Bonaudo S.p.A., a prominent name in Italian leather Industry since 1923, has announced a unique opportunity for aspiring designers worldwide. The company’s latest initiative invites Bachelor’s students in Fashion Design at IED Milan to participate in a design competition aimed at fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainability in the fashion industry.
Contestants are encouraged to craft capsule collections that embody the artistry and versatility of leather, titled “The Beauty of Sustainable Traditions. Leather: A Luxury Leader in Circularity and Durability Meets the New Generations”
The competition calls on students to channel their vision and creativity into a capsule collection featuring six unique outfits or six accessories with leather as the primary material.
Each entry should illustrate a deep respect for leather’s natural beauty and adaptability, highlighting qualities that make it both a lasting and elegant choice in fashion.
Contestants are encouraged to consider ways to innovate while staying true to Bonaudo’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
Essential Requirements and Creative Process
To enter the contest, students must submit a series of thoughtfully crafted materials, each reflecting a part of their design journey:
- Iconographic Research:
A collection of images that visually narrate the inspiration behind the capsule collection.
- Evocative Mood Board:
A conceptual board that conveys the essence and emotion of the design theme.
- Target Mood Board:
Aimed at identifying the target audience and aligning design aesthetics to suit their preferences.
- Product Mood Board:
Showcasing potential products with focus areas like details, textures, and style direction.
- Color Palette and Fabric Palette:
Detailed swatches and color schemes for the collection, focusing on leather’s natural hues and sustainable fabric choices.
This comprehensive presentation will allow Bonaudo to evaluate each project holistically, emphasizing originality, attention to detail, and how well each entry resonates with the company’s values.
The contest will initially select 23 candidates whose work stands out for its quality and alignment with the themes set forth by Bonaudo.
These semi-finalists will receive an exclusive invitation to visit Bonaudo’s facilities in January, where they will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and heritage of Italian leatherworking.
This visit aims to provide valuable insights into the production process and ethical practices that define Bonaudo’s legacy.
Following the visit, six exceptional projects will be chosen as finalists. Each of these students will be provided with the necessary materials to bring their designs to life, crafting one outfit and one accessory that will showcase their talent and vision.
In the final stage, Bonaudo will host an exclusive event attended by company representatives, members of the press, and a distinguished panel of judges.
This event will provide finalists with an esteemed platform to present their designs, engaging directly with industry leaders and influencers.
After a meticulous evaluation, one winner will be selected to represent Bonaudo’s ethos and craftsmanship at the renowned Première Vision exhibition in September 2025.
As part of the prize, the winner will receive financial support from Bonaudo to develop their work for the show, where they’ll have the opportunity to present their creation to global industry professionals, gaining valuable exposure and potential career opportunities in the fashion world.
