Uploaded September 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

Marni creative director Francesco Risso’s advice for the friends behind Chopova Lowena? ‘Ask for help from mentors who can actually support your vision.’ Join the designers as they discuss handcraftsmanship and how to maintain a singular vision whilst growing a brand.

Our annual Innovators programme championing emerging talent is back. This year, 14 menswear and womenswear designers are taking part, receiving integral support and mentoring to grow their businesses and, in turn, deliver exciting collections and stories.

Join us this month for a series of exclusive conversations that see the emerging menswear and womenswear talents paired with established designers they admire – from Donatella Versace to Olivier Rousteing. The Innovators programme 2021 features: Michael Halpern, Priya Ahluwalia, Harris Reed, Grace Wales Bonner, Bianca Saunders, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons, Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt, Thebe Magugu, Steven Stokey-Daley, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Nensi Dojaka, Charles Jeffrey, Kevin Germanier and Maximilian Davis.

Discover more on our Instagram: instagram.com/matchesfashion