Welcome to ITS Arcademy - Museum of Art in Fashion
Meet the ITS Contest Class of 2024
In this episode, we meet the ITS Contest Class of 2024 as they make their way to Italy's first contemporary fashion museum. Here, they are introduced to a unique collection of over 15,000 creative projects and design objects created by their predecessors, and they learn how their own creations will be preserved within the ITS Arcademy Collection for future generations.
Entering the museum’s Wunderkammer – the chamber of wonders – the designers see their work displayed in a museum for the first time. From emerging talents to exhibited artists in a heartbeat – it’s an unexpected surprise and a profoundly emotional experience.
Time Travelling in Accessory Design: From Traditional Shoemaking to Futuristic Fashion
In Trieste, craftsmanship meets creativity. The second episode follows the Class of 2024 as they explore the world of accessory design, from its traditional, millennia-old roots to the creation of models for sci-fi movies.
The day begins with an exchange with the skilled artisans who continue the age-old tradition of Scarpetti shoemaking, revealing the secrets of a simple design that has captivated the fashion world. The Class of 2024 learns how to create footwear by following a rigorous protocol originating from the mountain region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and how to infuse it with their creative vision and cultural references.
From history to the future of accessories, the designers learn how to approach accessory making from star milliner Justin Smith and glove maker Thomasine Barnekow. Both are ITS Contest alumni who are sought after by couturiers, Hollywood stars, music artists, and blockbuster film productions for their ability to create unforgettable characters through accessory design. Fashion as identity, at its most imaginative.
Meet Demna, Class of 2004.
Plus, How to Develop Your Identity and Create Sustainably.
The designers are in for a big surprise: the chance to talk to Demna about their work and seek his advice as he connects via Zoom to meet his successors, the Class of 2024.
After creating new tees from old ones to be sold for charity with Teppei Sugaya, they gain insights into star stylist Tom Eerebout’s creative process and approach to everyday challenges and growth. In a candid and insightful exchange, they hear from the man behind the looks of many fashion-forward, even pioneering, celebrities like Rita Ora and Lady Gaga.
The action-packed day concludes with a dynamic workshop on sustainable design led by Fashion Revolution’s co-founder Orsola de Castro, Fondazione Sozzani’s Creative Director Sara Sozzani Maino, and WRAD co-founder Matteo Ward. It’s a theme close to the designers’ heart and at the core of their creative process.
And The Award Goes To…
In the final episode, anticipation peaks as the finalists prepare for their close-up with the Jury. The ITS Contest 2024 winners are about to be announced, and the atmosphere is electric. Each designer has given their all, and the moment of truth has arrived.
As the winners are revealed, emotions overflow. Happy tears, hugs, and applause fill the room. The joy of victory spreads beyond the winners, uniting the entire group of finalists who have bonded deeply during their transformative time in Trieste. The designers reflect on their newfound confidence, honed skills, and fresh perspectives. For many, this experience marks a turning point, opening doors to new opportunities and solidifying their vision for the future.
As the episode concludes, we celebrate the incredible journey of the ITS Contest 2024. It’s a story of creativity, resilience, and the powerful bonds formed through a shared passion for fashion. Though the contest has ended, its impact will resonate in the hearts and minds of these talented designers for years to come.