The third ‘design SPEED’ mentoring programme supports design brands eager for further development with branding knowledge

The third ‘design SPEED’ mentoring programme supports design brands eager for further development with branding knowledge

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency’s third ‘design SPEED’ mentoring programme provides an opportunity for the five brands - HANNABI, IO, LumoConcept, Magnelit and Project Brut - to enter the international market by mastering the international trends of communication, project management, branding and trading techniques and practices. The 8 month-long education program includes a series of workshops and lectures consisting of 5 modules, personal consultations and creating and presenting the participant’s independent project with the support of international mentors.

The ‘design SPEED’ mentoring program was launched by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency together with the Italian Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) for the third time to assist seasoned designers ready to enter the international market by providing them invaluable business knowledge. During the programme, the participants are supported by a group of internationally-acclaimed industry experts to build their brands.

Applications for the ‘design SPEED’ mentoring programme were open to all designers with at least two closed business years, two product ranges and an aspiration to enter the international market. The ‘design SPEED’ programme provides an opportunity for the five brands - HANNABI, IO, LumoConcept, Magnelit and Project Brut - selected by a panel of professionals to enter the international market by mastering the international trends of communication, project management, branding and trading techniques and practices.

HANNABI is a modern upholstery workshop studio where sofas are born from traditional techniques together with progressive material choices. According to their design philosophy, each object gains meaning in connection with their surroundings, so they created a wide range of models in different styles to fit all kinds of spaces and ergonomic needs that will serve their owners for a lifetime due to the best quality materials.

IO is a design studio with a holistic outlook. Their creed is to thrive for coherence between all elements during design. To live by their philosophy, they provide furniture and product design together with interior design and engineering expertise. For them, design is about the story of the object and the customer, not the creator’s artistic aspirations. Their designers approach their work with sensitivity and a focus on personal touch to achieve full authenticity.

LumoConcept designs and manufactures unique lamps that merge high quality with a contemporary flare. Their design lamps create perfect harmony with the atmosphere of the space. Their limited portfolio includes easily customizable high-end wall lamps and decorative ceiling lights to fit all kinds of unique tastes and requirements.

Magnelit is a series of magnetic, modular smart lamps. The products are made up of magnetic front panels that can be ordered in different colors and sizes and a base station responsible for energy supply. Their appearance and function are individually changeable, the front panels are removable for ease of change without needing any repair. All modules are mutually compatible meaning that a front panel can function as a wall, a hanging or a standing lamp, depending on the base station.

The Project BRUT brand was born out of a blend of antique heritage and modern aesthetics. The designers wanted to spectacle frames that could challenge the leading brands in the luxury industry.

The programme consists of a 5-module lecture series prepared by IED’s professional and international mentors on design marketing and business management, several personal consultation sessions and individual project work. As a fresh addition to previous years, one-on-one meetings are conducted during the first third of the programme and the designers take part in legal counselling, business coaching workshops, trend analysis lectures and social media counselling provided by HFDA. The goal of the programme is for mentees to recognize the critical aspects of their businesses and successfully position their brands. The ‘design SPEED’ programme supports international aspirations not only with additional knowledge but also by providing an expansive connection network to kickstart their international plans.