Memories from ITS#NINE
July 23, 2010
He doesn’t speak a word of English. All he knows is that the Master of Ceremonies has just called his name, and every other finalist sitting around him is clapping their hands and staring him in the eyes with a big smile saying words that resembles like congratulations. So it is very clear for him that he has won. That’s his name, Takashi Nishiyama. That’s his prize written on the giant video wall: Fashion Collection of the Year. So there he goes towards the center of the stage. 22 years old and student at Coconogacco school founded by Yoshikazu Yamagata, finalist at ITS#THREE. ITS found a talent that founded a school that produced a talent that won ITS.
A glitter “22” stencil. Sprayed all around town, in key points for all guests of ITS#NINE to see. People wearing glitter covered masks guerrilla-spraying during the event. Part of the Sidéral(es) ensemble. Linda Calugi and Roberta Weiand, when they presented their collection in front of the jury on Friday afternoon, 16 July, said it very clearly: “This collection was inspired by ITS and made for ITS”. Fabrizio Talia, another member of this collective, had told us in Barcelona a couple years ago he was working with other people on a project for ITS…Justin Smith left us speechless when he explained why and what this all represents. A new way of dealing with fashion and creativity at large. Unconditional love that returns to where it began. ITS found talents that fell in love with ITS and came back with a collection inspired by ITS that left everyone speechless.
We use a language that teaches to listen with the eyes. We set our goal. We planted the seed of our highest hope. We are now sure the ground is still fertile.
There are dozens of different episodes that stitched together give a picture that cannot but bring a tear to our eyes. We leave behind a year of struggles and suffering that we will not tell you about, that made us feel like it was time to quit, time to stop this crazy dream called ITS, which was attacked from all sides by the ruthlessness of the world.
We are now convinced that the eyes are still able to listen. You were right my brother, there is a legacy, there are people who will never forget this. For these people we will fight on. And no matter where this will take us or how long it is going to last.
We leave you with a collection of images (we strongly recommend you have a look at the complete photogallery) and the comments written by the jurors on what they saw and experienced:
Viktor & Rolf
Fashion Designers
The general level of the contestants was very high. The organisation is impeccable. So all in all, a great pleasure to be here!
Valentina Maggi
Director of Design Practice at Floriane de St. Pierre
What is amazing is that even though the budgets become smaller and smaller, it cannot stop the ITS family from always being among the best in showcasing creativity at its highest levels! I am happy to see that more and more people are understanding this and are becoming part of the family!
Sara Maino
Fashion Editor Vogue Italia / Vogue.it
A fantastic creative container where you have the chance to view and meet many talented designers.
Nina Nitsche
Maison Martin Margiela
A very good organisation, an exceptional selection of extremely diverse talents make this competition really exciting.
Mason Jung
Winner of “Fashion Collection of the Year” at ITS#EIGHT
The accessories part was really strong compared to fashion, in terms of diversity and execution. For fashion the finalists have done a great job but there was a lack of pure creativity.
Maria Luisa Poumaillou
Founder and Buyer Maria Luisa Boutique
Very high level this year. Very good mens collections. Excellent organisation, simple, direct and efficient. Interesting contacts, wonderful experience. Congratulations!
Mandi Lennard
Director Mandi’s Basement
I was extremely impressed with the presentations, the research and theories behind how each designer reached their capsule. Also, the efforts they made - 3D collage to illustrate layered outfits, technical drawings and careful tabling of information such as: costings, man hours to make, etc. The standard was higher than ever and this was reflected in each dossier, as well as in the garments presented. It was interesting to see how many designers now regard themselves as a brand: logo, clear identity and philosophy, some very imaginative graphics.
Kei Kagami
Fashion Designer
Very good, I know the budget was not enough, however I can say I did not feel it. Things were presented very well, and looked very professional. Also, I thank you for the great hospitality you reserved me, it was a fantastic voyage.
Giampietro Baudo
Editor in Chief Milano Finanza Fashion
Good, better menswear than womenswear, and better fashion than accessories. The choice of selecting Italians among the finalists was also good.
Elisa Palomino
Fashion Designer
As usual there is a terrific choice! The accessories were stunning and menswear collections really outstanding. Hopefully we will get more womenswear collections next year.
Donald Potard
Founder and Owner “Agent de Luxe”
I found positive the very different directions of creativity, some of a very high level (professional!). Big occasion for creativity to become visible and to inspire creativity in fashion. Great organisation and nice atmosphere.
Chau Har Lee
Winner of “Accessories Collection of the Year” at ITS#EIGHT
The standard of work has been very high and it’s wonderful to see the diversity of work and the execution of the pieces. As a previous finalist I can understand what the designers are going through and that makes it a very difficult decision, but I am honoured to be part of it.
Bruno Collin
Artistic Director DIESEL
It was a very nice experience, congratulations for this AMAZING WORK. Good job, and good quality of the young blood.
Bernadette W. Glittenberg
Founder and Head of BWG S.L.
Even with much more menswear collections, creativity seems to be more present than last year. Organisation and production of ITS#NINE - as always - was very professional and with much love!!
