Meet the ITS Contest 2023 Finalists

Meet the ITS Contest 2023 Finalists! They are 16 brilliantly creative individuals hailing from four continents.

Our Jury, composed of international experts, picked them out of a total 782 applicants from 65 countries worldwide – as the most promising talents in Fashion, Accessories, Jewellery and Artwork.

The projects examined address themes of cultural inclusivity, gender and sexuality, politics and conflict, class wars and worker alienation. What emerges is a generation of designers that observes reality with a sharp eye and clarity, uses art as a weapon and reclaims craftsmanship as a key tool to redefine sustainable practices.

The shortlisted designers will compete for the 12 ITS Contest 2023 Awards, to be assigned on March 22nd, 2024. They also automatically receive the ITS Residency Award – a unique opportunity to hone their skills with the help of mentors and fellow creatives at ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion. Their creations will be exhibited and preserved within the museum’s permanent Collection.

The Finalists

Fashion

Accessories

Jewellery

ITS Artwork Award
powered by Swatch Art Peace Hotel

ITS Sportswear Award
powered by Lotto Sport

The Jury

Our international Jury, headed by ITS Contest founder Barbara Franchin, includes:

Carlo Giordanetti – CEO Swatch Art Peace Hotel
Deanna Ferretti – Miss Deanna
Luca Rizzi – Pitti Immagine Tutoring & Consulting Director, e-P Summit Project Leader
Matteo Ward – CEO and Co-Founder Wråd
Odunayo Ojo – Youtuber, Fashion Journalist
Orsola de Castro – Co-Founder of Fashion Revolution and Author
Sara Sozzani Maino – Creative Director Fondazione Sozzani
Sergio Zambon – Designer, Moncler
Thierry-Maxime Loriot – Curator, Writer and Creative Director
Tom Eerebout – Stylist and Fashion Consultant
Valentina Maggi – Director of Creative Practice at Floriane de St.Pierre & Associés

Narrowing down the projects to the actual finalists was no easy decision for the Jury.

As noted by our President Barbara Franchin we have reached a crossroad in fashion and design:

“We are at a generational shift of imagery, of reference points. A new generation of designers is taking hold, and young talents are realising this, charting different trajectories. Right now fashion is experiencing a moment of great confusion and readjustment, with an ongoing redefinition of the role of the creative director. Who is the designer of the future? Either way, she or he steps out of the creative process, now taking a back seat to economic factors.”

Barbara Franchin
President Fondazione ITS

“It is very important that the students know that their work has been seen and selected with care by fashion industry professionals. It is important to support and give a platform to the new generation!”

Thierry-Maxime Loriot
Curator, Writer and Creative Director

“This year was incredible, a mix of grounding and escapism. The future starts here.”

Orsola de Castro
Co-Founder of Fashion Revolution and Author

“Seeing the portfolios next to the digital really helped to go into the world of the designers. I am amazed at the talented designers and the inspiring projects I have seen.”

Tom Eerebout
Stylist and Fashion Consultant

“The quality of the projects is always above average, with so much creativity and freedom of expression. The most stimulating aspect of being a judge is to have the opportunity to get to know young designers from all over the world with different cultural backgrounds.”

Sara Sozzani Maino
Creative Director Fondazione Sozzani

In the run up to the ITS Contest Finals we will be introducing each finalist on our social media platforms. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to discover their vision, inspirations and projects.