Istituto Marangoni Firenze, in collaboration with Sara Sozzani Maino, presents the Innovative Accessories Challenge, an international call designed to support and highlight the talent of young designers under 30 who are eager to explore new horizons in contemporary accessory design.
The initiative aims to foster emerging creativity and encourage an innovative vision of the accessory, understood not only as a functional object but as a true design language.
The Innovative Accessories Challenge
The Innovative Accessories Challenge invites young designers to rethink accessories through a contemporary lens, going beyond their most traditional definitions. Here, the accessory is interpreted as an expressive form capable of communicating identities, aesthetics, and new imaginaries; as a wearable sculpture that interacts with the body; or as a functional device that responds to the surrounding environment. It can also be a simple everyday object reimagined creatively, through cutting-edge material solutions or unexpected uses.
The initiative encourages an approach that blends creative experimentation, material research, a focus on innovation, and an ability to interpret cultural and production shifts within the fashion industry. The goal is to generate projects capable of anticipating future design languages through a combination of craftsmanship, digital techniques, and new aesthetic visions.
Participation Requirements
To participate, applicants are invited to provide:
- an information sheet with personal details and academic background
- a Curriculum Vitae and Motivational Letter
- a Concept Folder presenting the proposed project
- a portfolio of previous work
Applications will officially open on 14 January 2026.
Candidates will be able to visit the Istituto Marangoni website to consult all information related to the Challenge and submit their application.
An International Jury
Project evaluation will be entrusted to a panel of experts with international recognition in the fields of fashion and accessory design, including:
- Paul Andrew – Creative Director of Sergio Rossi; Founder & Creative Director of Paul Andrew
- Giuliano Calza – Founder & Creative Director of GCDS
- Edward Buchanan – Creative Director and Cultural Advocate
- Nicolò Beretta – Footwear Designer; Founder of Giannico
- Niccolò Pasqualetti • Niccolò Pasqualetti Creative Director
- Anna Dello Russo – Fashion Journalist
- Sabrina Scarpellini – Co-Founder & Fashion Director, Massimo Bonini showroom
- Sara Sozzani Maino – Creative Director @ Fondazione Sozzani
The variety of expertise within the jury ensures a multidisciplinary and highly informed perspective, offering participants a thorough and qualified analysis of their projects.
Awards for the Selected Project
The selected designer will receive:
- a full scholarship for the Master in Luxury Accessories Design Management at Istituto Marangoni Firenze
- the realization of the submitted project, supported by Istituto Marangoni Firenze’s technical and production team, guiding the designer through the entire prototyping process up to the creation of the final accessory
The two recognitions may be awarded to different participants if the jury identifies distinct merits in the submitted proposals.
This opportunity not only grants access to an outstanding educational pathway but also enables the winning project to evolve into a fully executed professional prototype.
Launch Talk: An Online Event Exploring the Contemporary Accessory
The Challenge will be introduced through the online talk: “Rethinking Accessory Culture: Creativity, Making and Transformation”.
An event dedicated to exploring the role of the accessory today, between creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and evolving production techniques.
The talk will feature authoritative voices from the worlds of fashion and design — Nicolò Beretta and Niccolò Pasqualetti, already members of the jury, alongside Stefano Giacomelli, CEO of Tivoli Group; Francesca Giulia Tavanti, Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni Firenze; and Francesca Delogu, journalist — who will bring to life a conversation offering fresh and diverse perspectives on accessories and their design development.
By attending the talk, participants will be able to:
- understand the vision and objectives behind the Challenge
- hear insights from professionals working across creative and production fields
- gain valuable input for developing a competitive and innovative project
Participation in the talk is free and open to all interested attendees.
Register at the link below to join the online event on 13 January: click here to sign up
Partners
The Innovative Accessories Challenge is supported by outstanding partners:
- Manteco – a Tuscan textile company, internationally recognized for excellence in wool fabrics and for its pioneering approach to sustainability
- Leather & Luxury – a magazine dedicated to Italian leather goods and manufacturing excellence, focusing on materials, companies, and the supply chain that define the uniqueness of Made in Italy
- Tivoli Group – Florence-based group with over 40 years of experience in the development and production of leather goods for the fashion and luxury industry, with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
An invitation to embrace new opportunities
The Innovative Accessories Challenge is a exclusive opportunity to take on a meaningful creative challenge, grow as a designer, and bring an idea to life in a tangible way. It is a chance to gain visibility, engage with professionals who shape the fashion industry every day, and transform creativity into a project with real potential.
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