In its ongoing mission to uplift and champion regional trailblazers, Vogue Singapore has once again partnered with luxury automotive manufacturer BMW for the fourth iteration of the Vogue Singapore Innovation Prize.
With a mission to unearth Asian entrepreneurial excellence, the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize 2024 welcomed applicants from across the region, and saw all participating businesses going through an intensive two-day bootcamp that featured various industry figureheads as guest speakers. Ten of the brands were then shortlisted, and proceeded to a four-week mentorship where they in the hands of experts such as Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta, Head of Industry, Fashion and Luxury at Google Corey Moran, and BMW’s Creative Director of Sound Design Renzo Vitale.
The businesses were then evaluated through a pitch and selection process, where they each presented their plans and ideas to an internal Vogue Singapore jury. From there, two finalists were then selected, who will go on to present to a final VIP panel that consists of notable names such as Publisher of Vogue Singapore Bettina von Schlippe, Vice President of New Business Innovation at Condé Nast Ciara Byrne, and Research Engineer Open Innovations of BMW Group Dr. Stella Clarke.
Set to be unveiled at the 2024 Next In Vogue gala on 18 October, this year’s winner will walk away with a SGD$20,000 cash prize, media coverage on Vogue Singapore, a 1-year complimentary membership at the Singapore Fashion Council, a pro bono legal consultation from leading global law firm Gibson Dunn, as well as first-hand feedback from global industry leaders and introductions to potential investors for funding. Additionally, included is an all-expenses paid trip to Monaco for an innovation-packed itinerary including mentorship sessions, workshops, investor meetings, and events, courtesy of VisitMonaco.
Below, read on for an introduction to the top two finalists and the ethos behind their trailblazing businesses.
Off/Script
With its aim to be the world’s first community-led product creation platform, Off/Script is an app that allows for passionate individuals to turn their budding ideas into a reality. Led by co-founders and entrepreneurs Jonathan and Justine, it aims to redefine the way physical products are made, whilst building a community of support for these designers and creatives.
Users can upload images of a product that they wish to design onto the app, which will then be pushed to other users for a voting process. Once the initial concept has crossed the 100 likes threshold, the Off/Script team will assign it a selling price and minimum order quantity. Users then have a month to reach enough pre-orders to kickstart production, with their buyers only being charged at the end when the campaign is successful and orders have been shipped out.
To date, Off/Script has onboarded more than 300,000 women designers from around the world, serving as a vehicle of empowerment for them. On the environmental front, it is also a counter to the mass production model that many fast fashion businesses adopt, promoting fashion circularity and conscious purchasing.
PAKT
Founded in Hong Kong in 2015, PAKT is the circular wardrobe service that is revolutionising wardrobe organisation and management. Boasting various key functions such as specialised storage in climate-controlled zones, inventory optimisation and valuations of one’s wardrobe, it has reimagined how someone can utilise their wardrobes effectively.
Outside of personal use, PAKT is also ideal for professional shoppers and stylists. With all its functions available on a personalised app, creative consultants can tap into their client’s digitised wardrobes from anywhere in the world, allowing for them to make selections remotely and arrange for fittings through photos or a video call. All garments are then packed and delivered to their respective customers seamlessly.
Lastly, PAKT also offers users the ability to sell one’s pre-loved clothing. Customers can purge their wardrobe in an efficient manner, eliminating the hassle usually required with manually uploading the items for sale repeatedly on various sites. This function is in line with PAKT’s commitment to fashion circularity through conscious purchasing, as well as extending the lifespan of the pieces that we own.
Learn more about the Vogue Singapore Foundation and subscribe to Club Vogue.
