The Fashion District Innovation Challenge Prizes are designed to find solutions to current industry issues, develop new innovations, support SME’s.
Sponsored by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, this year’s theme focuses on “Retail Futures”, where we hope to uncover and support businesses with ideas that could change the way we shop in the future, and revolutionise any part of the retail supply chain.
Technology must play a part within all applications however we are open to the application of any type of tech within retail.
This could include robotics and automation, artificial intelligence solutions, internet-of-things, augmented/virtual reality, technologies that converge digital and physical shopping or enhance customer experience.
What we are really looking for innovative concepts with clear tech solutions to an identified need in the market.
30 SEPTEMBER 2019
Deadline to submit applications.
W/C 7 OCTOBER 2019
Shortlisted finalists announced.
22 OCTOBER 2019
Critical Friends Development Day where industry professionals will critique finalist's proposition across different specialisms before their final pitch.
5 NOVEMBER 2019
Pitching finals where finalists will pitch to industry experts from Farfetch, John Lewis & Partners, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, True and Fashion Innovation Agency.
MANUFACTURING FUTURES JUDGE | Matthew is a world-renowned expert in emerging technologies and their application to the creative industries. A specialist in immersive technologies (XR/MR/AR/VR), he and his team are building pathways for a truly digitised world. Named as a ‘fashion-tech trailblazer’ by Draper’s and a ‘pioneer and a visionary’ by Wired, Matthew has delivered ground-breaking experiences and a stunning range of projects that have captured the imagination of both the fashion and technology industries.
RETAIL FUTURES JUDGE | Chief Marketing Officer, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Myf Ryan is the Chief Marketing Officer and Group Director of Brand and Strategic Marketing for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, with over 12 years international experience within the Westfield group. Consumers are increasingly wanting a blended online-offline experience and while digital shopping is at an all time high, customers are still more likely to shop with brands who also have a physical presence. Myf ensures the newest concepts with market brands and best customer experience across their store portfolio around the globe.
Head of Store Development & Physical Estate, John Lewis & Partners Richard has over 20 years experience working in one of the most trusted and respected retailers on the high street and is now responsible for the strategy, planning and delivery of a £100m+ physical estate programme for John Lewis & Partners that spans over +5 milllion square feet of retail space. As the Head of Store Development & Physical Estate, Richard is accountable for the development of the new and existing estate investment strategy through to on-site delivery in shops that balances inspirational shopping with return on investment.
Director of Innovation, Farfetch Carol is the Director of Innovation at Farfetch. Her role includes managing Dream Assembly - a Fashion and Retail tech accelerator for high potential startups, managing strategic future innovation partnerships and creating internal innovation incubator programs. Previous to her time at Farfetch, Carol has spent many years in the fashion industry in senior roles building products and running growth strategies for companies like NET-A-PORTER and Topshop. She also works with fashion startups, such as The Modist, as a consultant and mentor.
