The Greatest Finalists of All!!
April 22, 2009
This is it. The decisions have been made, the Jury has made its verdict. Before we announce the ITS#EIGHT finalists, there are a couple things we would like to say. First of all, we would like to thank everyone who enrolled this year. We realise that the enrolment procedure is a long one and that we ask a lot of all of you when we ask you to show us your vision and take the chance to be part of the ITS adventure. Remember we do not throw away anything, we're collectors of creativity, any kind of creativity. We value what you sent as well as the effort it took to send it very much. Everything is safely stored in our archive, which we have started a couple of years ago, collecting clothes and accessories from finalists, photography projects, thousands of portfolios...the only young talent archive of its kind in the world. A container of ideas that represents the heart of ITS. And we would never throw our heart away...
The choice was very difficult and, as always, it was not easy for the Jury. And, by the way, remember that this Jury made these selections, but another one might have decided in a completely different way. So not being selected doesn't mean your work isn't valuable.
We have often been accused of selecting finalists mainly from very famous and prestigious schools. Truth is we really do not care about any school in particular. Truth is we care about you guys, about your talent and not about the importance of any kind of institution. Education counts, that's for certain. Therefore it is not strange that students coming from schools with a very good education system become finalists. There are certain tutors and teachers around the world that know how to bring out talent from students very well. Sadly but this is nothing new - there are very few schools that provide good education, because it is a very hard job and it is not lucrative. Helping make talents grow is one of the toughest jobs around, that's for sure.
Our greatest success though is when we discover talents from hidden and unknown places. Unexpected creativity. Sparks coming from a place in the world you would never have imagined.
The influence from the Antwerp style has become omnipresent in collections all over the world. A strong return to nature prevailed concepts and could be found in different shapes and forms in collection, in particular insects were very present. Colours have brightened up with bold block print and florals. On a more peculiar note inspirations were taken from tiles and ceramics.
The following are some quotes from the jurors and journalists who have worked 20 hours spanning the two days of the Fashion and Accessories Preselections:
I have found clearly visible the strong attention in terms of fabric and material research, often braided and closely mixed together. It seems like they are looking for protection! However I have also noted a very strong use of similar shapes and silhouettes across all the schools...I believe that soon the students will gain more confidence to fully express a sort of positive rebellion that will lead them to create what they really have in their mind and soul, in more daring and innovative ways. Confidence in self-expression surely is one of the keys to success!
—Vladimiro Baldin
Unfortunately the Italian and French schools still do not present very many interesting projects. Instead, there were interesting projects coming from Germany and Switzerland. Hopefully the epicentre of fashion schools is changing and moving away from London/Belgium?
Thanks to ITS we discover things we would otherwise know nothing of!—Valentina Maggi
It was very interesting to see such diversity in styles and concepts and fantastic craftmanship from all over the world, especially from those countries with more emerging markets such as Russia and India. We continue to see that certain trends play a big role in design across the world, an example being the Antwerp inspired volume trends, that are still present and evolve year after year. It is a shame that some students did not have time to finish properly their portfolios due to school timetables or other reasons, as some would have probably made it to the finals.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your amazing journey.—Kat Nadj
I witnessed some very precious research imagery - some quite moving - however some did not follow through to communicate fully the results - too many "mood" shots when really I want to see what they designed and not loads of make-up and bad lighting. I saw lots of potential where the resulting garments were not shown. A shame as I think there were some good talents for example in Israel. I was disappointed by illustrations in general - some were ugly which was a put-off. I felt a lot of effort had gone into most Diesel design offerings. I felt some are missing a trick by not offering or making more of a focus on outerwear which is a great market. In this climate people will invest in a coat more than a dress. If someone's strength is shirts, let's say, then they should concentrate on that rather then try to offer a whole "collection" - when you are submitting only 7 looks, it would be stronger to offer 7 great sweaters - because some of the capsule offerings didn't come across very "together". I think those submitting portfolios should be advised that there are so many to go through so, in addition to creativity, they need to make their dossier easy to navigate.
—Mandi Lennard
I am hard but true: in terms of creativity we haven't seen many ideas except for those coming from the English schools. Many projects were similar to each other, and presented with little enthusiasm. Probably even the young designers feel the uncertainty of the economic situation that the world is living. Concerning my love, knitwear, I have seen a lot of craftsmanship that is very interesting.
—Deanna Ferretti
More international schools which found their way to the finals. Some schools have increased the level (German, French and Italian) although collections have still a strong influence coming from the renowned fashion schools in the world. Quite a strong difference between research, drawings and realisation of the collections.
—Bernadette Wittmann Glittenberg
This year more than ever before, it seemed to me that the shadow of homogenisation is falling on the schools. Too many contestants are doing the same thing and many of them are looking at existing trends and designers for inspiration. Nevertheless we saw something very good, especially from England. Antwerp in this moment seems to be stuck in a formula. Something is slowly changing in Italy, too. I really do appreciate the emphasis on menswear. It is where all the fashionable attention is right now.
—Angelo Flaccavento
Nice surprise to see many more collections being presented. Technically they are executed better. Still missing "new"ideas or stunning creativity. Different countries and cultures are represented by the selected finalists and it is a successful and important step for ITS#ACCESSORIES.
—Bernadette Wittmann Glittenberg
Some designers offered a wide range (eg. bags, shoes, etc). I think it would be easier for us if they chose a focus. In doing so, they will come across stronger. I felt there was a strength in backpacks and many of the designers displayed good technical research. Great use of natural materials and recycling. The presentation of some of the portfolios in this group was of a very high and professional standard. Some students even offered prices which I felt gave us a message that they were thinking beyond the competition. There was some great construction in footwear with heel elements, but in some cases, I didn't feel the upper was given enough attention or precision of execution. Some of the footwear constructions were architectural in design and startling in the results, particularly the clean lines and natural materials, although some were more sculptural pieces of work as opposed to viable footwear. It was great to see niche territories present great work. I felt this category really illustrated talent beyond the colleges.
—Mandi Lennard
I have seen more interesting projects in the jewellery field. In general - left aside the relevant progress of the accessories competition from one year to the other - I believe accessories is still a scarcely explored experimentation field for students. It is therefore a great opportunity for them to express their ideas and have fun creating, and it also gives real opportunities for success!
—Vladimiro Baldin
I could see the applicants commit with a more serious attitude to the project, and the level of the projects has risen again if compared to last year. I am personally happy that there are a lot of works which are less commercial and more creative in a way.
—Kei Kagami
Shoes and jewellery were the most interesting. The field of leather goods is still not explored very much and remains a craft for few. The question is: Where can we poor head hunters find good designers of leather goods? Hope dies last...
—Valentina Maggi
The projects have increased in number even though there is still space for improvement. Jewellery and shoe projects were interesting, whereas there were no exciting bags or other kinds of accessories.
—Deanna Ferretti
Many of the jewellery designs were very vast in concept but also excellent in execution. I was amazed at some of the more intricate designs which came with both a very pop-art modern feel as well as having some with a very classical edge. Architecture seemed to reflect most of the shoe designs. There was a very futuristic feel to some designs that gave them a simple aesthetics. I did not see any new innovative designs in this category.
The bags were the hardest category for me to judge. I did not feel that there were any particular trends and again no new and innovative ideas came to light. I did however LOVE the jacket/turned bag!!—Kat Nadj
The last projects were to me all about body decoration and jewellery. It seems like making very good bags and shoes is really rare, with a few exceptions. The general level, however, was so much higher that the previous seasons.
—Angelo Flaccavento
And now, it is with great joy that we present the ITS#EIGHT FINALISTS:
FASHION Finalists
- Elise Gettliffe - French
- Hogeschool Antwerpen - Belgium
- Karisia Paponi - Italian
- Hogeschool Antwerpen - Belgium
- Saara Lepokorpi - Finnish
- University of Art & Design Helsinki - Finland
- Alice Knackfuss - German
- Akademie Mode Design Munich - Germany
- Josefine Jarzombek - German
- Weissensee Kunsthochschule Berlin - Germany
- Ankur Gupta - Indian
- National Institute of Fashion Technology - India
- Maria Lavigina - Israeli
- Shenkar College of Engineering and Design - Israel
- Erika Comin - Italian
- Università IAUV di Venezia, Corso di Laurea in Design della Moda - Italy
- Deniz Demirsoy - Turkish
- Polimoda - International Insitute Fashion Design and Marketing - Italy
- Masha Lamzina - Russian
- Fashion Designer
- AnneMarie Bosch - Swiss
- Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz Basel - Switzerland
- Michael Van Der Ham - Dutch
- Central St. Martins College of Art and Design - United Kingdon
- Johanne Kappel Andersen - Danish
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Jasper Sinchai Chadprajong - Thai
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Liam Evans - British
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Mason Jung - South Korean
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Bronwen Marshall - British
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
ACCESSORIES Finalists
- Yuima Nakazato - Japanese
- Hogeschool Antwerpen - Belgium
- Hoiming Fung - Chinese
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - China
- Baldwin Pui - Chinese
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - China
- Tatiana Pogrebnyak - Israeli
- Shenkar College of Engineering and Design - Israel
- Gili Rozin - Israeli
- Shenkar College of Engineering and Design - Israel
- Adi Singfer - Israeli
- Shenkar College of Engineering and Design - Israel
- Doron Taubenfeld - Israeli
- Shenkar College of Engineering and Design - Israel
- Nilay Erol - Turkish
- Domus Academy - Italy
- Una Burke - Irish
- London College of Fashion - United Kingdom
- Weronika Lesniak - British
- London College of Fashion - United Kingdom
- Helen Robotham - British
- London College of Fashion - United Kingdom
- Joanne Stoker - British
- London College of Fashion - United Kingdom
- Sophie Bille Brahe - Danish
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Ali Forbes - Scottish
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Chau Har Lee - British
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Nicholas Liu - Chinese
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Juultje Meerdink - Dutch
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
PHOTOGRAPHY Finalists
- Quentin Shih - Chinese
- Photographer
- Saana Wang - Finnish
- University of Art & Design Helsinki - Finland
- Alexander Babic - German
- Fachhochschule Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences - Germany
- Frauke Thielking - German
- University of Applied Sciences Dortmund , FH Fachhochschule - Germany
- Silvia Noferi - Italian
- Fondazione Studio Marangoni - Italy
- Luigi Corda - Italian
- Photographer
- Megumi Nagase - Japanese
- Tokyo Polytechnic University - Japan
- Monica Lozano Red - Mexico / United States
- TAI Escuela Superior de Artes Y Espectaculos - Spain
- David Favrod - Swiss
- Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne - Switzerland
- Thomas Rousset - French
- Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne - Switzerland
- Noemie Goudal - French
- Royal College of Art - United Kingdom
- Muiread Macnabb - Irish
- University of Wales College- - Newport School of Art, Media and Design - United Kingdom
- Erik Boker - American
- Art Center College of Design - USA
- Elizabeth Eiten - American
- Rhode Island School of Design - USA
- Sarah Small - American
- Rhode Island School of Design - USA
- Clare Bottomley - British
- Winner of the online competition ITS#PHOTOweb
The first thing we would like to say to the new ITS Generation is good luck for the future. Remember that our work doesn't finish with ITS. Many finalists already know this well. Our support is ongoing and never stops. If you want to stay in touch with us, we will always be there for you. Remember this.
Also remember that there are many ways to be a designer. You can have your own line and show in Paris. But you can also have your own shop and work for a small number of loyal clients who love your work. And you can also work for another brand yet still express your creativity. These are hard times we live in, even more in the fashion world where - we will say this again and again until our lungs run out of fresh air - there are thousands of different brands fighting for space and profit.
We fight for creativity. We fight for you.
