Applications
It's official! Applications for the next edition of the ITS Contest are now closed.
If you need advice or assistance about your ITS Contest 2025 submission, feel free to write to schools-contestants@itsweb.org, and we’ll be happy to help.
ITS Contest 2025 Experiences and Awards
ITS Creative Excellence Award 10x10x10
All finalists will receive:
- €10K bursary
- a 10 days creative Residency held between Trieste and signature locations of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy
- 10 months feature in the “Borderless” Exhibition at ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion
ITS Jury’s Rewarding Honours
The ITS Jury’s Rewarding Honour is a special recognition awarded to an ITS Contest 2025 designer, offering support that aligns with their unique needs and creative aspirations. It is a commitment by the Jury that goes beyond celebration, becoming a concrete, long-term investment in the designer’s growth through mentorship, professional networking, and access to key industry opportunities.
Rooted in genuine listening and deep understanding, this honour serves as a springboard for the future, empowering emerging talent and helping to shape the next steps of their creative journey.
Rewarding honours powered by
OTB
The OTB Group will offer a training day visit of the headquarters of OTB and Staff International will be offered to the young designers who will be able to see first-hand the production stages of the garments and accessories of the Group’s brands.
Swatch
SWATCH offers a unique experience in Venice, set to take place on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 March. The programme for the selected designer will begin with an exclusive workshop at the historic Palazzo Mocenigo, home to the Museum of Textiles, Costume and Perfume, with privileged access to the palace’s invaluable archives. SWATCH will then take the designer on an exclusive journey through Venice’s artistic heritage across the centuries—from the glass mosaics of the Orsoni Furnace to the luxury fabrics of the Rubelli Foundation, and the passion for modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, with the rare opportunity to meet key figures from each institution. The experience will end with an immersive visit to the history and beauty of San Giorgio Maggiore. Accommodation costs will be fully covered.
Vogue Eyewear part of EssilorLuxottica
Rewarding Honours powered by Vogue Eyewear, part of EssilorLuxottica, will include: a full day at the prestigious EssilorLuxottica Tortona Experience Center (located at Via Tortona 35, Milan). The selected finalist will present the project to an internal audience and engage with attendees during a dedicated networking session. Additionally, the finalist will be immersed in the operational dynamics of the EssilorLuxottica Design Team, experiencing the creative and design process of the eyewear category.
Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana
Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana offers a scholarship worth €5,000 awarded based on the designer’s creativity with particular attention to the theme of sustainability, in its broadest meanings of product sustainability, respect for the environment and social sustainability.
Fondazione Ferragamo
Fondazione Ferragamo is offering € 7,000 to a designer to be invested on his/her activity. The choice will be made based on the knowledge of materials and innovation.
Fondazione Sozzani
Fondazione Sozzani offers one designer the opportunity to present their work in its spaces during 2025. The designer will be hosted free of charge, and the Fondazione will provide support for the exhibition setup and communication activities. Accommodation expenses will be fully covered.
Modateca Deanna
Modateca Deanna offers an exclusive one-week experience at Modateca Deanna, where the designer will have the opportunity to conduct research at the Modateca’s archives and delve deeper into knitwear techniques. The designer will also have the chance to visit some of the leading yarn mills, knitting factories, and workshops in the area, exploring all the key stages involved in bringing a creative idea to life. Modateca Deanna will cover travel and accommodation and company visits costs.
Pitti Tutoring & Consulting
Pitti Tutoring & Consulting Special Experience includes a 6-months mentorship program of Tutoring & Consulting activities, such as support in defining and establishing one’s brand and/or identifying and analyzing the most suitable career path for the winning designer. Meetings (via video call or in-person) will take place every two weeks to assess progress and equip the designer with valuable experience, enabling them to approach their career in the best possible way.
WRAD
WRÅD will give a designer the chance to take part of a 2-day tour of innovative textile enterprises in Italy, the products and processes of which can provide further guidance and inspiration.
Out of competition awards
ITS Public’s Choice Award
€5,000 ITS Public’s Choice Award awarded in January 2026 to the winner chosen by the public of the “Borderless” exhibition
ITS Fashion Film Award
€3,000 assigned to the best Fashion Film
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ITS Contest 2025 Timeline
Here are the key dates of the next edition. Don't forget to mark them in your diary!
July
Entry requirements published
Your application checklist is online.
September 2nd
ITS Contest 2025 launches
Register now to begin your online application process.
September 30th
Deadline for applications
Don't forget to submit your entry.
Early October
Shortlisting
The top 100 digital submissions are selected.
Mid October
Portfolio submissions
The 100 selected applicants are invited to send their physical portfolios to the ITS Contest headquarters in Trieste.
14th -15th November
Pre-selections
The ITS Contest Jury shortlists the top 10 designers.
March 9th - 21st
The Residency
and Final Event
The ten designers arrive in Trieste for a 10-day creative residency. The final event celebrates their talent and inaugurates the ITS Arcademy exhibition dedicated to them.
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