Australian menswear designers now have the opportunity to participate in a year-long design and business mentorship program with Mr Porter, after the eTailer launched its Mr Porter Futures program.
The retailer is on a worldwide search for three aspiring designers to participate in the program, which is open to anyone across the globe who meets the criteria (detailed below).
Built around Mr Porter’s 10th anniversary themes of craftsmanship, discovery, inclusivity and community, Mr Porter Futures aims to identify and nurture new design talent from outside the fashion mainstream.
Mr Porter buying director Sam Kershaw welcomed the introduction of the program.
"We are thrilled to embark on our inaugural journey of Mr Porter Futures, an initiative born from a desire to discover and develop new talent from the global world we live in, and for the global community Mr Porter serves.
"We have always been committed to championing a diverse mix of new and emerging designers throughout Mr Porter's decade in business, but if this year has taught us anything, it is that we have the responsibility to use our global platform to give equal opportunities to all new aspiring menswear voices, no matter their experience or background.
"Mr Porter Futures' anonymous application process ensures that the program is open to everyone, including those outside of the industry mainstream.
"We are also proud to be shaping the future of menswear to produce high quality, responsibly sourced collections that are designed with inherent value, longevity and integrity; qualities Mr Porter prizes above all else," he said.
Eligible submissions from the international pool of candidates will be selected through an initial anonymous application review process.
Each application will receive a rating based on a combined assessment of written answers and submitted design briefs.
Applicant ratings will be aggregated in June, and the top selection will be asked to interview with the Mr Porter Futures Mentor Selection Committee in July.
Following the final interviews, three designers or design duos will be selected and prepared for the program’s start and announcement in September 2021.
The inaugural Mr Porter Futures Mentor Selection Committee will include:
• Nicholas Daley, menswear designer and founder of Nicholas Daley
• Julie Ragolia, brand consultant, stylist and Mr Porter contributor
• Tatsuo Hino, director of Beams & Co and Mr Porter Style Council member
• Reese Cooper, designer, founder and creative director of Reese Cooper
• Judith Tolley, head of Centre for Fashion Enterprise, London College of Fashion, UAL
• Olie Arnold, Mr Porter Style Director
• Sam Kershaw, Mr Porter Buying Director
The Mr Porter Futures program is set to become an annual ongoing initiative where new design talent will be showcased and developed across the retailer's global platform, which serves more than 180 countries.
Mr Porter Futures applications opened on April 26 and will close on June 06 2021.
Criteria:
• Applicants must be aged 18 or older
• Open to individuals or design duos only
• Must not be a current Mr Porter brand, or a brand currently in contract with Mr Porter or Yoox-Net-A-Porter Group
• Cannot already own a registered or trademarked business with an annual turnover of over €10,000
• Agree to work with Mr Porter to develop a (minimum) 15-piece menswear ready-to-wear collection (we are unable to accept applications for technical sportswear, accessories or footwear collections)
• Must be able to undertake the majority of the program remotely
• Must agree to participate in progress reviews
• Able to submit their application in English and participate in English-language courses