Liepāja Designers Prove That Creativity Grows Better in Sea Breeze Than in Riga's Smog

While Riga's design schools are still learning how to properly format PowerPoint presentations, LMMDV students are already reaping laurels at the 'Design Arena 2025' winners' ceremony. Of course, the event took place in Riga – where else can you ceremoniously announce results if not in the city that thinks all of Latvia's culture is concentrated between the Daugava River and Railway Street.

Ieva Nevedomska with her book 'Cycle' won first place in the communication design category, proving that even complex topics can be presented with visual excellence. 'I was inspired by Liepāja's wind – when you live daily through cyclical weather from sun to rain, you understand what a real cycle is,' laughs Ieva. Riga students, of course, think a cycle is only when the metro isn't running.

In second place in the product design category, two of our young designers triumph. Ralfs Rojs Kristapsons created the motocross gear dryer 'Airbox,' which works faster than Riga's transport schedule, while Alise Gūtmane with her jewelry collection 'Imprint' proves that Liepāja's art leaves imprints not only in sand but also in viewers' hearts.

In third place, Elīza Neilande with her clothing collection 'Connection' – a title that symbolically reflects the connection between Liepāja's creative spirit and success. Even Durbe, our peaceful neighboring town, could be proud of such results, but they don't have an art school – just peace and quiet.

'Seeing our students among Latvia's best is tremendously exciting,' admits the school's creative director Iveta Heinacka. While Riga is still trying to figure out why their students don't win, Liepāja is already planning the next victories. After all, what could be better than design born in sea breeze and Kurzeme taste?