Schmid in Russia
In November, Paolo Ciccarelli, the company’s CEO, was invited to Saint Petersburg to be a member of the jury of the high-profile international contest Admiralty Needle and meet the students of the design school "Art Future"
Russians are known for their passion for fashion. One just has to walk along the Nevskij Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, the city’s main throughway, to spot many fashion brand stores. Indeed, in the city of the Czars, 21 years ago started one of the most interesting international contests in the world of design: the Admiralty Needle Contest, organised by the Saint Petersburg State University of Technology and Design and open to young talents wishing to make their way in the world of fashion.
Schmid sits on the jury panel
Paolo Ciccarelli, Schmid’s CEO, took part in this year’s edition. He was invited to be a member of the contest’s international jury, along with other industry experts from Japan, Germany, France, China and of course Russia. «It was an incredible experience – the CEO said -. The organisation was meticulous and the two catwalks were a great success. The collections presented were excellent and the award ceremony, that captivated and enthused the audience, confirmed it. It is the result of the great work carried out by the university and its professors».
Talented youth with an international spin
The Admiralty Needle Contest has clear objectives: contribute to the grooming of young talents and help them express their creative potential in the design and fashion world. «A philosophy in line with Schmid’s values, explains Ciccarelli. Our Textile Talents Contest is also aimed at to the designers of the future. The contest in Saint Petersburg also highlighted the progress made by the Russian fashion industry. For the participants it was an opportunity to show their know-how in the field of design. Schmid was the only converter present at the event, confirming its international profile and its attention towards young talents».
Attending class with the Art Future School of design
During the trip to Saint Petersburg there was also time to visit the students of the Art Future School of design, who with other international students will participate in the Textile Talents Contest organised by Schmid. “When talking about our project I noted a sparkle of great passion and excitement in their eyes and that struck me positively,” said Ciccarelli. We will speak more about this shortly.
