The fashion world is abuzz with excitement as the International Talent Support (ITS) contest recently announced its 2025 awards. The prestigious competition, which has become a launching pad for emerging designers, awarded all 10 finalists and unveiled a new exhibition titled “Fashionlands — Clothes Beyond Borders” by renowned fashion curator Olivier Saillard and philosopher Emanuele Coccia.
The ITS contest, now in its 20th edition, aims to discover and support young talent in the fields of fashion, accessories, and jewelry design. Over the years, it has showcased the works of some of the biggest names in the industry, including Stella McCartney, Demna Gvasalia, and Peter Pilotto. This year was no different, with an impressive lineup of finalists from all over the world.
The finalists were selected from a pool of over 1000 applicants and had the opportunity to present their collections to a panel of esteemed judges, including fashion designer Haider Ackermann and Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Emanuele Farneti. After much deliberation, the judges were unable to choose a single winner and decided to award all 10 finalists with the coveted prize.
This year’s finalists included names like Anna Karpova from Russia, who impressed the judges with her sustainable approach to fashion, and Katarzyna Agnieszka from Poland, whose collection showcased a fusion of traditional and modern techniques. The other finalists were equally talented, each bringing their unique vision and creativity to the runway.
In addition to the awards, the ITS contest also unveiled a new exhibition titled “Fashionlands — Clothes Beyond Borders”. Curated by Olivier Saillard, a former director of the Palais Galliera in Paris, and philosopher Emanuele Coccia, the exhibition explores the role of fashion in breaking down cultural barriers and promoting diversity.
Saillard and Coccia’s collaboration resulted in a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges the traditional concept of fashion and its connection to culture. The exhibition features a diverse range of garments from different parts of the world, highlighting the universal language of fashion and its ability to transcend borders.
The exhibition also includes a series of talks and workshops that delve deeper into the themes of the exhibition. These events provide a platform for dialogue and exchange between designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts, further enriching the overall experience.
The ITS contest and the “Fashionlands” exhibition come at a time when the fashion industry is facing criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. By showcasing the works of designers from different backgrounds and cultures, the ITS contest and the exhibition send a powerful message of unity and acceptance.
The 2025 edition of the ITS contest and the “Fashionlands” exhibition not only celebrate the talent of emerging designers but also highlight the potential of fashion to bring about positive change. They serve as a reminder that fashion is not just about clothes, but it is also a form of expression and a reflection of our society.
The success of the ITS contest and the “Fashionlands” exhibition would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors and partners, including Vogue Talents, Swarovski, and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Their commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting diversity in fashion is commendable and deserves recognition.
As we look towards the future of fashion, it is heartening to see initiatives like the ITS contest and the “Fashionlands” exhibition paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry. They inspire us to embrace our differences and celebrate the power of fashion to transcend borders and bring people together.
