Net-A-Porter’s Vanguard Education Fund for 2023, in partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC), has recently announced the winners of its esteemed bursary program. This year, all four winners hail from Central Saint Martins (CSM), solidifying the institution’s dominance in the fashion world. The recipients, who are currently studying BA Fashion Design, will each be awarded a generous £12,500 bursary and will be paired with two influential mentors from the industry for the duration of the academic year.
The four talented CSM students who have emerged victorious as the winners of Net-A-Porter’s Vanguard Education Fund 2023 are Christopher De La Cruz (Knitwear), Izzy McKinlay (Womenswear), Tj Finley (Knitwear), and Tahar Al-Shekhly (Knitwear). They have been recognized for their exceptional work and potential, and this bursary will provide them with essential financial support to further their education and career aspirations.
This year’s mentors for the Vanguard Education Fund winners are a remarkable lineup of industry professionals. They include Priya Ahluwalia, known for her sustainable approach to fashion, Elin Kling from Toteme, Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant, the founders of Coperni, Albert Ayal, the founder of Up Next Designer. The list also includes Yoyo Cao, a fashion consultant and entrepreneur, Camille Charrière, a fashion editor and consultant, Alice Casely-Hayford, the content director at Net-A-Porter, and Libby Page, the market director at Net-A-Porter. These mentors will provide invaluable guidance and support to the winners, helping them navigate the industry and hone their skills.
In addition to the bursaries and mentorship, the winners will also have the opportunity to undergo 3D garment design training. This training will equip them with the skills to create technologically advanced digitized products using true-to-life garment visualization. Apart from reducing waste, this innovative approach will also enhance efficiency in the sample creation process. To facilitate this training, Net-A-Porter has made substantial investments in specialized training and granted access to cutting-edge 3D software called CLO, covering all associated costs for the designers for one year. This significant investment aims to future-proof their careers by equipping them with the necessary skills to design for the metaverse, a rapidly emerging trend in the fashion industry.
The Net-A-Porter Vanguard Education Fund remains a crucial platform for recognizing and supporting emerging talent in the fashion industry. Through these bursaries and mentorship opportunities, the fund strives to nurture the next generation of designers and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to excel. By collaborating with Central Saint Martins and enlisting influential mentors, Net-A-Porter actively contributes to the development and growth of the fashion industry.
Useful links:
1. Net-A-Porter Vanguard Education Fund
2. British Fashion Council
