The ITS competition unveils a fresh format in Trieste

Departing from the conventional fashion show and OTB awards, the ITS is introducing a novel approach centered on creative residencies and exhibitions. This transformation marks a significant departure for the International Talent Support (ITS) in its 2023/24 edition. The 21st edition of this competition for emerging designers in Trieste, nestled in the northeastern region of Italy, will unveil and celebrate its victors on March 22. The ITS Arcademy, inaugurated last year as the first museum dedicated to contemporary fashion by Barbara Franchin, the visionary behind the event’s inception in 2002, will serve as the venue for the celebration.

Unlike previous editions culminating in runway shows where winners were crowned, this year’s rendition, titled ‘Born to Create’, bestows the 16 finalists from 11 different countries with the coveted ITS Residency Award, affording them a residency at the ITS Arcademy.

Chosen from a pool of 782 submissions, the selection comprises 11 finalists in the fashion category, including Germany’s Chelsea Jean Lamm and Marcel Sommer, Canada’s Daniel Bosco, France’s Clémentine Baldo and Shanon Poupard, Italy’s Ivan Delogu, China’s Ju Bao, Turkey’s Mert Serbest, Japan’s Momoka Sato and Tomohiro Shibuki, and Spain’s Silvia Acien Parrilla. Additionally, two contenders each shine in the accessories and jewelry realms: Belgium’s Eun Ji Oh and Israel’s Tal Maslavi in accessories, and China’s Kexuan Liu and Britain’s Richard Farbey in jewelry. Furthermore, France’s Lilian Navarro competes for the esteemed ‘Artwork’ prize promoted by Swatch.

During their residency at the ITS Arcademy from March 17 to 21, the 16 finalists engaged in immersive workshops and seminars led by industry stalwarts. Their creations will take center stage in the ‘Born to Create’ exhibition, on display from March 28 to January 6, 2025, as well as in the second exhibition, ‘The Many Lives of a Garment’, curated by renowned French fashion historian Olivier Saillard and esteemed Italian philosopher Emanuele Coccia.

This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the intrinsic value garments acquire over time. To create the exhibition, Olivier Saillard invited the people of Trieste to send him clothes they felt particularly attached to. Complementing the exhibition are mannequins adorned in attire crafted by past ITS finalists, serving as silent observers amidst the bustling audience.

Friday’s finale promises to be a momentous affair, with 12 awards up for grabs, including the coveted ITS Arcademy Award, accompanied by a €15,000 prize. Noteworthy additions include the ITS Challenge The Status Quo Award powered by WRAD, championing ethical and innovative design endeavors, and the GO! 2025 Borderless Award powered by Regione FVG, challenging finalists to transcend boundaries through their sartorial creations. Embracing inclusivity, the ITS introduces the ITS Community Award, allowing the public to select their favorite talent.

Regrettably, the esteemed OTB prize bids adieu, as entrepreneur Renzo Rosso, a longstanding patron of the event through his Diesel brand and OTB fashion and luxury conglomerate, withdraws his support after years of nurturing emerging talent.