Polimoda announces partnership with Ethical Fashion Initiative

Florence-based fashion school Polimoda has announced its partnership with Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), an operational arm of the International Trade Centre’s Poor Communities and Trade Programme that aims to connect marginalised artisans from the developing world.

The partnership was created to award scholarships to three Kenyan fashion designers as part of EFI's Designer Accelerator two-year programme: Katungulu Mwendwa (Katush), Louise Sommerlatte (Hamaji) and Mohamed Awale (Suave). The selected designers will receive eight weeks of specialised training at Polimoda's campus in Italy.

The partnership aims to provide the designers with access to Polimoda's fashion community, offer increased global exposure and strengthen the connection between Africa and Europe.

Katush, Hamaji and Suave have been in the programme since July 2020 and they were all chosen to advance their brands in the global marketplace based on their focus in sustainability and eco-conscious fabrics, methods and responsible sourcing. Additionally, they were chosen for their talent and connection to their African heritage.

Massimiliano Giornetti, director of Polimoda, said in a statement: "We are honoured to have been chosen by the UN as a training partner for the Ethical Fashion Initiative project. Talent needs to be continuously nurtured by knowledge and cultural exchange, and we are here to make it possible.

"We welcome these Kenyan designers to our international community of creative talents, with the hope that innovative ideas related to sustainability and inclusiveness can arise from their experience at Polimoda."

Simone Cipriani, head of the Ethical Fashion Initiative and Chair to the UN Alliance of Sustainable Fashion, added: "We are very proud of this first for the fashion industry, a partnership between the UN and a world-renowned fashion institution.

"The designers in our Accelerator have the solid foundations of craftsmanship and sustainability, and this scholarship will push the designers to innovate, grow and create an impact. This is the next generation of fashion talent and with EFI and Polimoda they will reach new heights."

Photo credit: Polimoda Communications Office