We want to build a fashion industry where there is equity and equal opportunity for all, so we’re working hard today to make that a reality. The industry needs more inclusive solutions – and we know that some of the best ideas won’t always be our own.
First launched in 2018, the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challengeis a global program for start-ups that reimagine how fashion is experienced by underrepresented communities. Products and services that meet unique needs, experiences that foster belonging and supply chains that prioritize wellbeing. Through mentoring and financial support, we want to help the best ideas break through.
The challenge supports Tommy Hilfiger’s commitments towards inclusion, diversity, acknowledging the gap in equity and equal opportunities.
As a global brand, we have a responsibility to amplify the voices of innovators committed to driving positive change in our industry
Mr. Tommy Hilfiger
How It Works
We receive hundreds of applications from around the world, which are narrowed down to six finalists over a multi-step, year-long process. With support from dedicated Tommy Hilfiger mentors, external subject matter experts and an experienced pitch coach, finalists present their businesses at the global Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge final event. A jury panel – including Mr. Tommy Hilfiger – then selects one winner, and an award is also given to the finalist who wins the ‘Audience Favorite’ vote.
The Prizes
For our fourth edition of the challenge:
- All finalists received access to industry networking and mentorship opportunities as part of the challenge process.
- Two winners were awarded €100,000 each, year-long business coaching with Tommy Hilfiger and INSEAD experts and a place on INSEAD’s Impact Entrepreneurship program.
- One finalist was awarded an additional audience favorite prize of €15,000
Meet The Fourth Edition Winners
KoalaaKoalaa was awarded €100,000 for its innovative, soft prosthetics designed to support those with limb difference and offer a community of peer-to-peer support. Koalaa was also voted ‘Audience Favorite’ by Tommy Hilfiger associates and friends of the brand, winning a further €15,000 prize. | |
Moner BondhuMoner Bondhu was awarded €100,000 for creating a platform that offers accessible and affordable mental health and well-being support for garment factory workers in Bangladesh. |
Past Winners Include
Selina WamuciiA mobile platform connecting smallholder farmers in Africa to global distributors. | doctHERsWhich digitally connects Pakistan’s female doctors with the factory workers who need them. |
Auf AugenhoeheA fashion label developing styles for people affected by dwarfism. | Apon WellbeingA Bangladesh scale-up that improves the life of factory workers through affordable health insurance. |
A Beautiful MessA Dutch makers space that assists refugees to realize social and economic independence. | UZURI K&YA Rwandan shoe brand that recycles car tires in sub-Sahara Africa whilst equipping young people with skills and economic independence. |
LalalandAn artificial intelligence (AI) platform based in the Netherlands that generates diverse AI models for fashion e-commerce brands. | Clothes to GoodA social enterprise based in South Africa with the mission to empower people with disabilities and alleviate poverty through textile recycling. |