ITS Contest 2025

ITS Contest finalists receive financial support and join a network of peers and industry experts that provide mentoring and career opportunities.

At the core of the ITS Contest experience lies a residency in Italy - an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and make lifelong friendships at the crossroads of Europe.

Applications

It's official! Applications for the next edition of the ITS Contest are now closed.

If you need advice or assistance about your ITS Contest 2025 submission, feel free to write to schools-contestants@itsweb.org, and we’ll be happy to help.

ITS Contest 2025 Experiences and Awards

ITS Creative Excellence Award 10x10x10

All finalists will receive:

  • €10K bursary
  • a 10 days creative Residency held between Trieste and signature locations of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy
  • 10 months feature in the “Borderless” Exhibition at ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion

Rewarding honours powered by

Fondazione ITS

Fondazione ITS offers a customised special experience to support the recipient professional growth and career path

OTB

The OTB Group will offer the finalists a mentoring and coaching program on best sustainability practices with the Group’s experts. In addition, a training day visit of the headquarters of OTB and Staff International will be offered to the young designers who will be able to see first-hand the production stages of the garments and accessories of the Group’s brands.

Swatch

Swatch offers a special experience in Venice, scheduled for Monday 24th March. Swatch will offer to the honouree designer an exclusive itinerary to discover Venice’s artistic heritage through centuries. The designer will discover the unique colourful craft of glass mosaics at Fornace Orsoni, explore centuries of luxurious textiles at the Rubelli Foundation, and experience the passion for modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, with the privilege of meeting key players for each project. Finally, a visit to take in the history and beauty of San Giorgio Maggiore. Accommodation expenses will be fully covered.

Vogue Eyewear part of EssilorLuxottica

Vogue Eyewear part of EssilorLuxottica offers an incredible opportunity, that will take place at the Essilor Tortona Experience Center in Milan, together with EssilorLuxottica Design Team. One or more designers selected by EssilorLuxottica will be invited to take part in the Special Experience, for which EssilorLuxottica will cover the overnight stays on Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March, and the round-trip costs from Trieste to Milan.

Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana

Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana offers a scholarship worth €5,000 awarded based on the designer’s creativity with particular attention to the theme of sustainability, in its broadest meanings of product sustainability, respect for the environment and social sustainability.

Fondazione Ferragamo

Fondazione Ferragamo is offering € 7,000 to a designer to be invested on his/her activity. The choice will be made based on the knowledge of materials and innovation.

Fondazione Sozzani

Fondazione Sozzani offers one designer the opportunity to present their work in its spaces during 2025. The designer will be hosted free of charge, and the Fondazione will provide support for the exhibition setup and communication activities. Accommodation expenses will be fully covered.

Modateca Deanna

Modateca Deanna offers an exclusive one-week experience at Modateca Deanna, where the designer will have the opportunity to conduct research at the Modateca’s archives and delve deeper into knitwear techniques. The designer will also have the chance to visit some of the leading yarn mills, knitting factories, and workshops in the area, exploring all the key stages involved in bringing a creative idea to life. Modateca Deanna will cover travel and accommodation and company visits costs.

Pitti Tutoring & Consulting

Pitti Tutoring & Consulting Special Experience includes a 6-months mentorship program of Tutoring & Consulting activities, such as support in defining and establishing one’s brand and/or identifying and analyzing the most suitable career path for the winning designer. Meetings (via video call or in-person) will take place every two weeks to assess progress and equip the designer with valuable experience, enabling them to approach their career in the best possible way.

WRAD

WRÅD will give a designer the chance to take part of a 2-day tour of innovative textile enterprises in Italy, the products and processes of which can provide further guidance and inspiration.

Awards out of competition

ITS Public’s Choice Award

€5,000 ITS Public’s Choice Award awarded in January 2026 to the winner chosen by the public of the “Borderless” exhibition

ITS Fashion Film Award

€3,000 assigned to the best Fashion Film

Created & organized by

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Backed by

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Partner

otb-its-contest-2025
swatch-its-contest-2025
vogue-eyewear-part-of-essilor-luxottica-its-contest-2025

In agreement with

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foondazione-ferragamo-its-contest-2025
fondazione-sozzani-its-contest-2025
modateca-deanna-its-contest-2025
pitti-tutoring-e-consulting-its-contest-2025
wrad-its-contest-2025

ITS Contest 2025 Timeline

Here are the key dates of the next edition. Don't forget to mark them in your diary!

July

Entry requirements published

Your application checklist is online.

July

September 2nd

ITS Contest 2025 launches

Register now to begin your online application process.

September 2nd

September 30th

Deadline for applications

Don't forget to submit your entry.

September 30th

Early October

Shortlisting

The top 100 digital submissions are selected.

Early October

Mid October

Portfolio submissions

The 100 selected applicants are invited to send their physical portfolios to the ITS Contest headquarters in Trieste.

Mid October

Mid November

Pre-selections

The ITS Contest Jury shortlists the top 10 designers.

Mid November

March 9th - 22nd

The Residency
and Final Event

The ten designers arrive in Trieste for a 10-day creative residency. The final event celebrates their talent and inaugurates the ITS Arcademy exhibition dedicated to them.

March 9th - 22nd

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