MATCHESFASHION WELCOMES THREE NEW DESIGNERS TO THE INNOVATORS PROGRAMME AND LAUNCHES SECOND YEAR WITH A SERIES OF IN CONVERSATIONS
MATCHESFASHION is delighted to introduce Maximilian, Nensi Dojaka and S.S.Daley as part of the Innovators programme for 2021-22. Joining the 11 designers announced last September, the initiative was set up to champion young, global design talent with a robust package of practical support including mentorship, preferential business terms and marketing.
Chosen for their unique DNA and compelling stories, Maximilian celebrates Black history and identity, Nensi Dojaka explores modern femininity and female empowerment and S.S.Daley challenges menswear stereotypes whilst working in an environmentally conscious and sustainable manner. Intrinsic to the curation at MATCHESFASHION, these designers illustrate the diversity and creativity which appeals to our global customer base.
Damien Paul, Head of Menswear at MATCHESFASHION: ‘We have always been a supporter and incubator of design talent – offering our global customer the chance to discover a new generation of designers alongside the most coveted luxury fashion. The Innovators programme formalises this support, recognising talent and promoting the launch of their collections on MATCHESFASHION. We are excited to continue our journey with our existing 11 innovators and look forward to welcoming Maximilian, Nensi Dojaka and S.S.Daley this season.’
To celebrate the second year of the programme, each Innovator has been paired with an established designer and invited to have a conversation reflecting on the past, present and future of fashion. Launched to support the 14 designer collections arrival on MATCHESFASHION, these conversations will be released across all channels throughout September and October starting on 8th. The designer pairings include S.S Daley and Thom Browne, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena of Chopova Lowena and Marni’s Francesco Risso, Michael Halpern and Donatella Versace, Ludovic de Saint Sernin and Olivier Rousteing and Grace Wales Bonner and Jil Sander’s Luke and Lucie Meier. The Innovators full collections will also be in 5 Carlos Place for a one month dedicated installation and be included in a series of activations taking place during London Fashion Week.
Simon Chilvers, Creative Director at MATCHESFASHION: ‘The idea of a space where big brands sit alongside emerging designers is at the very heart of MATCHESFASHION and this sense of discovery is why our customer come to us. This season our Innovators programme connected young design talent with more established brands for a series of conversations that covered everything from sustainability; to the future of runway shows; to how a collection begins. Taking place through a variety of mediums including video, Zoom and email, the conversations looked at what it means to be a fashion designer working now – I loved how these conversations evolved and how it became a mutual discovery between the two brands. It is fantastic that so many of our designers want to support this new roster of talent– after all everyone was emerging at some point in their careers.’
The Innovators’ AW21 collections will be available online at www.matchesfashion.com and in 5 Carlos Place from 8th September 2021.
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