Mentoring Programmes: Emerging and up-and-coming fashion brands can gain the brand development skills needed for success
The second Hungarian Mentoring Programme, launched by the Fashion Division of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, ended in May, giving five fashion designers the opportunity to acquire the theoretical knowledge inevitable for successful brand development with the support of renowned Hungarian experts. Based on the decision of CNMI, two designers were selected to proceed to the next level and participate in the International Mentoring Programme, which equips designers with the knowledge necessary for international expansion. Applications for the next Hungarian Mentoring Programme opened in June and the second Young Talents Programme targeting upcoming designers is also launching soon.
The Hungarian Mentoring Programme, launched by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, aims to develop the professional, design, production and business related skills of fashion brands chosen from an open tender. Following the application process, the brands selected by a professional jury will receive structured mentoring regarding brand development from nationally and internationally acclaimed experts. Within the framework of the second Hungarian Mentoring Programme, five designers - Borbala, OST Konzept, PHILOMÉN, Vengru and VIKTORIAVARGA BUDAPEST -were able to further develop their brands and business with the assistance of professional mentors and their expertise.
The Borbala brand designs its own handcrafted pieces in the essence of sustainability. Its cheerful, colourful pieces radiate an extravagance of their own, while simultaneously practicality is also an essential part of the brand’s DNA. By consciously blending style elements, OST Konzept represents a new kind of Eastern Europeanism, mixing quirkiness with modern confidence. The brand's pieces are characterised by an ingenious interplay of juxtaposition, spiced up with a good dose of joviality. The eco-conscious brand PHILOMÉN merges classic and contemporary lines with effortless confidence in their collections, creating sophisticated, comfortable, and timeless pieces. Their swimsuits are made from recycled materials in limited quantities for a more sustainable future. The brand Vengru’s focus is on the needs and creativity of customers who love uniqueness, therefore the most important thing for Vengru is to create quality pieces with everlasting value. Their bags are highly versatile, with interchangeable components and handles. VIKTORIAVARGA BUDAPEST is a contemporary fashion brand targeting intellectual, sophisticated women, creating pieces with a bold colour palette, timeless design, quality materials and unique tailoring. The brand creates wearable yet eye-catching pieces.
During the eight-month-long training process, the five mentees participated in 75 one-to-one consultations and 21 online workshops, where they spent nearly 180 hours developing their knowledge on 18 different topics including brand development, trend forecasting, digital software & e-commerce, sustainability and social media management. As a current addition to the programme, the designers also participated in a guided factory tour and a crisis management workshop due to the pandemic circumstances. The skill set of the designers involved is well represented by the fact that all five designers were asked to showcase their creations at the Budapest Central European Fashion Week during spring. According to the international experts’ decision, at the end of the programme, two brands - Borbala and VIKTORIAVARGA BUDAPEST - will be able to continue their progress participating in the International Mentoring Programme of the HFDA and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Additionally, the Borbala brand will also have their creations exhibited at the Romanian Design Week.
The third Hungarian Mentoring Programme launching soon is aiming at designers who want to strengthen their existing brand; however, the Agency provides intensive development opportunities for young talents too. The Young Talents Programme was created as an opportunity for promising designers who aspire to learn more about the different fields of the fashion industry and develop their skills in the areas of design, production and business.
Furthermore, the first Young Talents Programme was launched with five brands - MILLAAS, Nalery, Noen Design, Schrodl Stefania and Zeraw – that participated in close to 80 hours of workshops and one-to-one consultations over the course of a seven month training period. The course provides participants with structured professional support, assistance, networking opportunities and expertise that they will be able to use to their advantage both domestically and internationally. Two brands selected from the programme - Nalery and Noen Design - will be representing Hungary in the International Young Designers Contest 2021 Autumn competition. As the first training programme came to an end, applications for the second Young Talents Programme will open in June.
The Hungarian Mentoring Programme Application Details:
The application criteria include an in-depth brand concept description, a presentation of previous collections and the designer's portfolio, as well as an outline of the brand's business plan for a minimum of 2 years.
Application Deadline: 04.07.2021.
The Young Talents Programme Application Details:
A Young Talents Program application HERE
Privacy Information: HERE
Enclosures: HERE
Applications must also include the presentation of a collection or degree portfolio or a portfolio of designs.
Application Deadline: 14.07.2021.
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