Loro Piana, the esteemed luxury fashion house renowned for its exceptional yarns and knitwear, recently unveiled the winners of its highly anticipated sixth edition of the Knit Design Award competition. This prestigious international contest is dedicated to celebrating the remarkable talents of students who showcase their unique creative interpretations of the brand’s exquisite yarns.
The theme of this year’s competition was Rediscovery, and it attracted participation from several prestigious design schools worldwide. Notable institutions such as North Carolina State University, Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University, the Politecnico di Milano, Tel Aviv’s Shenkar College, and Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College were among those who rose to the challenge of reimagining Loro Piana’s iconic Traveller Jacket and creating a one-of-a-kind version that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
After a rigorous judging process, the winners of the 2022 Loro Piana Knit Design Award were revealed. Po-Chieh Chiu and Shanon Poupard, exceptionally talented students from Institut Français de la Mode in Paris, claimed the coveted top spot. However, what sets this year apart is not only the prestigious title bestowed upon the winners but also the groundbreaking opportunity they received. For the first time in the competition’s history, Chiu and Poupard were offered employment contracts with Loro Piana, solidifying their exceptional talent and propelling their careers to new heights. Moreover, they have been exclusively invited to craft their winning design in the fashion house’s renowned knitwear workshop. The culmination of their efforts will be showcased during the upcoming illustrious Pitti Filati event, providing them with global exposure and recognition.
The grand finale of the competition took place at Loro Piana’s newly established headquarters in the fashion capital of Milan. A distinguished panel of judges, including CEO Damien Bertrand, Sara Sozzani Maino of Vogue Italia, Beka Gvishiani, the visionary founder of Stylenotcom, renowned knitwear designer Chet Lo, and Letizia Schätzinger, a prominent TikToker and content creator, meticulously scrutinized and evaluated each participant’s work. Throughout the evaluation process, the judges placed great emphasis on striking a harmonious balance between traditional craftsmanship and daring innovation.
By hosting the Knit Design Award, Loro Piana actively demonstrates its unwavering commitment to nurturing and supporting emerging talent within the fashion industry. The competition serves as a valuable platform for students to showcase their exceptional skills, while also providing unprecedented opportunities to collaborate and create within the prestigious fashion house. Loro Piana’s steadfast dedication to both craftsmanship and innovation shines brilliantly through its collaborative efforts with these promising individuals.
Heartfelt congratulations are in order for the outstanding winners, Po-Chieh Chiu and Shanon Poupard, as well as all the participants who contributed their exceptional talent to the sixth edition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued success and limitless creativity of these emerging designers as they leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
For more information about Loro Piana and the Knit Design Award, please visit:
Loro Piana Official Website
Pitti Filati Official Website
