Tommy Hilfiger, a prominent brand operating under PVH, recently unveiled the winners of its third annual Fashion Frontier Challenge. This global initiative is designed to discover and empower ideas that contribute to a more inclusive fashion industry. Lalaland, a Netherlands-based platform using artificial intelligence to create diverse and customizable synthetic models, and Uzuri K&Y, an eco-friendly shoe brand in Rwanda that recycles car tires and provides employment to local youth, emerged as the winners of this year’s challenge.
The winners were selected during a virtual event, where the six finalists presented their concepts to a panel of judges. Lalaland, which strives to represent various ethnicities through AI-generated models, was awarded €100,000. Similarly, Uzuri K&Y, known for its use of recycled tires from sub-Saharan Africa and commitment to generating job opportunities for their community, also received the same amount.
Clothes to Good from South Africa, a social enterprise leveraging textile recycling to create micro-business opportunities for individuals with disabilities, was granted €15,000.
These six finalists were chosen from a pool of 430 start-ups spanning 22 countries, all of which submitted their ideas in January of the previous year. The focus of this year’s program was to amplify and support entrepreneurs from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds who are driving substantial change in their communities and working towards a more inclusive future within the fashion industry.
A noteworthy aspect of this year’s challenge was the involvement of the public in the selection process. For the first time, the public had the opportunity to cast digital votes to help narrow down the applicant pool and identify the finalists. Alongside Tommy Hilfiger associates, the general public was also encouraged to vote for their favorite pitch, with the winner receiving an additional €15,000.
Entries for the next Fashion Frontier Challenge will open in March, presenting aspiring entrepreneurs with the chance to showcase their ideas and potentially contribute to shaping a more diverse fashion landscape.
Aside from the significant prize fund, the winners of this challenge will benefit from a year-long mentorship with industry experts from Tommy Hilfiger and leading graduate business school INSEAD. This mentorship will serve as additional support to foster their growth and development within the industry.
Through the Fashion Frontier Challenge, Tommy Hilfiger continues to establish itself as a platform for innovation and inclusivity within the fashion industry. By recognizing and supporting entrepreneurs who are pushing boundaries and championing diversity, the brand actively contributes to a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.
Useful Links:
1. Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge
2. INSEAD Graduate Business School
