In these series of articles the professional organizations and institutions from the countries participating in International Young Designers Contest are sharing their experience and best cases in support and development of the young talented fashion designers. The current article introduces Ukrainian Fashion Week - the organization that plays a leading role in shaping the fashion sector in Ukraine.

Since 1997 the organization has run the self-named prêt-a-porter week twice a year, that gathers more than 50 fashion designers, accredits more than 200 Ukrainian and international mass media and is attended by over 12000 guests every time.

“We at Ukrainian Fashion Week believe that the success of Ukrainian fashion is strengthened by the continual emersion of young designers. The young and talented stimulate the birth of new trends in styles, remove preconceptions and stereotypes of the industry, nourish interest of society and media to Ukrainian fashion brands”, - is noted by the head of organizing committee and co-founder of Ukrainian Fashion Week, Iryna Danylevska.

Since 2000 a sequence of progressive creative initiatives were launched with emerging designers in mind. First was the national young designers contest “A look into the future”. Like many contests it stimulates the development of talents in the sector, showcases them to fashion media and fashion experts. As part of the contest, young designers are mentored by their established colleagues: who provide their professional advice and direction, the young designers are getting inspiration for their future. Many established Ukrainian designers, who are recognized both nationally and internationally, have started from the catwalk of “A look into the future” contest.

For three years the New Names platform appeared in the official schedule of Ukrainian Fashion Week: a non-stop show of 5-6 designers with small collection of 10-12 looks. These shows are always on the radar of producers from showbusiness and TV shows, people from the film industry, art directors of advertising agencies, who are constantly searching for new ideas and inspirations. It never fails to generate attention from media and fashion experts. The success of New Names platform propelled the launch of Fresh Fashion in 2006, which became the next progressive step for young designers in the professional development and establishment of their brands.

Fresh Fashion platform is catwalk show in the official schedule of Ukrainian fashion week opened for young designers, whose names are already familiar to professionals and the media, however these young talents often are lacking the financial and production resources. Presentation of their collections at the best-known catwalk in the country attracts attention of potential clients and also creates realistic opportunities for professional collaboration with established brands. Young designers pay only a small fee, while they benefit from the expertise of Ukrainian Fashion Week to organize a professional fashion show.

New Names and Fresh Fashion platforms combined with lectures, workshops, presentations, round tables with fashion insiders and various contests has transformed into New Generation Day in the official schedule of Ukrainian Fashion Week. This year the new initiative was included into the schedule of New Generation day: OPEN FASHION STUDIO. This non-stop catwalk show brought together 19 graduates in fashion design, who presented their graduation collections to the public, media and scouts.

This season, FW20-21 for the first time in the history of Ukrainian Fashion Week, was opened not by a show from one of the most established and recognized Ukrainian designers, but instead by a FASHION ACCELERATOR SHOW of 9 young designers. These designers are participants from the Ukrainian Fashion Council educational program: winners of national and international contests and past participants of the New Names platform. 

“Support, we are providing to young talented designers is the best investment in the future of Ukrainian fashion industry”- is emphasized by Iryna Danylevska.

 The contest is organized by the Ukrainian Fashion Council with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. IED - Istituto Europeo di Design is the IYDC partner, award fund contributor and co-organizer of the online Fashion Visual Art Residence.