The ITS Contest 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious talent scouting platforms for emerging fashion designers, has just concluded in Trieste, Italy. The event, founded and led by Barbara Franchin, continues to redefine the industry by offering young designers not just recognition but also mentorship, scholarships, and career-enhancing opportunities.
A New Vision for Fashion Competitions
Unlike traditional competitions where only a few receive awards, this year’s ITS Contest embraced a collaborative model, recognizing all ten selected finalists as winners. These talented designers will now see their work become part of the collection at ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion, Italy’s first contemporary fashion museum.
The ten new fashion talents are:
- Cindy Zhaohan Li (China)
- Gabrielle Szwarcenberg (Belgium)
- Macy Grimshaw (France)
- Maximilian Raynor (United Kingdom)
- Mijoda Dajomi (Germany)
- Naya El Ahdab (France)
- Patrick Taylor (United Kingdom)
- Qianhan Liu (China)
- Yifan Yu (China)
- Zhuen Cai (China)
A special honor, the ITS Jury’s Rewarding Honours, was awarded to Maximilian Raynor from the UK. The jury praised Raynor for his deep connection to historical influences, theatrical elements, and self-production techniques, seeing in him a designer with a strong artistic voice and limitless potential.
Additionally, Meret Olympia Salome Baer from the Royal College of Art in London won the ITS Fashion Film Award for her film Lactic Acid, recognized for its artistic storytelling and visual strength.
A Jury of Icons and Visionaries
The international ITS Jury was composed of industry leaders, including:
- Dame Zandra Rhodes, legendary British designer
- Tom Eerebout, celebrity stylist
- Andrea Rosso, sustainability ambassador for OTB Group
- Orsola de Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution
- Sara Sozzani Maino, creative director of Fondazione Sozzani
Their collective experience and insight ensured that the young designers were evaluated not only for their technical skills but also for their creative vision, sustainability approach, and potential impact on the fashion industry.
Trieste: A City of Art, Culture, and Innovation
The ITS Contest finds its perfect home in Trieste, a city rich in artistic heritage and international influence. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this cultural crossroads has long been a melting pot of ideas and creativity. Hosting the ITS Arcademy – Museum of Art in Fashion, Trieste is now a global hub for contemporary fashion.
The city’s role in this event was further emphasized by the presence of Lucia Borgonzoni, Undersecretary of State to the Italian Ministry of Culture, and Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. Their support underscores the importance of fashion as both a cultural force and an economic driver in Italy.
Barbara Franchin: A Champion of Emerging Talent
At the heart of ITS Contest is Barbara Franchin, whose passion for discovering and nurturing new talent has made this event a global phenomenon. Since founding ITS in 2002, she has dedicated herself to building a platform that goes beyond competition, fostering a community where creativity and collaboration thrive.
“Today, more than ever, fashion needs creative talent, but for many young people, the path is filled with challenges,” Franchin stated. “By offering all designers the opportunity to grow together, we are creating a new, more ethical way forward for the industry.”
The Future of ITS Contest and ITS Arcademy
With the conclusion of ITS Contest 2025, the Borderless exhibition at ITS Arcademy is set to open on March 27, further solidifying the museum’s role in preserving and showcasing cutting-edge fashion design.
This edition of ITS Contest has once again proven that talent knows no borders. In the inspiring setting of Trieste, young designers have found a stage where they can dream, create, and shape the future of fashion.
ITS Contest is not just an event—it’s a movement, a statement, and above all, a promise to the next generation of designers.
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