The 2017 edition of The Link, a talent scouting contest, has been announced by MarediModa, a leading trade show dedicated to fabrics, accessories, textile designs, private label manufacturers of beachwear, underwear, sportswear and athleisure, which will take place from 7-9 November in Cannes.

In its thirteenth year, the contest aims to identify the best talented designers in beachwear and underwear and link them with leading companies of both industries. The competition features over 100 selected European schools, hundreds of projects, sessions and selections, with eight finalists who end up on the stage of Cannes and two final winners, one per each category.

“An extraordinary journey and a rigorous selection will introduce the best designers to the public offering them a fast track to the world of fashion,” organisers report.

Contest process

The contest process begins with the application and registration forms, before moving on the nominations, considered by the members of the appointed jury panel. After identifying the semi-finalists, MarediModa will plan out The Link area in view of the Cannes trade show. The four finalists, each for each contest category (beachwear and underwear), will enjoy a reserved space to exhibit their collections to the public.

The winners will be selected with the help of the public vote and will be announced on the second trade show day, at a special evening cocktail party featuring a fashion show and a ceremony award. All finalists will also have an opportunity to showcase their collections throughout the summer edition of Mare d’ Amare, the beachwear trade show, held at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

Supporting the initiative

For this upcoming edition, MarediModa is selecting companies operating in beachwear, lingerie or style bureaux, which wish to become partners of the initiative by offering the opportunity of an internship to the most talented finalists of Cannes 2017.

According to organisers, many students from the past editions of The Link are now developing their own beachwear and underwear collections or working full-time in style bureaux of prestigious international companies.

www.maredimoda.com