Tommy Hilfiger reveals six finalists of the 2019 Fashion Frontier Challenge

Tommy Hilfiger has announced the six finalists in its 2019 Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge.

Now in its second year, the global program aims to support entrepreneurial start-up and scale-up businesses developing solutions that promote inclusive and positive change in fashion. The selection of finalists is a next step in the journey to identify and champion innovative opportunities that support the advancement of the industry.

On 13 February 2020, the six finalists will visit Tommy Hilfiger’s Campus of the Future in Amsterdam to pitch their business concepts to a jury of internal and external business and sustainability leaders at the global Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge Final Event.

Tommy Hilfiger said: "It is inspiring to see the second edition of the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge draw so many applicants working towards a more inclusive and sustainable fashion landscape."

"We are committed to championing bright, innovative solutions to some of our industry’s big challenges, and I’m looking forward to returning as a jury member to recognize this year’s entrepreneurs. Their shared optimism and commitment to a positive future should inspire us all in the impact we can make together.”

Over a multi-step four-month process, over 420 applicants were narrowed down to six finalists who were invited to develop and refine their business plans with the support of a dedicated team of social entrepreneur experts at the Campus of the Future. The finalists include:

· Apon Wellbeing, opens fair-priced shops carrying daily necessities inside factories, with products offered at a 10% discount to external prices and a points scheme that workers collect for free health-insurance.
· Stony Creek Colors, offers natural indigo sustainable crops to small and mid-size tobacco farmers who are at risk of losing their income due to falling tobacco sales.
· A Beautiful Mess, runs a creative space to assist refugees in realising social and economic independence by creating sustainable apparel products.
· Lab 141 creates small batches of made-to-fit clothing using 3D printing. Lab 141 is promoting and bringing to life the concept of sizeless fashion.
· Sudara develops professional and sewing skills in vulnerable women who have escaped from or are at high risk of being sex trafficked.
· Constant & Zoe creates functional and fashionable clothing for men, women and children with disabilities.

The prestigious jurors overseeing the final event include:
· Mr Tommy Hilfiger
· Ankiti Bose, Co-Founder & CEO, Zilingo
· Noor Tagouri, Journalist, Activist and Speaker
· Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe
· Martijn Hagman, CFO, Tommy Hilfiger Global & COO,

The jury will award €150,000 between two winners to fund the advancement of their business proposals. The winners will also receive a year-long mentorship with Tommy Hilfiger’s and INSEAD’s global experts, as well as a place in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program (ISEP).