The International Talent Support (ITS) contest, known for its celebration of creativity and innovation in fashion, has once again made its mark in the industry. This year, the prestigious competition has bestowed its 2026 awards on all 10 finalists, showcasing the exceptional talent and hard work of young designers from across the globe. Alongside the awards, ITS also unveiled a new exhibition by Tom Eerebout, a renowned figure in the world of celebrity image-making. This year’s ITS event was a true celebration of creativity, pushing boundaries and embracing diversity.
The ITS contest, now in its 19th edition, has become a highly anticipated event in the fashion world. Founded in 2002 by Barbara Franchin, ITS aims to discover and support emerging talents in fashion, accessories, and jewelry. With the support of fashion giants like Diesel, Swarovski, and YKK, ITS has become a launchpad for young designers, providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a global audience.
This year’s ITS event was no exception, with a record-breaking number of entries from 80 countries. The 10 finalists, selected by a panel of industry experts, impressed the judges with their unique and thought-provoking collections. From experimental designs to sustainable fashion, each finalist brought their own distinct vision to the competition.
The winners of this year’s ITS awards were announced at a grand ceremony held in Trieste, Italy. The top prize, the ITS Award, went to Chinese designer Zhenwei Zhu, whose collection “The New King of the Jungle” explored the relationship between humans and animals. The Diesel Award, which recognizes the most innovative denim creation, was given to Italian designer Simone Rizzo for his collection “DeNimble.” The Swarovski Award, known for its focus on the use of crystal, was won by Spanish designer Ignacio Stein for his collection “Crystalized.”
Apart from the main awards, ITS also recognized the talents of the finalists by presenting them with special awards. The Fashion Collection of the Year award went to Japanese designer Kanae Takahashi, while the Accessories Collection of the Year award was given to Italian duo Federica Croce and Martina Cancellotti for their brand “Federica & Martina.” The ITS Jewelry Collection of the Year award was won by French designer Marine Serre for her collection “Radical Call for Love.”
The winners of these awards not only received a cash prize but also gained valuable exposure and recognition in the fashion industry. Previous ITS winners have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, with many of them showcasing their collections at prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.
Aside from the awards, the highlight of this year’s ITS event was the unveiling of a new exhibition by Tom Eerebout, a Belgian stylist and image-maker known for his work with celebrities like Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Madonna. The exhibition, titled “The Art of Celebrity Image-Making,” delved into the world of celebrity styling and the impact it has on fashion and pop culture. With his unique and daring approach to styling, Eerebout has pushed boundaries and challenged traditional notions of beauty, making him the perfect choice for the ITS exhibition.
The ITS event also featured a fashion show, where the finalists’ collections were presented to a captivated audience. The show, which showcased a diverse range of styles and concepts, was a testament to the creativity and talent of the young designers.
ITS has always been a platform for pushing boundaries and embracing diversity, and this year’s event was no different. The finalists’ collections showcased a mix of cultural influences, with designs inspired by traditional Japanese costumes, African tribal wear, and modern streetwear. This fusion of styles and cultures reflects the changing landscape of the fashion industry, where diversity and inclusivity are becoming increasingly important.
In conclusion, the 2026 ITS awards and exhibition were a celebration of creativity, talent, and diversity. The event not only recognized the hard work and innovation of the finalists but also highlighted the influence of celebrity image-making in the world of fashion. ITS continues to be a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work and make their mark in the industry. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented individuals and the impact they will have on the world of fashion.
