The Vogue Innovation Prize is one of the fundamental drivers of Vogue Singapore’s mission to uplift and empower regional trailblazers. Introduced as part of the Vogue Singapore Foundation—a fundraising initiative that aims to elevate and champion Southeast Asian creatives on a global stage—it has recognised and supported exceptional talents over the last two years. The prize’s defining factor? A commitment to solving real-world problems.
Its first iteration spotlighted WERABLE, an adaptive fashion label founded by Singaporean fashion designer, Claudia Poh. Poh’s debut collection was a decided disruption of the luxury adaptive market—bridging the gap between inventive ‘easy-to-wear’ styles for individuals with mobility challenges and covetable, designer ensembles. The following year, Adrian Furstenburg and Viknish Krishnan-Kutty’s ProjectEx pioneered the cultivation of lab-grown exotic skins in response to the fashion industry’s demand for rare leathers.
Partnering with Vogue Singapore for the third installation of the Vogue Innovation Prize is luxury manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, BMW. With 30 global production sites and a network that spans over 140 countries, the company has established itself as a resounding force to be reckoned with. Armed with an integral focus on technology and future solutions, BMW prides itself on being sustainability and efficiency-forward throughout every phase of production.
Shares Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, Lars Nielsen: “Both the fashion and automotive industries are evolving at an unprecedented rate with an increased focus on sustainability, innovation, and design, of course. At BMW, our vision is to help instill these values in our future leaders, and those in other industries, and help them push the envelope even further. The Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize is a great opportunity to recognise this next generation of leaders in the design and fashion industries as they plant the seeds for a better tomorrow.”
Adds Publisher of Vogue Singapore, Bettina von Schlippe: “Through the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize, we aim to drive change for good by investing in the visionaries who are reimagining the future of fashion and empower the next generation of entrepreneurial talent in the ASEAN fashion industry.”
As we gear up for this exciting partnership, here’s everything you need to know to be apart of it.
Is your business electric, digital or circular?
To the unitiated: BMW is a pioneer in next generation innovations and is paving the way for a future that is uncompromisingly electric, digital, and circular. This has informed the key pillars of The Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize. Keeping these touchpoints in mind, the partnership seeks to uncover fashion businesses that are igniting change by addressing global issues, implementing digital innovation or promoting sustainability. Leading by example, these qualities are present in BMW’s pivotal products. The BMW 5 Series Sedan, for one, boasts the company’s commitment to these key anchors and shines in a few pioneering areas.
Poised with a newly linear and athletic design language—from a dynamically stretched silhouette to a panoramic glass roof—the BMW 5 Series Sedan features key digital innovations. A remarkable addition to the upper mid-range vehicle segment, it features an all-electrive drive as well as an advanced BMW curved display. It is also the first BMW product to have a fully vegan interior, from the surfaces of the seats to the steering wheel.
Who can apply for the Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize?
If you are 21-years-old and above, have had a business for a minimum of two years and have a physical or digital design representation of your end-product, you are eligible to apply. Your business must also fulfill at least one of the key pillars (electric, digital, circular). If you are a fashion entrepreneur based in Southeast Asia who is driven by transformative solutions, revolutionary technology or environmental responsibility and with interests across accessible design, eco-sustainability, digital fashion and more, this is for you.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a two day bootcamp with global industry figures
Shortlisted applicants will participate in an in-depth two-day bootcamp led by laureate speakers and thought leaders curated by Vogue Singapore. Tapping on experts across digital innovation, design and creative direction (to name a few) this year’s speakers and jury members include—but are not limited to—Creative Editorial Director of Vogue US Mark Guiducci, CEO of British Fashion Council Caroline Rush, Vice President of Brand Experience & Communication at BMW Group Stefan Ponikva and Chief Innovation Officer of Pangaia Dr. Amanda Parkes. All applicants will then undergo a four week mentorship programme where they will be guided to realise their ultimate business models. A final jury will evaluate each applicant based on innovation, design, execution and sustainability.
The winner takes home $15,000 alongside media support on Vogue Singapore
The winner will receive a monetary prize of SGD$15,000, media coverage on Vogue Singapore, ongoing feedback from global industry leaders, as well as introductions to potential investors for funding.
To apply, please click here. Applications close at 11.59pm on 6 August 2023.
