MINI and The Woolmark Company kick off the new year by announcing their partnership for 2018. The two brands claim expertise in the areas of design and innovation, and their collaboration is intended to promote the work of young designers. The early fruits of the partnership – a capsule collection in wool, designed by a series of up-and-coming fashion designers – will be shown in June this year at Pitti Uomo 94, one of the leading international trade shows for men’s fashion and lifestyle, in Florence.
Partnering with The Woolmark Company, one of the most renowned supporters of emerging fashion designers worldwide, is the next step in the MINI brand’s involvement in fashion. Among the projects the British brand has unveiled over the past two years are the MINI FLUID FASHION and MINI FASHION – BEYOND NATIVE capsule collections showcasing the work of promising international designers.
“MINI is all about iconic design and an urban lifestyle. Like The Woolmark Company, we have a sharp eye for quality and the courage to challenge conventions. We are therefore looking forward to join forces and work together with a new group of innovative young designers,” explains Esther Bahne, Head of MINI Brand Strategy and Business Innovation. MINI and The Woolmark Company both have a history of questioning – and boldly reshaping – existing structures.
This shared understanding of the need for innovation underpins the collaboration between the two brands. And so we can expect exciting projects that build on MINI’s design expertise and The Woolmark Company’s many years of experience in materials research and development. The Pitti Uomo has been held in Florence twice a year since 1972. It promotes young, upcoming and sometimes unconventional fashion labels. MINI has been working with Pitti Immagine, an annual fashion industry fair in Italy, since January 2015. This collaboration opens a window into the partners’ shared passion for innovation, attention to detail and quality, as well as their ability to anticipate new trends.