Messe Frankfurt supports the new mentoring programme set up by the Fashion Council Germany. It promotes up-and-coming talent and fashion labels that focus on sustainability and are resident in Germany. Applications are now open.

With the German Sustain Concept, the Fashion Council Germany (FCG) is launching a new programme to support young designers and fashion labels focusing on sustainability in partnership with Neonyt, the global hub for fashion, sustainability and innovation by Messe Frankfurt, Bikini Berlin and Showroom.de. Following the successful collaboration with the Fashion Council Germany on the first edition a year ago, Messe Frankfurt is now supporting the upcoming edition of the programme. Applications for the development programme are now being accepted by the FCG.

The closing date for applications is 31 December, 2018

‘Sustainability has become one of the central themes at the over 50 textile events we hold worldwide’, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. ‘From production, processing and materials to fashion. This is particularly applicable at Neonyt, the global hub for fashion, sustainability and innovation, which we host during Berlin Fashion Week. Together with the players in the industry, we want to change fashion. Fresh ideas and the progressive approaches of young designers are a firm part of this. We are therefore pleased to continue our fantastic collaboration with the Fashion Council Germany and look forward to continuing to help facilitate the mentoring programme’.

Advising and promoting Germany's creative talent

Mandie Bienek, Member of the Board of the FCG: ‘It is a particular honour for the Council to advise and promote Germany's creative talent and at the same time strengthen Germany's position as a fashion location for the future. Thanks to our members in the field of media, sales, retail and industry, we can use tailored support programmes to smooth the way to a successful future for new talent. A future in which sustainability will no doubt dominate the everyday workings of the fashion industry’.

Coaching programme provides knowhow and contacts

Interested designers and labels can apply now and until 31 December. In January 2019, the ten finalists will present their brands and concepts to a judging panel made up of high-calibre representatives from the industry. These representatives will choose three winners who will then participate in an comprehensive coaching programme run by the Fashion Council Germany. The programme includes workshops on the themes of sourcing, distribution, marketing and business as well as acting as an intermediary to establish contact to relevant market participants. In the final phase, the designers, supported by specialist coaches, will actively implement what they have learnt and present their results. The aim of the FCG German Sustain Concept is to establish the three winners successfully on the market over the long term.

Fashion Council Germany

The Fashion Council Germany was founded in 2015. It is a special interest group for German fashion. The objective is to promote and establish German fashion as a cultural and economic asset as is normal in countries such as United Kingdom and France. This is achieved through specific support for young German talent with a joint management of national activities, strengthening the awareness of German design at home and abroad. The awareness of German fashion and German designers has to be improved. National industry has to be interconnected with German fashion designers and startups. The Fashion Council Germany is the point of contact for German fashion design with the responsibility of the political, media, cultural and industrial lobby work.

Terms and conditions regarding applications for the German Sustain Concept can be viewed HERE