Australian, female, fashion entrepreneurs have a chance to create lasting change in the industry by submitting their ideas for a new fashion app.
In a competition run by the Yoox Net-A-Porter Group (YNAP) dubbed Incredible Girls of the Future, young female entrepreneurs between the ages of 16-25 from around the world have the chance to submit their ideas for the app, which must utilise technology to challenge conventions or drive sustainable change to impact the industry for the future.
The initiative supports the Group's aim to create a culture of inclusivity where everyone can reach their potential without barriers.
In research commissioned by the Group in 2018, the results showed that 50% of young female respondents think technology careers are unexciting and few linked the industries of fashion and technology together. The Incredible Girls of the Future competition hopes to change this attitude.
YNAP Group CEO Federico Marchetti said that by linking fashion and technology, the Group aims to introduce female talent to the digital space.
"There aren’t enough women in tech. We strongly believe that fashion can provide an effective lens to tackle this issue and change young people’s perceptions; helping to introduce more female talent to digital careers and fulfil their creative potential.
"That’s why YNAP Group is inviting the future generation of female entrepreneurs to pitch their best fast-tech innovations. They are the ones who will drive a more inclusive and sustainable luxury industry," he said.
The app ideas will be judged by an international panel of fashion and technology experts. The judges will be looking for originality, entrepreneurship, thorough planning, as well as problem solving skills and a polished presentation.
The winner will receive a mentorship opportunitiy with the YNAP Group executives who will give the innovator practical advice about how to achieve their visions. The winner will also feature across the Net-A-Porter channels as well as receiving a one-on-one styling appointment and £1000 to spend on the site ($1832.15 AUD).
The competition runs until July 01.