We are very aware of the challenges for young talent within the fashion industry. The industry is still very competitive, and knowing the right people is still unfortunately for many the only way in. But the risk for the industry as a whole is overlooked talent without insider contacts. However luckily major fashion conglomerates like LVMH and Kering invest in initiatives to attract young creatives. Such as the LVMH Prize and other partnerships with educational institutions like the London College of Fashion (LCF). Each programme has their own goals like to fostering innovation, supporting emerging talent, and sustainability within the industry. Providing additional opportunities for you to show your talent and to get your foot in the door. So if you are looking for a brand to work for and want to try a different route, we got you covered. Several major fashion companies and organisations run programs within the industry. I have made an overview of notable initiatives you may be interested in.
Kering’s Sustainability and Talent Development Programs
Kering and London College of Fashion Partnership goal is to integrate sustainability into fashion education, supporting students with scholarships, internships, and mentorship. The Impact is to shape a new generation of designers focused on creating ethical and environmentally friendly products. Kering Material Innovation Lab (MIL). The goal is to develop sustainable alternatives to traditional materials used by brands under the Kering umbrella (e.g., Gucci, Balenciaga).The desired impact is to introduce materials like lab-grown leather and circular wool, setting industry benchmarks for sustainability. Or check out the empowering Imagination Awards in collaboration with Parsons School of Design to identify and support young designers.
The Kering Generation Award, launched in 2018 as part of Kering’s sustainability strategy and vision of “Crafting tomorrow’s luxury,”. This award recognizes and supports innovative startups driving positive environmental and social change. It focuses on addressing challenges in alternative raw materials, green supply chains, retail, and the circular economy. The award emphasizes sustainable solutions across the fashion value chain, promoting concepts like recycling technology and extending product lifespans. Each edition reflects a specific theme, such as biodiversity or circular economy principles. The third edition, themed “Coming Full Circle,” spotlighted circular raw materials, product design, and business models. They offer this to encourage practices that integrate redesign, reuse, recycling, and regeneration to advance the circular economy in fashion.
I myself have participated in the Kering x the Centre for Sustainable Fashion program studying at London College of Fashion This collaboration was provided by the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London for Master students. I was honoured to win the Kering Sustainable Business Proposal Challenge with my team in June 2017. We developed an innovative bio-synthetic material as a leather alternative. This bio leather was designed for high end sunglass cases. We also created a VR luxury shopping experience as part of our proposal. As the winning team, we had the privilege of presenting our project to the Kering Group at their head office in Paris!
LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers
LVMH Prize is a well known and respected award for young fashion designers dreaming of a career in the highly competitive luxury fashion industry. The goal is to discover and support emerging talent in fashion design. Providing financial grants (currently €300,000) and a year-long mentorship program with LVMH executives. Prominent winners include Simon Porte Jacquemus and Marine Serre, who have gone on to global success, bringing innovation to the fashion industry. Additional Initiatives by LVMH are Les Journées Particulières: A series of open days where the public can visit LVMH’s ateliers and learn about craftsmanship and savoir-faire. And Viva Technology Partnership: LVMH collaborates with tech startups to foster innovation in fashion retail, sustainability, and customer experiences.
CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue magazine offer a fund for designers looking for their chance in fashion. The goal is to support emerging American designers through financial grants and mentorship from industry leaders. Many recipients, such as Proenza Schouler and Christopher John Rogers, have gained widespread recognition, fostering the next generation of influential designers.
Gucci Changemakers Program
The Gucci Changemakers Program is to support social change and diversity in the fashion industry through scholarships, grants, and mentorships for underrepresented communities.This initiative promotes equity and inclusion in fashion, focusing on empowering individuals from marginalised backgrounds. Gucci currently offers scholarships for North America as well as London. Go check out Gucci Changemakers Program!
The Woolmark Prize
The Woolmark Company launched the Woolmark prize. This prize is to celebrate and support designers innovating with Merino wool while promoting sustainable practices.This global prize has spotlighted outstanding designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent early in their careers, helping elevate their visibility in the industry.
British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN Program
The British Fashion Council (BFC) launched their NEWGEN program. This program was launched to support and mentor emerging UK-based designers with financial grants and opportunities to showcase their work. Alumni include Alexander McQueen, Erdem, and Simone Rocha, underlining its role in identifying world-class talent.
Shared Goals Across Programs
We certainly recommend joining fashion programs and awards like these as a way for you to get your foot in the door. These initiatives provide a unique platform for young talent to showcase their skills and ideas directly to leading fashion brands. They create incredible opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career growth. Each program is a dynamic opportunity to be seen and heard by influential industry leaders. It’s a thrilling and transformative experience that not only advances individual careers but also reshapes the fashion industry for the better. Stay up to date for new programs at our news directory.