WSN, known for organizing the influential Who’s Next – Première Classe shows in France, has recently unveiled an exciting new initiative in partnership with the esteemed fashion academy Istituto Marangoni. This new program, titled ‘Lab Scene’, has been designed to offer guidance and assistance to up-and-coming fashion designers, empowering them to flourish and expand their brands.
Having previously run the successful ‘Future of Fashion Program’ from 2014 to 2017, where designers were closely monitored across several event editions culminating in the selection of a winner, WSN is now taking a different approach. The ‘Lab Scene’ initiative will involve selecting a group of promising applicants and mentoring them for a year to facilitate their commercial growth.
Applications for this mentorship program are currently being accepted until October 31. WSN is seeking emerging designers who have launched their brands within the past one to seven years, with at least two collections already released. Successful finalists will receive invaluable support from industry experts and professionals associated with WSN to navigate the complexities of commercial development.
A distinguished panel of judges, comprising buyers, creative directors, and stylists, will evaluate the finalists and choose three deserving winners to participate in the mentorship program. Throughout the year, these winners will benefit from tailored guidance from WSN in terms of commercializing their designs, while also having access to beneficial resources offered by Istituto Marangoni, such as photography studios, archives, and event spaces.
Furthermore, the winners will have the exceptional opportunity to present their collections at two editions of Who’s Next and one edition of Première Classe, enabling them to showcase their talents and refine their business strategies in a live market setting.
The collaboration between WSN and Istituto Marangoni serves as a crucial platform for emerging designers, equipping them with the essential tools and backing needed to thrive in the fiercely competitive fashion landscape. By nurturing these talents, this partnership aims to empower designers to establish and expand their brands within the fast-paced fashion industry.
To apply for the Lab Scene mentorship program, visit WSN’s official website. For more information on Istituto Marangoni and their fashion programs, check out their website here.
