Birimian and the Institut Français de la Mode are supporting African emerging designers through a unique accelerator program for young creative brands based on the African continent or in the diaspora. For the first edition, IFM-Birimian Accelerator x Africa will support 10 emerging designers selected for their talent, creativity, connection to the African heritage and capacity to upscale, with the expertise of a creative board composed of industry experts.
The selected designers and brands are offered personalized assistance, coaching advisory services for the development of their company by a dedicated team of professionals and industry experts, in the main areas of expertise required for a young creative company: brand identity, offer, distribution, production, image and communication, budget and financing.
The objective: nurture talent and accelerate the growth of African designers through capacity-building.
Benefits
- The definition of the project and of its positioning, the structuring of collections, retail strategy, communication policy, financial monitoring.
- Collection building, distribution, communication, financial resources and teams. To set up operational working tools such as collection planning, general sales conditions, treasury framework, communication framework.
- To step back in order to gain perspective in relation to day-to-day pace and exchange with other designers/labels going through similar situations.
- Elevation of international standards and strenghtening of technical and operational competences through luxury and fashion experts mentoring.
- Exposure to the international creative scene (supporting applications to prestigious and strategic prizes and collaboration opportunities).
- A potential lead-in to preparing business plans/financing arrangements.
- Potential investment from Birimian.
Eligibilities
- A label with African roots and heritage that has existed for at least 3 seasons
- An annual sales figure of over USD 50,000 excluding tax and a positive result
- An early reputation established with influencers and tangible activity on social media
- If possible, having already established a team, tandem with a designer and another person in charge of sales, management.
- Creative talent and drive to move forward
Application Process
- Apply online through the Apply Now Link.
- The application requires CV, lookbook and pitch deck.
- Each application will be reviewed by a creative board of industry experts
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Application Deadline: July 31, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial linkFor Further Queries
For more information, contact the official site.
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