The International Talent Support 2022 fashion competition recently took place in person in Trieste, Italy, marking a significant shift from the two years of digital events due to the pandemic. This year, the competition emphasized technique, material research, and manual mastery, and it was evident in the exceptional work of British designer Charlie Constantinou, who emerged as the winner.
Constantinou was honored with the esteemed ITS Academy Award, which not only recognizes his talent but also comes with a substantial cash prize of 15,000 euros. Additionally, he will participate in a six-month mentorship program organized by Pitti Immagine. Furthermore, Constantinou managed to secure the second prize in the ITS Sportswear Award powered by Lotto Sport. His collection captured the attention of the jury with its intelligent and generous design. Notably, his use of a stretchy quilted nylon fabric that adapts to various body types and climates showcased his technical expertise.
Inspired by the resourcefulness of the Inuit people in extreme climates, Constantinou created basic knitwear outfits combined with stretchy elements around the elbows and lower abdomen. These versatile pieces can be paired with puffy vests for a fierce warrior-like look and matched with flared pants featuring adjustable laces or zips to provide a perfect fit.
Impressively, Constantinou is only 24 years old and a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins. His collection not only impressed the judges with its technical prowess but also with its carefully crafted palette of deep greens, mauves, and blues, all of which he creates himself. Constantinou also incorporates tie-dye effects into his designs, showcasing his artistic vision.
Constantinou’s confidence and talent can be attributed to his previous experience working with renowned designer Edward Crutchley and Savile Row tailor Clothsurgeon. He has recently started retailing a small selection of his pieces through online platforms Ssense and H Lorenzo, further establishing his presence in the industry.
Another standout designer from the competition is Martina Durikovic, a 27-year-old from Bratislava, Slovakia. She was awarded the €8,000 ITS Media Award for her flashy and extravagant collection inspired by galactic princesses. Durikovic’s innovative use of a gelatin-like material, entirely biodegradable, amazed the judges. She achieved this by cooking, drying, and crystallizing potato starch water, which she transformed into a thread for knitting.
Similar to Constantinou, Durikovic also graduated from Central Saint Martins and currently works at Chanel in textile research and development. Her groundbreaking approach to sustainable fashion is particularly remarkable, as she managed to create a fabric that is not only biodegradable and resistant but also 75% waterproof. Moreover, the fabric can be treated with wax to achieve complete waterproofing and infused with flavors like strawberry, lemon, or mint, adding a delightful sensory element.
Lili Schreiber, a 26-year-old designer based in Brussels, received the prestigious OTB Prize, which comes with a cash reward of 10,000 euros. Schreiber, who trained at La Cambre and now works in Paris, impressed the jury with her elegant and graphic collection. Her designs showcased her ability to play with colors, geometric patterns, and multifunctional clothing while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
Eva Heugenhauser, a 25-year-old Austrian designer, was honored with a special mention prize promoted by Vogue Italia. Her innovative textile research involved creating water-soluble clothes using a latex-like material. Heugenhauser’s experimentation in the kitchen led to the evolution of her designs, and she has since relocated to New York to work for renowned designer Thom Browne.
The ITS Responsible Creativity Award, promoted by the Camera della Moda (CNMI), was granted to 26-year-old French creator Victor Salinier. Salinier’s visually stunning object-bags made from a combination of leather and ceramic exhibit a strong presence on the red carpet. While these bags may not function traditionally, they epitomize the intersection of fashion and art.
The International Talent Support 2022 competition provided a platform for young designers from around the world to exhibit their immense talent and creativity. Through their innovative approaches to fashion, material research, and sustainability, these designers are poised to have a significant impact on the industry.
For more information on the International Talent Support 2022 fashion competition, visit their official website here: International Talent Support
To explore the work of the winner, Charlie Constantinou, and view his collection, visit his website here: Charlie Constantinou
