The Future of Fashion Programme by Who’s Next and Not Just a Label is now in its second stage

The world’s leading online designer platform, Not Just a Label, has begun The Future of Fashion Programme in collaboration with Who’s Next – this scheme being a stepping stone for emerging designers who wish to showcase at the most globally-renowned fashion trade show in Europe.

From Not Just a Label’s international portfolio of over 14,000 talents worldwide, ten accessory and ten ready-to-wear upcoming designers were selected to take part in this unique opportunity, to exhibit for up to four seasons at the Who’s Next trade show, in Paris, and benefit from two years of intense support.

The original 20 young designers, taking part in The Future of Fashion Programme, have now become ten. With the aim to uncover the next generation of fashion’s finest, the first round permitted each designer to present collections (within the accessory-led “Premiere Classe” and ready-to-wear “Fame” groups) during the Who’s Next autumn/winter 2014 show in January.

Following a tough evaluation process, the ten remaining contestants (five from each category) are to create a further collection for the upcoming July 2014 show, during which three candidates from either group will be selected to progress further.

Alongside some PR help, contestants benefit from guidance and mentoring provided by a selection of top industry professionals, including buyers, consultants and sales directors, as well as Not Just a Label founder, Stefan Siegel.

The long-term programme will culminate in July 2015, with the announcement of two winners, one specialising in ready-to-wear and the other in accessories. The chosen designers will feature in Dazed & Confused, as well as receiving an extra six months worth of mentoring plus a full business and marketing plan worth £15,000, enabling them to raise funds and take their brand to a higher level.

Meanwhile, the Who’s Next trade show, in Paris (from 4^th until 7^th July), will showcase these aspiring designers’ spring/summer 2015 collections.

Rebekah Absalom

For further information visit here.