FAD Connection & BAFWEEK Celebrate the 10th Edition of the Competition Supporting Emerging Designers on Their Path to Europe
As part of BAFWEEK Fall/Winter, Istituto Marangoni, one of the world’s most prestigious fashion schools, represented by FAD Connection, is proud to present the 10th edition of its exclusive competition for emerging designers, marking a decade of continuous support for local talent and its international development.
Since its launch, the competition has given designers from across the region the opportunity to continue their education at one of Istituto Marangoni’s European campuses—Milan, Florence, Paris, and London—creating an academic and professional bridge between Latin America and Europe.
A Decade of Empowering Emerging Talent
Over the course of its previous nine editions, the competition has recognized designers who are now active figures in the regional fashion scene. Past winners include Catalina Ichaso and Lucinda Walmsley (1st edition, 2010); Sofia Blanco (2nd edition, 2013); Marcelo Yarussi (3rd edition, 2017); Lucía Chain (4th edition, 2018); Bianca Tiritilli (5th edition, 2020); Helena Dakak (6th edition, 2023); Agostina Hidalgo (7th edition, 2024); Faustina Blazquez of Revolver (8th edition, 2024); and Lucas Finkelstein of Harvey Willys (9th edition).
The designers selected for this 10th edition are García Bello, Valentina Schuchner, Velasco, and De Crisci. The winner will receive a scholarship to attend a three-week course at Istituto Marangoni’s Milan campus in September 2026.
This year’s jury is composed of Belén Baldelomar, Director of DMagazine; Paula Guardia Bourdin, fashion journalist and MSc in Fashion Management; Ferni Moreno, fashion speaker and editor, author of “Vestite como realmente querés” Carola Sainz, fashion journalist; and Federica Levrero, Director of FAD Connection and official representative of Istituto Marangoni.
Closing Event & Final Pitch – Wednesday, March 11, 2026
On March 11 at 10:00 a.m., Casa Paradiso will host the official closing ceremony of the competition, during which the winning designer will be awarded their diploma.
During this final stage, the participating designers will present their brands in the BAFWEEK Final Pitch before a jury composed of leading fashion industry professionals, experts, and BAFWEEK partners.
The event will begin with a brief presentation by Istituto Marangoni, followed by talks from Istituto Marangoni alumni, who will share their academic journey and professional experience.
About FAD Connection
FAD Connection represents leading international universities in fashion, art, and design, promoting access to world-class creative education while fostering cultural exchange across the region.
About Istituto Marangoni
Founded in Milan in 1935, Istituto Marangoni is a leading international institution specializing in fashion, art, and design education, with campuses in Milan, Paris, London, Florence, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Mumbai, Miami, Dubai, and Riyadh.
Contact
Federica Levrero
Director, FAD Connection
Official Representative of Istituto Marangoni
ask@fadconnection.com
For further information please contact FAD Connection ask@fadconnection.com