Emerging British-American designer Harris Reed has launched a new competition to find emerging fashion talent in collaboration with Klarna. The winner will have the chance to win a mentoring lunch with the revolutionary inclusive fashion creator.
The competition, which is now open in the UK and US, challenges young designers to think sustainably and champion inclusivity while creating a look using recycled, eco-conscious materials.
Judged by Central St Martins alumni Harris Reed, the brief asks aspiring designers to ‘design a look that best represents your fluid world.’ And to ‘try and create this through a sustainable lens.’ While it is open to all designers, the competition encourages members of the LGBTQIA+ community in particular to take part.
The winner will join Reed for a mentoring lunch where they will receive advice and guidance on the world of fashion as well as feedback on their design.
Coinciding with London Fashion Week, the partnership with Klarna was formed following Reeds’ breakout year in 2021 where he designed a number of attention-grabbing outfits. His large feathered headpieces and chunky platform boots have already been worn by mega stars such as Harry Styles and Emma Watson.
Harris Reed comments: “My vision is that inclusivity and sustainability will become central to the future of fashion. There is no better way to foster this eco-conscious, inclusive culture than to instil this in the next generation of aspiring fashion designers. This competition builds on my previous work to champion gender inclusivity and I look forward to meeting with the winner and future creative talent”
David Sandstrom, chief marketing officer at Klarna, adds: “Klarna has long focused on championing diversity and inclusion in all that we do. Partnering with Harris Reed for this competition is a great opportunity to back the future of British American fashion, it builds on our work both supporting the fashion industry and designers but also ensuring consumers have sustainable fashion choices open to them.!”
Full details of the competition can be found here.