SHANGHAI – Lane Crawford department stores in Shanghai and Hong Kong have held open calls for new design talent this week.
Aiming to nurture emerging design talent, the retailer’s “Platform” initiative saw new designer and contemporary brands across women’s wear, men’s wear, shoes, bags, accessories (including sunglasses and fashion and fine jewelry) as well as home and lifestyle. The brands first registered online to have their work vetted before being invited to meet buyers in either Shanghai or Hong Kong.
Events were held Tuesday in Hong Kong, where contestants came from as far away as Germany, and Thursday in Shanghai, where about 300 creatives made the initial cut and met with the judges.
They were competing for free space, either in store or online, a possible editorial feature on LaneCrawford.com and mentoring guidance.
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“It was the first time we did the call out so we weren’t sure what to expect, but we have been overwhelmed with the response. It’s very exciting to see so much talent coming out of Hong Kong and China,” said Jillian Xin, Lane Crawford’s contemporary women’s wear buyer and judge. “There’s definitely a few we want to work with at Lane Crawford and hopefully you’ll be seeing more from these brands in our stores.”
One colorful competitor in both the women’s wear and men’s wear sections in Shanghai was Angel Chen, who graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins last year and has launched her brand here. “I love Lane Crawford and they collaborate with so many creative people and they are so forward. I think it’s the most impressive and influential department store in China right now, but it also has influence internationally, which is important for me because I am looking at the international market as well,” she said after meeting with a buyer/judge.
“They are really into creative concepts and color, which matches well for me. I thought I should maybe have prepared some more commercial pieces, but they were actually more interested in our creative pieces,” she added.
With only about ten minutes allocated to each brand, the pressure was on to make an impact.
“I think it’s hard for them to get a complete picture of your brand in such a short time, but if you make an impression, it’s more likely they will look at the material you have left with them. They kind of know right away whether you are a contender or not,” said Jessica Brus, from Shanghai-based contemporary leather-focused brand, Missy Skins.
The competition was open to new companies, meaning those that have been around less than ten years and haven’t worked with Lane Crawford in the same category for the previous three years. Winners will be revealed later this month.