The winners of the third edition of Camera Moda Fashion Trust have been revealed! Who are they? Among the 76 competitors, the final victory went to Niccolo Pasqualetti, Marcello Pipitone, Setchu and Florania.

But let’s take a step back, what is it all about?
Camera Moda Fashion Trust is a nonprofit initiative, supported by the Camera Moda of Italian Fashion, aimed at financially supporting independent designers, based or operating in Italy, and through business mentoring and tutoring programs.

The organization’s committee is chaired by Carlo Capasa and led by advisory board co-chairs Warly Tomei and Umberta Gnutti Beretta. Operations, on the other hand, are handled by the executive committee composed of our mentor Sara Sozzani Maino, Paola Arosio, Umberta Gnutti Beretta, Vania Miranda, Beatrice Rossaro and Warly Tomei.

For this edition, the co-chairs of the international committee to elect the winners were: Chiara Ferragni and Elia Maramotti (brand director & member of Max Mara Fashion Group sustainability committee), while supporting the project Max&co, the brand of Max Mara Fashion Group, and Fidenza Village, part of The Bicester Collection.

What is the prize?
The four winning designers received financial support, specifically Pasqualetti, Pipitone and Setch 40 thousand euros each, while Florania was given 15 thousand euros by Max&co, as well as the opportunity to collaborate on a project with the brand. Regarding the mentoring part, the four designers will be able to get a customized program from The Bicester Collection, as well as the opportunity to sell their creations in Fidenza Village.

The four winners
Niccolò Pasqualetti, from Tuscany and born in 1994, has already made his mark on the fashion scene, having won the Franca Sozzani and Who Is On Next awards in July 2021? 2021 by Vogue Italia and Altaroma, as well as being among the first semifinalists for the Lvhm 2022 award. His creations present an androgynous mold, between seemingly borderless abstract geometric shapes to his Tuscan hills, which also seep into his work in color. Maxi shirts and asymmetrical dresses twist tailoring, joining crochet and the work of Tuscan artisans.

Behind the Setchu brand is designer Satoshi Kuwata, winner of Who is on Next? 2022 and now among the nine finalists of LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designer. Minimalism and craftsmanship stand out in its stylistic code, which chase each other, creating unique pieces that recall East and West.The brand’s name comes, indeed, from the Japanese ‘Wayo Setchu,’ meaning ‘compromise’ between Eastern and Western cultures.

Marcello Pipitone calls himself ‘a craftsman,’ creating custom-made clothes in Milan that fit perfectly with sportswear. His pieces are unique and exude a strong passion for sports and a push against fast fashion, trying to recycle as much as possible by upcycling. A finalist on “Who Is On Next?” in 2021, he is now ready for his next game.

Florania combines genderless with no-season, creating zero-mileage looks. Behind the brand is Flora Rabitti, who makes unique upcycling pieces with a punk tone that wink at the gothic. All in a sustainable way, with collections created between Milan and Mantua.

The other ten finalists included the likes of Federico Cina, Francesco Murano, and Marco Rambaldi.

This award underscores the rise of neo-designers in Italy, who are finding fertile ground to build the future fashion system. Thanks to these organizations, in fact, new talent is given the necessary tools and financial support to emerge.

What do you think? Do you think enough space is given in Italy to young designers?

by Giorgia Dallasio
June 6, 2023