Matchesfashion announces the launch of The Innovators Programme - an initiative that was created to champion young design talent from around the world.
The Innovators Programme was built from a pre-existing womenswear project to now include menswear along with an extensive package of steady and practical support. This includes a one year commitment of support across all social, editorial and marketing channels with original content for each designer. Communication and marketing focus for each designer in global territories along with mentorship and preferential business payment terms.
The 12 global designers chosen to be represented are: Art School, Ahluwalia, Chopova Lowena, Stefan Cooke, Germanier, Halpern, Harris Reed, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, Thebe Magugu, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Bianca Saunders and Wales Bonner. Each creative talent was chosen for having a unique and powerful signature that is synonymous with the Matchesfashion DNA and diverse global customer base.
Stating in a press release, CEO of Matchesfashion Ajay Kavan said, “Our customers come to Matchsesfashion for our curation of fashion and are often looking for the very best emerging designers. Our success is rooted in authentic partnerships with emerging talent and we feel fortunate to work with so many talented designers. So, I am delighted to announce The Innovators Programme, a year-long commitment to 12 designers that offers meaningful support across retail, marketing and communications with mentoring to help empower them. We look forward to working closely with these designers to connect them more deeply with our customers globally and help them scale their businesses.”
Natalie Kingham, Buying Director at Matchesfashion adds, “I am delighted that we have formalised our support for emerging talent, developing The Innovators into a programme that actually helps future proof their businesses in what has been a tough year for the creative industry. I have worked with so many of these designers for a long time and I am so happy that we are committing to their visionary collections in a practical, material way.”
The Innovators Programme came to fruition during the coronavirus pandemic. It was here that Matchesfashion collaborated closely with the designers during an immensely difficult time, where many were unsure how their brands would survive through 2020. This initiative provides much needed practical and committed support for each designer to ensure they continue to thrive through this unprecedented year. A very generous and thoughtful commitment from Matchesfashion to honor design and creativity.
The Innovators Programme will launch this September 2020, along with the designer collections launching on Matchesfashion.com. Stay tuned.
