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The Innovative Accessory Challenge by Istituto Marangoni Firenze — the international project dedicated to emerging talents in accessories design — has officially come to a close. The initiative was developed in partnership with Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani.
Launched last January during Pitti Uomo 2026, the challenge has served since its inception as a privileged observatory on the evolving directions of the sector, further establishing the Florence school as a hub for creative and cultural experimentation.
At the core of the project was a clear premise: today, the accessory is no longer a complementary element, but an autonomous language capable of expressing identity, values, and visions. A field where aesthetics, responsibility, and technological innovation converge to redefine the future of design.
The open call attracted under-30 designers from around the world, invited to develop a mini capsule collection of accessories, consisting of 3 to 5 original proposals. Each project was required to include a complete development — from concept and material selection to technical specifications — with a particular focus on innovative technologies and sustainable materials. The aim was to reinterpret the accessory as an expressive form, a wearable sculpture, or a functional device, in dialogue with the body and the environment.
From a wide pool of applications, 13 finalists were selected and given the opportunity to present their projects live before an international jury composed of some of the most authoritative voices in the industry:
- Paul Andrew – Founder & Creative Director, Paul Andrew
- Giuliano Calza – Founder & Creative Director, GCDS
- Edward Buchanan – Founder & Creative Director, Sansovino 6
- Nicolò Beretta – Footwear Designer
- 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
- Carolina Pelizza – Tod’s Leather Goods Designer
Following the final presentations, the jury selected the challenge winners, awarding — for the first time in the history of Istituto Marangoni Firenze — a full scholarship within an international competitive project.
The recipient of the full scholarship is Emanuele Garattieri, who will join the school in September 2026 to attend the Master’s programme in Luxury Accessories Design and Management, continuing his creative journey within a highly specialised and international environment.
This first edition also stands out for the participation of Tod’s Group as a special partner, further reinforcing the strong connection between the initiative and the excellence of Made in Italy. The brand has introduced a dedicated Special Mention, which includes a 50% scholarship and the opportunity to undertake a 6 months curricular internship. The winner of this recognition will be announced within the next week.
The project was further strengthened by the contribution of key industry partners, including Manteco, Leather & Luxury, and Tivoli Group, who supported the challenge by bringing their expertise and perspective on the production chain.
With the conclusion of the 2026 edition, the Innovative Accessory Challenge offers a snapshot of a new generation of designers — one that is deeply engaged with materials, open to experimentation, and able to navigate across languages, technologies, and responsible design approaches. A process that continues beyond the selection phase, accompanying projects toward future developments and new evolutions.
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