Polimoda, one of the world’s most prestigious fashion institutions, joins NEXT GENERATION, the talent development platform at Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week, as its strategic educational partner. Dedicated to fostering the next generation of fashion designers and industry creatives, Polimoda will provide mentorship, hands-on experience, and academic excellence.
Known for its independent approach to fashion education, Polimoda blends fashion design and business to prepare professionals for creative and strategic roles. Recognized among the top global fashion schools, it integrates the know-how of Italian design and production with a cosmopolitan perspective. Based in Florence, Italy, the school is a global cultural force, with more than 70% of students coming from all over the world.
At the heart of this collaboration is the Fashion Talent Award 2025, developed in partnership with Polimoda and the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, the institutional partner of Bucharest Fashion Week. This year’s theme, Cultural Heritage in Fashion: A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation, challenges participants to reinterpret traditional craftsmanship, symbols, and patterns in a contemporary fashion context.
Emerging Romanian talents are invited to design a capsule collection inspired by their personal and cultural background, blending heritage with innovation. Using 75-80% pre-loved garments and integrating local artisanal techniques, designers will transform cultural narratives into fashion-forward creations that honor the past while shaping the future. A jury of industry experts will select the finalists, who will bring their collections to life under Polimoda’s mentorship. The final designs will debut on the runway at Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week in October, offering young designers an international platform.
Leading this initiative is Massimiliano Giornetti, Director of Polimoda and renowned Creative Director, who will be actively involved in the artistic and professional growth of participants, alongside the school’s esteemed faculty. His expertise, combined with Polimoda’s industry-driven approach, will empower young talents with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to navigate the modern fashion landscape.
“Fashion is a powerful expression of identity, culture, and heritage. With the Fashion Talent Award 2025, we are challenging young designers to look to their roots, reinterpret tradition, and create forward-thinking designs that honor craftsmanship while embracing innovation. At Polimoda, we believe in education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deep connection to both history and the future. This collaboration with NEXT GENERATION and Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week is an opportunity to nurture new voices in fashion and empower them with the tools and knowledge to shape a more responsible, meaningful industry.” – Massimiliano Giornetti
The winner of the competition will also embark on a transformative international experience at Polimoda, immersing themselves in a world-class creative environment and benefiting from exclusive insights from top industry professionals.
Through its partnership with NEXT GENERATION, Polimoda reinforces its commitment to education, creativity, and sustainable innovation on an international stage—values that align perfectly with the program’s mission. By bridging academia and industry, this collaboration offers aspiring fashion professionals real opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving global market.
For more information on the Fashion Talent Award and Polimoda’s involvement in NEXT GENERATION, visit www.mbbfw.ro .