The Fashion Council Germany (FCG) initiates the Rising Voices Award together with the US shoe brand Ugg.
The organizers announced on Wednesday that the prize is intended to promote up-and-coming German designers with a focus on sustainability. The participants in the associated competition must submit a sustainable concept for the Ugg “Classic Mini” model. A jury will review the designs and select ten finalists. They then get the opportunity to turn their idea into a prototype and present it during Berlin Fashion Week in September. The winning concept will be honored with prize money of 20,000 euros.
“We’re proud to partner with the Fashion Council Germany to celebrate emerging designers in Germany and promote their bold, expressive concepts,” said Nicks Ericsson, Senior Director, Brand Purpose at Ugg. “Ugg has always been one emotional brand and we believe that the stories we create together can amplify thoughtful, sustainable and innovative design solutions.”
The brand, which belongs to the US fashion group Deckers Brands, has been offering a collaboration program since 2017, which is intended to offer young talent a platform. The supported designers include Eckhaus Latta, Molly Goddard, Tremaine Emory and Heron Preston.
“Creative ideas can and should be the key to developing new future-proof solutions for a better and more sustainable fashion industry,” said FCG Managing Director Scott Lipinski. “Our collaboration with Ugg is the perfect example of where the industry should think and act in the future.”