In a pioneering move to champion emerging international fashion talents, ellesse has teamed up with Graduate Fashion Foundation (GFF) to launch the GFF x ellesse Tailors Programme.
The programme invites final-year fashion students to dive deep into its archives and curate a collection that resonates with its contemporary streetwear line, ‘SARTORIA’.
Established in the 1960s, ellesse has been guided by founder Leonardo Servadio’s ethos of marrying cutting-edge technology with Italian sophistication, a vision that has remained timeless. The ‘SARTORIA’ range continues to exemplify the brand’s DNA of flamboyance, energy and precision tailoring as it seamlessly blends sportswear with luxury fashion.
The programme
Students are invited to design a 12-piece capsule collection that aligns with ellesse’s Spring/Summer 2024 “SARTORIA” range. Alongside core brand elements – the chevron, the print, the jet stripe, and the Rimini stripe – participants must incorporate at least one tracksuit, an ellesse staple and bestseller.
Prizes
In recognising and rewarding emerging creative talent, the programme offers three tiers of prizes. The winner will receive a production run of a three-piece capsule collection and a paid placement with ellesse or an ellesse regional partner. The first runner up will receive a paid-placement and mentorship, and the second runner up will receive a mentorship. All winning collections will grace the runway at Graduate Fashion Week in London in June 2024 and enjoy feature coverage on a prominent media platform.
Submission requirements
Aspiring designers must submit an illustrated lineup of their envisioned collection, technical flats of the 12-piece capsule and three mood boards that elaborate on their research, thought process and conceptual vision. A 500-word written submission detailing the collection’s inspiration and aims is also required.
Eligibility and deadline
The GFF x ellesse Tailors Programme is open to all final-year BA Fashion students from universities affiliated with Graduate Fashion Week. The submission deadline is midnight (GMT) on Friday 31st January 2024.
At its core, the GFF x ellesse Tailors Programme represents ellesse’s unwavering commitment to its tailoring heritage and its commitment to nurturing the designers of tomorrow. Partnering with the Graduate Fashion Foundation not only shines a light on burgeoning talent but also reaffirms the brand’s original ethos and craftsmanship.
Find out more here.
