Desigual, the Spanish fashion brand renowned for its innovative approach, is launching the second edition of its startup acceleration program, Awesome Lab. After the success of the initial program, which involved the participation of seven companies in October 2021, Desigual is now looking to expand and further enhance creativity and innovation within its business.
To facilitate this expansion, Desigual has partnered with Wayra, the open innovation hub of Telefónica, to identify and support startups in more advanced stages. The collaboration aims to develop solutions that can positively impact the fashion industry and cater to the evolving needs of consumers. This includes improving user experience, promoting circularity, and enhancing data analysis.
Marta Antúnez, director of Wayra Barcelona, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting Wayra’s 10-year experience in fostering startup innovation and its eagerness to contribute to Desigual’s Awesome Lab project. Antúnez believes that startups have the potential to truly transform a company’s business and culture.
In the second edition of Awesome Lab, Desigual is seeking startups that align best with the company’s challenges. Three searches will be conducted to identify these startups, with the first focused on marketing campaigns and company recruitment currently underway. The selection of five startups from this search will be announced in the coming weeks.
Desigual aims to create a more open and flexible program for this edition, allowing for continual knowledge inclusion throughout the year. Eva Sirera, Desigual’s director of technological innovation, explains that their goal is to offer a program that encourages continuous learning and collaboration, without limiting the number of participating startups.
Founded by Thomas Meyer in 1984, Desigual has become a global brand operating in 109 countries. The company operates through a network of 393 single-brand stores and 10 sales channels, offering products across six categories: women’s wear, men’s wear, kids’ wear, accessories, shoes, and sportswear. In 2021, Desigual recorded a turnover of 371 million euros, representing a 3.4% year-on-year increase.
The second edition of Awesome Lab reflects Desigual’s commitment to fostering innovation and embracing new ideas. By collaborating with Wayra and engaging startups, the brand aims to maintain its position at the forefront of the fashion industry and meet the evolving demands of its customers.
Links:
– Desigual Official Website
– Wayra Official Website
