Harris Reed/Klarna launch competition for emerging creative talent

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Apr 1, 2022

British-American fashion designer Harris Reed is collaborating with finance company Klarna in a competition to find emerging talent in the fashion community. The winner will get a “mentoring lunch with the revolutionary creator”.

The competition, which is open to entrants from the UK and US, “will challenge young designers to think sustainably and champion inclusivity to create a look using recycled, eco-conscious materials”. 

While open to all designers, the competition also encourages members of the LGBTQIA+ community in particular to take part. The competition closes on 28 April.

Reed, who will be personally judging the entries, is asking aspiring runway designers to “design a look that best represents your fluid world. Please try and create this through a sustainable lens.” 

Over the lunch, Reed will impart “advice and guidance on the world of fashion and feedback on their design”. 

The partnership has been formed following Reed’s “breakout year in 2021 when he designed a number of attention-grabbing outfits, gaining fame for large feathered headpieces and chunky platform boots for stars such as Harry Styles and Emma Watson. 

Reed added: “My vision is that inclusivity and sustainability will become central to the future of fashion. There is no better way to foster this eco-conscious, inclusive culture than to instil this in the next generation of aspiring fashion designers. This competition builds on my previous work to champion gender inclusivity and I look forward to meeting with the winner and future creative talent.”

David Sandstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Klarna, also said: “Klarna has long focused on championing diversity and inclusion in all that we do. Partnering with Harris Reed for this competition is a great opportunity to back the future of British-American fashion, it builds on our work both supporting the fashion industry and designers but also ensuring consumers have sustainable fashion choices open to them.”