The ITS Contest in Trieste, Italy, highlights emerging designers while fostering mentorship, sustainability, and collaboration within the fashion industry.
The ITS Contest, an important event in the fashion industry, took place in Trieste, Italy, and gathered established figures to support emerging designers seeking to carve their niche in a rapidly evolving industry. Founded in 2002 by Barbara Franchin, the contest highlights and promotes new talent, continuing a tradition celebrated by both Schön! Magazine and the ITS Contest.
This year, ten finalists showcased their collections, which were evaluated by a jury of prominent professionals including Luca Rizzi, Mark C. O’Flaherty, Serge Carreira, and Tom Eerebout. These jurors brought varied insights into today’s challenges and opportunities within the fashion field. Their discussions centered around key themes such as mentorship, sustainability, storytelling, and collaboration—critical aspects in nurturing the next generation of designers.
Mentorship emerged as a significant topic during the weekend-long event, with many industry veterans acknowledging the crucial role it plays in the success of aspiring designers. Mark C. O’Flaherty emphasized the importance of events like the ITS Contest, stating, “In today’s saturated media landscape, it’s important to have events that elevate new designers.” This contest provided various mentorship schemes and networking opportunities with major fashion entities like OTB, Swatch, and Vogue Eyewear.
The jurors highlighted the importance of tailored guidance for emerging designers. Serge Carreira, Director of Emerging Brands Initiative at Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, noted, “Each designer is unique,” implying that varying paths to success must be recognized. He elaborated, discussing the learning experience that comes from supporting new talent, sharing, “What’s interesting is being involved in these processes without replacing the designer’s role.”
Luca Rizzi, the Tutoring & Consulting director for Pitti Immagine, reflected on the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emerging brands. “The industry has shifted significantly since COVID,” he remarked, noting the challenges independent brands face in achieving stability. Rizzi’s initiatives within Pitti Uomo aim to guide designers in effective marketing and communication strategies that align with their artistic vision, especially in an age where sustainability is paramount.
The quest for sustainability was a recurring topic among the contestants. Designs showcased during the event, including Yifan Yu’s ‘zoomorphia’ collection and Zhuen Cai’s Chinese Garden Journey, illustrated innovative approaches to minimizing environmental impact. Rizzi noted, “Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity,” while also recognizing the financial challenges young designers encounter in implementing eco-friendly practices.
Another vital discussion point was how designers engage customers and retailers through storytelling. Tom Eerebout articulated the significance of connecting personal narratives to broader fashion contexts, asserting, “Fashion is about storytelling, and the most exciting designers are those who take us into another world.” Fellow juror Carreira echoed this sentiment when he highlighted the value of personal experiences in enriching design processes.
The event adopted an inclusive atmosphere, favoring collaboration over competition among the finalists. Franchin stated, “Collaboration, rather than competition, is essential,” advocating for a more supportive environment for emerging creatives. Senator Lucia Borgonzoni from Italy’s Ministry of Culture commended the event as a platform that champions diversity and innovation, affirming its impact on cultural dialogue.
Eerebout’s enthusiasm for mentoring young designers resonated throughout the weekend’s proceedings, as he recounted his early influences and how they shaped his approach to supporting emerging talent. The event successfully highlighted that the future of fashion may depend largely on the bridges built between established designers and newcomers, fostering an environment where creativity thrives without barriers.
The ITS Contest continues to be a significant source of encouragement for young designers navigating the complexities of the fashion industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, sustainability, and collaborative engagement in shaping the industry’s future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
