IFM and Ami have joined forces to introduce the inaugural AmiXIFM entrepreneurship award at a prestigious French fashion school. The highly coveted prize was bestowed upon two talented and innovative entrepreneurs, Guillaume Hiriart Carriat and Leopolda Contaux-Bellina, for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of leatherwork. Carriat, the founder of Atxi, harnesses the expertise of his family-owned workshop to create one-of-a-kind leather designs. Meanwhile, Contaux-Bellina, the brain behind Sed Nove Studio, focuses on developing avant-garde techniques in leather craftsmanship through a certified Métiers d’art process.
The jury was immensely impressed by the winners’ exceptional combination of material proficiency and ingenious methodologies. Carriat and Contaux-Bellina harnessed unused stocks of leather from Carriat’s workshop and effectively leveraged Sed Nove’s distinctive assembly approach for laser-cut leather pieces. The resulting designs, adorned with Atxi’s iconic zigzag pattern, encompassed an array of exquisite objects, including a shaker and a chair. Despite the inherent technical challenges associated with using buffalo leather, the visionary creators triumphantly overcame obstacles and devised ingenious solutions. The jury was captivated by the project’s seamless marriage of innovation and traditional craftsmanship, as well as its potential to transcend the boundaries of the fashion industry.
The primary objective of the prestigious award was to showcase the projects of students and budding entrepreneurs nurtured by IFM. Ten finalists, handpicked from a pool of roughly 20 candidates, were given the opportunity to present their remarkable work to a jury comprising esteemed individuals from the realms of creation, art, music, and cinema. This diverse panel included luminaries such as Nicolas Santi-Weil, Alexandre Mattiussi, Sarah Andelman, Leila Slimani, and Déborah Papiernik. The multitude of perspectives ensured a holistic and unparalleled approach to the esteemed fashion award.
In addition to the grand prize, a special accolade was granted to Studio Paillette, a burgeoning enterprise based in Paris. Studio Paillette operates as a rental service for high-end fashion pieces and collaborates with prominent fashion houses to offer rental alternatives for unsold items. The brainchild of Léa Germano, the company garnered recognition for its innovative approach to the industry.
The AmiXIFM competition magnificently showcased a quest for groundbreaking and fresh concepts, extending beyond the confines of fashion. The presentations exemplified the industry’s inclination towards transformative change and emphasized the importance of shedding light on groundbreaking ideas. As the initiative looks towards the future, the organizers are contemplating expanding the project and providing financial support to the laureates, propelling their success to new heights.
Ultimately, the inaugural AmiXIFM entrepreneurship award triumphantly highlighted the exceptional endeavors of young visionaries in the fashion industry. By fostering a diverse jury and championing groundbreaking ideas, IFM and Ami unequivocally exemplify their unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and catalyzing new advancements in the field.
