At Mittelmoda_the fashion award 2004 an exclusive collaboration with Otago Polythechnic School of Fashion.
Among Mittelmoda's Finalists a scholarship offered by Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin_New Zealand will be awarded to the
collection which most of all will show innovation in the use of materials and methods.
The Otago Polytechnic scholar in residence is an innovative and valuable project that will enable the scholar, students
and lecturers to interact and consider the effect internationalization has on the fashion business. This is an
opportunity to explore and question fashion conventions and to produce a selection of works for exhibition.
The Award
* Return airfare from a major international airport to Dunedin, New Zealand
* Stipend of €1000 per month
* Accommodation
* Studio, including use of the fashion and industrial product workshops
* Materials
Criteria for selection
* Mittelmoda_the fashion award finalist
* Innovative design practitioner, ideally someone who is interested in experimentation with materials and or methods of
production and has an inquiring mind
* Willing to take part in cultural exchange and discourse including seminars on their work and design influences
* Available for residency in Dunedin_New Zealand for up to 8 weeks [minimum 4 weeks], to be taken before November 2005
This collaboration marks an important step of Mittelmoda's mission in creating continuous feed-back between academic
world, industrial fashion system, and young creative talents all over the world, and it's permanent target of being a
unique chance of spiritual, cultural, and professional exchange.
Mittelmoda_the fashion award: the finalists
The Jury has selected the finalists for the 12th edition of Mittelmoda_the fashion award, the international contest for
emerging fashion designers. Their collections will be showcased in Grado_Gorizia (Italy) on the 10_11 September 2004,
where they will compete for the 11 prizes on offer.
Those selected are young students and graduates in fashion design, coming from 22 nations, not only from the countries
with a long tradition in fashion such as the Uk, France, and Belgium but also from emerging nations such as Uruguay, New
Zealand, and Singapore. Mittelmoda have created over the years contacts with 621 fashion schools and academies in 66
countries, more than 900 young designers enrolled in this years contest. (see finalists’ list attached).
Beppe Modenese_Honorary President of Camera Nazionale Moda Italiana heads the Jury, composed of renowned fashion
journalists and design experts: Giovanni Bianchi_La Perla Style Office, Mariella Burani_Fashion Designer, Sergio
Ciucci_Exté Creative Director, Elio Fiorucci_Fashion Designer, Icarius _Lancetti Creative Director, Paolo Landi_Fabrica
Advertising Director_Benetton Group, Vittorio Missoni_Deputy President of Camera Nazionale Moda Italiana, Fabrizio
Servente_Sisley Director.
The criteria followed by the Jury in judging the competition were creativity, feasibility, and portability. Furthermore,
the winning collections attain a high profile in the international fashion marketplace.
To the list of the 26 finalists already selected, students will be added from Eastern Europe and will be chosen at the
Textile Fair, Styl and Kabo on the 23_24 August in Brno_Czech Republic. Among the young designers from Eastern Europe
enrolled in Mittelmoda, a pre-selected group of 12 students will showcase their collections and be judged by an
international jury with the winners, not only representing Eastern Europe, but also competing for the Mittelmoda Eastern
Europe Award offered by MerylâNylstar SpA, at the finals in September.
The final fashion show will take place on the 11th September 2004 in Grado - Gorizia (Italy), followed by the
presentation ceremony, where the 11 prizes will be awarded:
1st Mittelmoda Award, Eur 8000 and 2nd Mittelmoda Award, Eur 4000 for the best and second best collection
Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Award, Eur 3000 for the most creative collection
Mittelmoda Eastern Europe Meryl Award, Eur 3000 for the best collection created by a young designer from Eastern Europe
Sisley Award, Eur 3500 + internship for the most passionate-easy to wear-universal collection;
Vesti di Cotone Award, Eur 2500 for the best interpretation of the characteristics of Cotton;
Masters of Linen Award, Eur 2500 for the best interpretation of the characteristics of Linen
Shirt Avenue Award, Eur 1000 for the best interpretation of the shirt;
Sistema Moda Italia – Efima Award, Eur 1000 for the best collection of experimentation and research;
La Perla Award, Eur 1000 + internship for the best women’s underwear collection;
Beachwear Award, Eur 2500 + exhibition in Cannes for the best womenswear beachwear collection
Mittelmoda_the fashion award is organised by Gorizia Fiere and promoted by Mittelmoda International Lab in collaboration
with Camera Nazionale Moda Italiana and Associazione Tessile Italiana.
[Please note - the designer will retain ownership of any work produced under the visiting scholar scheme. The School of
Fashion at Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to use images of these works for publicity purposes for up to two years
following the completion of the residency.]
For futher information http://www.mittelmoda.com
Mittelmoda_the fashion award
The showcase for the third millennium’s fashion creations.
The Contest
Organised by Gorizia Fiere, Italy, and established in 1993 as a non-profit event,
Mittelmoda is an international fashion design competition for aspiring young designers, and students. The showcase is
one of the most sought-after, allowing the finalists to present their original ideas, and collections to the fashion
world, winning prizes for outstanding creativity.
Keeping an ever-watchful eye on the international talent market, Mittelmoda has established contacts with over 600
fashion academies, and schools throughout the world.
This event offers the fashion industry an ideal opportunity to view the potential of leading young and international
creative fashion designers.
The goals
The contest’s primary goal is to offer the chance through fashion, to exchange, and compare different cultures, in order
to aid professional and personal growth for young designers.
At the same time, Mittelmoda focuses on their future, raising their visibility in the world
of fashion, as well as creating a link with job reality.
Previous winning contestants are currently working for many eminent fashion houses throughout the world.
Mittemoda has now successfully achieved sourcing the latest trends and ideas in the fashion world.
Mittelmoda International Lab’s activities enable the clothing and textile industry to obtain detailed research on new
fashion designers. Their comprehensive database contains information on all the young designers that have competed
successfully over the past eleven years.
Next Edition- SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER PARCO DELLE ROSE_GRADO (ITALY)
22nd May ’04: deadline 14th June ‘04: finalists’ selection
Mittelmoda_the fashion award’s 12th edition will take place in Gorizia_Grado on the
10th & 11th September 2004.
The competitors are selected from all parts of the world to display their creations, and
are judged by an international jury composed of journalists, and fashion experts.
The opening dinner will take place on the evening of Friday 10th, followed by a
fitting session for the panel of judges to view.
The morning of Saturday 11th, will be dedicated to a workshop, with the fashion show commencing in the evening at the
Parco delle Rose_Grado, and will conclude with the award winners ceremony.
The Awards
Mittelmoda is sensitive to budding talent, and has the support of many leading brand names in the fashion world.
Companies that are constantly on the lookout for the latest designs, and have chosen to support the event by offering
cash prizes and internships to the winning entries:
1st Mittelmoda Award, Eur 8000 presented for the best collection
2nd Mittelmoda Award, Eur 4000 presented for the second best collection
Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Award, Eur 3000 for the most creative collection
Mittelmoda Est Europa Meryl Award, Eur 3000 for the best collection created by a young designer from Eastern Europe
donated by MerylNylstar SpA
Sisley Award, Eur 3500 + internship for the most passionate-easy to wear-universal collection;
donated by Sisley - Benetton
Vesti di Cotone Award, Eur 2500 for the best interpretation of the characteristics of Cotton;
donated by Fondazione Industrie Cotone Lino
Masters of Linen Award, Eur 2500 for the best interpretation of the characteristics of Linen; donated by Centro Lino
Italiano
Shirt Avenue Award, Eur 1000 for the best interpretation of the shirt; donated by
Consorzio Produttori Italiani Tessuti per Camiceria
Sistema Moda Italia – Efima Award, Eur 1000 for the best collection of experimentation and research;
donated by Sistema Moda Italia and Efima
La Perla Award, Eur 1000 + internship for the best women’s underwear collection; donated by Gruppo LaPerla
Premio Beachwear, Eur 2500 + exhibition in Cannes for the best womenswear beachwear collection
offered by Consorzio MarediModa.
Satellite Projects
Apart from planning this event, in conjunction with the fashion world, and textile industry,
Mittelmoda will be working on various satellite projects during the year.
One project, Mittelmoda Estern Europe emphasizes the opening up of the Eastern European market, and at the same time
marks the collaborations between Mittelmoda, and fashion events organised by the Brno Trade Fair, in the Czech Republic.
It is hopeful that the competition will become an annual event, and in February a fashion show took place
presenting four finalists from Mittelmoda 2003.
In August 2004, on the Brno catwalk 15 design projects from Eastern Europe will be judged,
with the winners taking part in the 2004 Mittelmoda show, representing Eastern Europe.
The Special Mittelmoda Eastern Europe Meryl Award, donated by Meryl®Nylstar, will
be awarded to the winning Eastern Europe finalist, while all remaining finalists receive the other prizes.
The second project is linked to Fashion, Tradition, and Beauty in Ancient Italy, promoted by the Soprintendenza per i
beni Archeologici del Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The contest is open to the young creative fashion students from
Friuli Venezia Giulia. Their creations (clothing and accessories), inspired by ancient Italy, will be displayed at an
exhibition taking place at the Archaeological Museum in Aquileia during March 2004, with the foremost creation winning a
place amongst the Mittelmoda 2004 finalists.
In its second year, the third prestigious project is an event that links Mittelmoda’s presence at the AltaRoma fashion
week, in the Italian capital. One of the finalists will participate at the kermesse, showcasing their collection and
outfits presented at this event.
Mittelmoda links up to the Italian competition Riccione Moda Italia too, where in July some finalists of Mittelmoda’s
past showcase their collections to offer an international aspect.
Mittelmoda is very active on the educational level, and is launching a
Master in Styling & Communications project promoted by Trieste University, and in collaboration with Mittelmoda International Lab. The
project responds to the present need to create fashion managers specialising in style and design who will able to
successfully manage a companies brand name, in a logical and consistent manner.
Supporters and Partners
Organised by Gorizia Fiere, Mittelmoda_The Fashion Award is promoted by Mittelmoda International Lab in collaboration
with the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and the Associazione Tessile Italiana.
Mittelmoda has obtained the patronage of the Ministero dei Beni e Culture Ambientali as well as
the contribution of the Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Over the years, many various brands and institutions, with the same needs of sustaining creative talent, on an
international level, have taken part in Mittelmoda’s activities.
Brands: AirDolomiti - Benetton - Calzedonia - Chimento - Exté - Ferré - Hugo Boss - illycaffè, Inghirami - Intimissimi -
La Perla - Marzotto - Malo-Masters of Linen - Max Mara - Meryl Nilstar - Nescafè - Pancaldi - Reporter - Red Bull -
Romeo Gigli - Sanremo- Sisley
Institutions: Centro Lino Italiano- Fondazione Industrie Cotone Lino- Cotton Council International- Shirt Avenue-Sistema
Moda Italia- Veletrhy Brno/Styl
Creativity is Mittelmoda’s prime and continual focal point. With a constant and professional eye for detail, with a
touch of irony, it successfully supplants traditional ways with young, original, and vibrant fashion ideas.
For further information please contact Mittelmoda’s HQs (See Heading) or visit our website http://www.mittelmoda.com
MITTELMODA_THE FASHION AWARD
What people say …
In Italy we should invest more in the important relationship that links up economy, culture and youth vocational
training: we must deal with the latter if we want to maintain Italy`s leadership in fashion and in the textile and
clothing sector. Mittelmoda has chosen to deal with the future of young designers, and for this reason it must be
encouraged and supported Santo Versace
These days young designers believe that in other to impress they always have to invent new things. On the contrary, they
should understand that the main goal of a designer is to create something that a company can appreciate and therefore
produce. We have decided to award the saleability of ideas rather than inventions
Beppe Modenese- Honorary President of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana
The Mittelmoda concept of encouraging and rewarding young international design talent is admirable. Securing the support
of key individuals and organisations in the fashion business and of so many design schools around the world is an
impressive achievement. But, most importantly, the organisers have understood the value of continuity for projects of
this type. The importance of Mittelmoda`s commitment to young designers over many years is both brave and unique, and
gives this project such credibility... It is encouraging to see how Mittelmoda is determined to develop its role as a
vital link between young talent and the fashion industry
Stephen Higginson-International Textile
I think that the whole world has become a big melting pot where different origins and cultures are mixed. Gorizia is a
privileged observatory in my opinion...Only here it is possible to see the various and different interpretations of what
happens in the world around us, with so many countries represented and fashion designers we wouldn`t be able to see
elsewhere. It is very important that this event takes place Ted Polhemus, Anthropologist and
Fashion Writer
It seems that Mittelmoda is the only international event within the arts which brings people from all around the globe
together, in a spirit of true and lasting friendship Norma Starsakowna, Director of Research, The London
Institute
Everyone has this dream to become a fashion designer...A prove of this is Mittelmoda`s great success...A showcase for
the true heirs of today`s top fashion designers Vogue Italia
From Mittelmoda_the fashion award to …
Some emerging fashion designers who took part in Mittelmoda
LO CHUN MAN e DARREN CABON - (UK): graduated at the Royal College of Art, the couple took part in Mittelmoda 1994 as Lo and won a prize. Later on they showcase at the
LONDON FASHION WEEK, starter up Studio 50,a business on their own in Londra. Furthermore they are teachers at the
College in Colchester and Winchester, and visiting lecturers at the Royal College of Art.
BRIAN KIRBY alias BRIAN OF BRITAIN - (UK): graduated at the Royal College of Art, he took part in Mittelmoda
1994 and was awarded a prize. Later on he created his label, became Boudicca and was inserted in the calendar of the
LONDON FASHION WEEK where he currently showcases.
ANN-SOFIE BACK - (UK/SVE): born in Sweden and graduated at the Central Saint Martins in London, took place in Mittelmoda
1998, she then worked for per various French magazines. Ann-Sofie has created her label produced by Cube and
showcases at the LONDON FASHION WEEK her website: http://www.annsofieback.com/ss2003/
ERIC MEUNIER alias WILLY - (Belgium): born in Belgium in 1970, he attended for a year the Hogeschool Antwerpen and for
three years La Cambre. He took part in different competitions and was awarded many prizes: in 2001 he won at
Mittelmoda_the fashion award the Vesti di Cotone Award; in 2002 went to the Festivàl de la Mode in Hyéres and at the
same time won Coral Fashion Award in Belgium. Then he has worked in Antwerp, opens up an atelier and showcases his
collections in Paris.