Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge reveals six finalists

Launched in 2018, the challenge is an annual programme established to seek out and accelerate the work of the world’s most innovative and impactful fashion startups. Over a multi-stage process, applicants have been narrowed down to six finalists who were invited to develop their projects virtually with the support of Tommy Hilfiger and external subject-specific experts. The finalists will present their concepts at the global Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge final event which will be held in January 2022, Tommy Hilfiger said in a press release.

The six finalists for the third edition of the programme are: Clothes to Good, a textile recycling and disability empowerment organisation based in South Africa; Haelixa, a product traceability technology based in Switzerland targeting challenges related to proof of product origin, authenticity and sustainability claims, and also a member of Global Fashion Agenda’s Innovation Forum; MAFI MAFI, an Ethiopian based sustainable fashion brand, acclaimed for its preservation of ancient Ethiopian traditions and its empowerment of marginalised artisan weavers; Lalaland, a platform generating customised and inclusive fashion models for e-commerce brands based in the Netherlands; SOKO, a women-led, Kenya-based, people-first ethical jewellery brand and tech-powered manufacturing platform built to connect marginalised artisans in Kenya with the global market, and UZURI K&Y, a sustainable shoe brand utilising recycled car tyres from sub-Saharan Africa, based in Rwanda and employing local youth. 

Winners are offered mentoring and financial support to expedite their progress in transforming the industry. A prestigious jury panel – including Tommy Hilfiger – will select two winners to split the prize fund of €200,000. An additional €15,000 will be awarded to the finalist who wins the “Audience Favorite Vote.” Plus, the winners will receive a year-long mentorship with Tommy Hilfiger and INSEAD experts, as well as a place on the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program (ISEP).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)