Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter relaunch Vanguard Mentorship Programme for 2024

Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter have announced The Vanguard mentorship programme's relaunch to support emerging fashion designers. This initiative marks the first collaboration between the two retailers, enhancing their commitment to nurturing talent in the fashion industry

The Vanguard programme now emphasises designers committed to sustainability. The selected designers come from Net-A-Porter’s Net Sustain and Mr Porter's Consciously Crafted collections are part of the People & Planet initiatives. This approach aims to foster brands dedicated to prioritising the planet and its communities.

This year, brands selected include Diotima, Liberowe and Kartik Research. Each designer launched exclusive capsule collections featuring Digital ID technology, which provides customers with insights into the garment's design and care.

The mentorship will extend over two years, doubling the previous duration. Designers will receive tailored support from a panel of industry experts, comprising Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter ad interim CEO and president, Alison Loehnis; creative director at The Elder Statesmen, Gregg Chait; stylist and creative consultant, Julie Ragolia; executive digital director at Harper's Bazaar, Lynette Nylander; CEO at Textile Exchange, Claire Bergkamp; and climate advocate and journalist, Sophie Li.

Kate Benson, buying director, Net-A-Porter, stated: “We hope that by empowering and guiding them through mentorship across a broad range of subjects, and by pairing them with like-minded industry veterans we can prepare and propel them to reach their full potential.”

In addition to The Vanguard programme, the Education Fund - founded in 2021 in partnership with the British Fashion Council - will support final-year students entering the fashion industry. This year’s recipients include Flora McFarlane, Hadisa Ahmad Tabussam, Matthew Empringham and Shanel Edwards. They will receive financial assistance and mentoring from Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter staff.

Daniel Todd, buying director, Mr Porter, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We hope that the mentorship and support we offer through the Vanguard programme can help to scale and grow the business further.”

This initiative reflects a growing commitment within the fashion industry to promote responsible practices while fostering new talent. The collaboration between Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter signals a significant step towards a more sustainable future in fashion.

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