The competition involved more than 60,000 students from all over the world and, for the first time, it also invited independent students to participate. “The figures we reached this year with this contest were impressive and so was the caliber of students,” said Marco Lucietti, senior advisor, Isko. “Every year we assist design students in the making of their outfits,” added Massimo Munari, art director, Isko’s Creative Room. “And every year they literally amaze us with their courage and freshness.”

Denim Design Award
For the contest students were asked to address the theme “Genderful,” a celebration of new and inclusive ways for self-expression beyond traditional gender categories. Their creations were evaluated by the Denim Design Award jury, whose president was pioneer and denim innovator Adriano Goldschmied. He chose the best creations together with Alice Tonello (Tonello), Carlotta Maffi (7 For All Mankind), Ester Rigato (Isko-I-Skool 2016 winner), Heikki Salonen (designer), Lara Reck (Haikure), Luigi Giusti (Giada), Maurizio Bosacchi (Swarovski), Paolo Diacci and Antonio Salzano (Reca Group), Sara Maino (Vogue Talents and Vogue Italia), Silvia Lo Giudice and Massimo Pasqualon (Peter Non), Stefania Nanni (Liu Jo), Tricia Carey (Lenzing), Giuseppe Serfaldi (Replay), Vladimiro Baldin (Safilo) and Wen Jing (Capsule).
This edition involved important partnerships. Gold Partner was Lenzing Group, Silver Partners were Itema and Reca Group, and Supporting Partners included Haikure, Swarovski, Replay, Liu Jo, 7 For All Mankind, Capsule, Peter Non, Betabrand, C&S, Mustang, A02, Tonello, Iskoteca and Menabò Group. Every winner will be awarded with internships with the brands that support the initiative.
Marketing Award
For the Marketing Award students were asked to design a strategic marketing plan and its tactical actions to better connect fashion and sustainability, aesthetics and best practices. The Isko-I-Skool Marketing Award jury members, made up of renowned international fashion and marketing and communication experts, was presided by Livia Firth (Eco Age Ltd.) and included Andreas Dorner and Tricia Carey (Lenzing), Claudio Marcolli (Swarovski), Diana Profir (Itema), Elisa Ravaglia (Menabò Group), Fabio Di Liberto (Isko), Federico Corneli (Haikure), Laura Santanera (educator), Massimo Miracoli (7 For All Mankind), Paolo Diacci (Reca, Group), Manfredi Ricca (Interbrand) and Yan Jun (Capsule).

And the winners are...
Winner of the Marketing Award was the team led by Sara Giordano from Polimoda, Florence, who was awarded by Diana Profir (Itema).
As part of the Denim Design Award, winner of the Best Seller Award was Massimiliano Mucciarelli (Università Iuav di Venezia) who was awarded by Adriano Goldschmied.
The Responsible Innovation Award went to Morine Uramoto from Bunka Fashion College, awarded by Tricia Carey (Lenzing).
The Best Show Piece Award was given to Sara Armellin (Polimoda), awarded by Silvia Lo Giudice and Massimo Pasqualon (Peter Non).
Winner of the Reca Award was Mianchen Wang (from The New School – Parsons), was awarded by Paolo Diacci (Reca Group).
Winner of the Swarovski Award was Giulia Masciangelo (NABA), awarded by Claudio Marcolli (Swarovski).
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