Andam welcomes Bureau Betak and reaches a global endowment of 700.000 euros

By

Céline VAUTARD

Translated by
Cassidy STEPHENS

Published
Jan 19, 2023

For its 34th edition, Andam (National Association for the Development of Fashion Arts) has hit a record 700,000 euros in funding for the competition prizes, confirming its position as a major player in the support of emerging talent in France and internationally. The prize money has increased from 450,000 euros in 2020 and 600,000 euros in 2022.

"Nothing would be possible without the financial support of our partners, who offer their know-how to this young generation, as well as the arrival of Bureau Betak, which will contribute to the presentation so that it is as sustainable as possible," explains Nathalie Dufour, founder and director of Andam.

The 2023 jury, chaired this year by Chloé president Riccardo Bellini, will award five prizes which will be presented on June 29 at the Ministry of Culture in Paris.

The Andam Grand Prize will be awarded to a French or foreign designer wishing to establish a permanent presence in Paris, thus contributing to the dynamism of the Parisian scene and the French industry. The winner will receive 300,000 euros.

For the Special Prize the jury will also award 100,000 euros to the runner up, while Riccardo Bellini will support the main fashion winners for a full year in the development of their brand, both creatively and strategically, helping them to increase their visibility at an international level.

The Pierre Bergé Prize including 100,000 euros, aims to promote a young French company in the fashion industry to enable it to develop and shine on the international scene. For this 2023 edition the prize winner will be mentored by Catherine Spindler, deputy managing director of Lacoste and will be accompanied by the brand for one year.

The Fashion Accessory Prize winner will receive 100,000 euros and the chance to be mentored by Guillaume de Seynes, managing director of Hermès, who will provide support and personalised advice for a year. 

Finally, the Innovation Prize, will award for the first time 100,000 euros to a French or international start-up wishing to develop their project in France in the fashion sector. These companies must offer innovative technological solutions towards responsible fashion that is respectful of both humans and the planet, in the following areas: bio-tech, new materials, production, distribution and the circular economy. Yann Gozlan, founder and president of Creative Valley, with the support of  the expert committee, will offer the winner one-year of support in all areas.

"Continuing the development of Andam requires a lot of conviction and a very global vision in terms of support and players," continues Nathalie Dufour. "I'm going to look for what I think is the best way to serve this new generation. With Alexandre de Betak, whose office is very committed to sustainable development (it is ISO 20121 certified, editor's note). In the end, the idea is to create a board of leaders who are very aware of all the issues facing the fashion industry as a whole."

The Andam jury will be announced in February by the president of this edition. Candidates can apply online at the Andam website until March 31, 2023. The selected finalists will be announced at the end of May.