The second edition of the ‘Vogue YOOX Challenge – The Future of Responsible Fashion’ launches on February 22nd on vogue.it and yoox.com. Vogue Italia and YOOX‘s initiative aims to shine a light on designers, creatives and start-ups from around the world who are investing in responsible, sustainable and innovative approaches to fashion and, for the first time this year, design for art, objects and home décor.
Supporting young people as future drivers of change in the textile, design and fashion industries is the basis of the longstanding collaboration between Vogue Italia and YOOX, which has always been at the forefront in supporting the next generation of creatives.
This year the jury, chaired by Emanuele Farneti – Editor-in-Chief Vogue Italia, L’Uomo e AD Italia, Federico Marchetti – Chairman YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, Sara Sozzani Maino – Deputy Editor-in-Chief Vogue Italia and Head of Vogue Talents will be composed of Ben Barry – Incoming Dean, School of Fashion, Parsons School of Design, The New School, Claire Bergkamp – COO of Textile Exchange, Formafantasma – Designers, Federica Gasbarro – Climate Activist, Patrick Grant – Director of Norton & Sons, E. Tautz, Hammond & Co, Cookson & Clegg and Community Clothing, Stella Jean – Founder of Stella Jean brand, Dio Kurazawa – Co-Founder of The Bear Scouts, Carolyn Murphy – Mother, model/actress and environmental advocate, SaltyCo. – Vogue YOOX Challenge 2020 winner, Martino Scabbia Guerrini – Executive Vice President and Group President VF EMEA, Valentina Savi – Global Lifestyle Communication Gore-tex, Matteo Ward – CEO and co-founder WRÅD, Bethany Williams – Founder of Bethany Williams brand, Nina Yashar – Gallerist and Founder of Nilufar Gallery.
Innovation, sustainability and youth have always been at the heart of my work and will be the driving force to build a better future. The Vogue YOOX Challenge is a project that is very close to my heart and I am looking forward to seeing the new proposals of the designers who will participate in this year’s edition.
Federico Marchetti, Chairman of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP.
Today, committing to sustainability and social responsibility is absolutely essential. I am certain that once again this year the participants will amaze and excite us with their vision.
Emanuele Farneti, Editor-in-Chief Vogue Italia, L’Uomo and AD Italia.
The Vogue YOOX Challenge is a chance to highlight the importance of creative projects designed with a better future in mind.
Sara Sozzani Maino, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Vogue Italia e Head of Vogue Talents.
Once again, this year, designers and start-ups are invited to present new ideas focused on sustainability, to change and improve the fashion and design system from concept creation, throughout production process, and to point of retail. The challenge will be launched on February 22, opening Milan Fashion Week and all entries must be received by July 2, 2021 through the dedicated section on yoox.com.
The winner, to be announced in November, will receive a cash prize to develop and realise their creative idea during 2022, as well as support from Vogue Italia and YOOX for distribution, communication and mentoring.
The 2020 edition was won by Salty Co. Their winning project aimed to reduce the consumption of fresh water in the fashion supply chain, by producing high-quality natural fabrics derived from plants capable of living in arid and salty soils and being irrigated with sea water. The idea was born in 2020 by a group of students from Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art – Julian Ellis-Brown, Finlay Duncan, Antonia Jara and Neloufar Taher – who are currently working on the development of a collection in partnership with YOOX’s own label, 8 by YOOX.
‘Vogue YOOX Challenge – The Future of Responsible Fashion’ forms a key part of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP’s commitment to Nurture Young Talent as part of its 2030 sustainability strategy, Infinity. Through Nurture Young Talent, the Group is committed to equipping the next generation with entrepreneurial, fashion and digital skills through 15,000 days of team volunteering by 2025, and to further leveraging the expertise of its teams to offer a dedicated platform that supports and develops new talent across each of its online stores.
