IMG launches Project NextGen to support Australian designers

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 28, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia has announced the launch of a new program to discover and help launch the careers of emerging Australian designers.

An extension of the New Generation show, NextGen will offer designers industry networking opportunities, exposure to invaluable local and international buyers, and a mentoring program by a St. George Business Advisor for a 12-month period. The project will culminate in an official invitation for up to six designers to present their collections at the fashion week in May 2016.

“For the first time, an influential panel of fashion industry experts will review the applicants based on the exceptional talent designers have demonstrated thus far, and their promise to succeed as part of Project NextGen,” said Emily Weight, Director of Strategy and Brand at IMG Fashion.

The panel of experts will include the editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia, Edwina McCann, the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, Kellie Hush, and the buying director of Mytheresa.com, Justin O’Shea.

Applications for Project NextGen are now open, and the list of participating designers will be announced in February 2016.