the world, inspired her to launch Obakki in 2005. The Obakki Foundation, its philanthropic counterpart, followed shortly thereafter.

From remote villages in Mexico to the world’s largest refugee resettlement area in Uganda, Treana consistently forms lasting relationships with Obakki's artisan partners. She is committed to preserving, progressing and celebrating diverse craft cultures from around the world€”while also creating sustainable change.

Recognized as an influential speaker in the field of social entrepreneurship, Treana has spoken about modern philanthropic solutions in front of the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, and has been featured as a TED Talk presenter speaking on the power of selfless giving. In addition, her hands-on work in the field has been recognized and endorsed by UNICEF and The Carter Center.

Enter one of 9 categories in this year’s Designers of the Year€”from architecture and fashion, to interiors and landscape design. Deadline is April 2, 2021!