I love the ”must have” plebiscite for the fact that it’s not a typical competition-oriented competition. It’s not about first, second or third place. All featured products are equally important. Instead of stressful competition, we have a friendly space where designers and producers are appreciated. The plebiscite is conducive to establishing cooperation within the industry and its development, and not the struggle to be the best.
In addition, I love the exhibitions of the ”must have” plebiscite itself. I spend a lot of time on them every year. I discreetly observe how visitors, i.e. potential customers, react to the items at the exhibition and (I confess!) Listen to what they say about them. ”It’s cool”, ”I’m looking for something like that”, ”I love it” – it’s nice to hear how positively diverse audiences are perceived by Polish design.
For me, the “must have” plebiscite is a barometer, a tool that summarizes and predicts the situation on the Polish design market. Observing the development of the competition from its inception, you can see how dynamically the area of creative activities has changed and developed. „must have” is an annual summary of the most interesting activities and products – the design industry in a nutshell.
The “must have” plebiscite is one of the few initiatives in Poland that regularly shows the state of Polish design. A wide range of products and categories allows the plebiscite to constitute a reliable lens of the spirit of the times and indicate potential directions of development for design. The presented products tell about how we live, what objects we surround ourselves with: what we sit on, sleep on, what we use to wash our face, how we feed our pets and how we open the door. “must have” is also a field for identifying new challenges posed by reality, and at the same time indicates possible answers to them. If we look back at the winners of the plebiscite, we can identify key moments for the development of new categories and breakthrough points that show how our lifestyles have changed over time.
“must have” is one of the most important design plebiscites on the Polish market. Its independence, as well as the Council of Experts composed of non-accidental people (actual experts in the field of design, design and architecture), confirm that this label is awarded to designers and manufacturers for whom high quality and good design are extremely important.
We were very surprised and happy when we received the news that our bedding was noticed and awarded in the plebiscite. For several years, we have been observing successive winners, which is why the “must have” for Liquid Memory bedding is an information for us that our work, in which we put a lot of heart, and the direction in which we develop the company, are right and appreciated.
Participation in the plebiscite allowed us to reach a much larger group of recipients, which translates into both the sale of the awarded product and the recognition of the entire FOONKA brand. Especially this year’s edition, thanks to the open-access exhibition in the Manufaktura in Łódź, brought people for whom it was the first contact with contemporary Polish design.
“must have” is a summary, distinction and an opportunity. Summary of efforts, works and implementation processes – for the company, for designers – a reward for hard work. Reaffirming the belief that it is worth sacrificing a lot in chasing your dreams. This Distinction, which attracts attention, draws the world to the known and the unknown – no one asks about the resources behind the product – it objectively rewards its form. A chance for everyone who creates beautiful things – a kick to further development!
The “must have” poll for the best designed Polish products is the most democratic competition in the world! Because everyone, from the manufacture to the leading manufacturer, has equal chances in it. For me, being a juror in this poll is an honor to observe how our design scene changes, matures and becomes more beautiful. Over the course of nearly ten years, when I nominate products, incredible progress has been made in the approach of Polish manufacturers to design. The presence of designers in the design process is now a matter of course. It makes me happy and makes me choose the best of the best!
