The highly anticipated 2021 Hyères Fashion and Photography Festival is set to take place in October, following the success of last year’s edition. Now in its 36th year, the festival has selected industry veterans to serve as jury presidents in the fashion, accessories, and photography categories. Louise Trotter, the creative director of iconic brand Lacoste, will oversee the fashion jury, while renowned footwear designer Christian Louboutin will preside over the accessories category. Dominique Issermann, a respected photographer with a distinguished career, will lead the photography jury.
The selection process for the finalists in each category was made public through a live announcement on the festival’s Instagram account. This departure from the traditional practice of revealing the finalists and jury members during Paris Fashion Week in January was due to the absence of a fashion week at the time. The decision to make the announcement on home ground was fitting, with the festival’s venue, Villa Noailles, providing a picturesque backdrop for the announcement.
Last year, the Hyères Festival faced the challenge of the ongoing pandemic and was rescheduled from its usual April dates to October. This alteration enabled the event to proceed safely and accommodated the closure of fashion academies in January, when applications would typically open. Building on the success of this change, the organizers have decided to once again embrace October for the 2021 edition, allowing young entrants ample time to develop and refine their applications without feeling rushed.
In addition to maintaining the festival’s traditional format, the 36th edition introduces a new prize focused on environmental sustainability in the fashion category. This groundbreaking award, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, exemplifies the fashion industry’s increasing commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. By supporting and showcasing emerging talent in fashion and photography, the festival serves as a vital platform for young designers and photographers to gain recognition and propel their careers forward.
The Hyères Fashion and Photography Festival has long been revered as a prestigious event in the industry, attracting industry professionals, established designers, and fashion enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. With the esteemed guidance of Louise Trotter, Christian Louboutin, and Dominique Issermann as jury presidents, the 2021 edition promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. As the fashion world eagerly awaits the festival in October, it is evident that Hyères remains a trailblazer in the discovery and nurturing of emerging talent.
Useful links:
– Official website of the Hyères Fashion and Photography Festival
– Lacoste official website
