Colin’s Denim Competition Opens Dialogue with Student Designers
Global fashion brand Colin’s Denim Fikrim (which translates to My Denim Idea) Design Competition recently returned for its third year. With the theme of “Denim Hero,” the event is geared toward lifting sustainability while also engaging young designers.
“Every year, our contest gives us the opportunity to take the pulse of young people,” said Ahmet Eroğlu, chairman of Colin’s sustainability committee. “Understanding how they see the world actually means holding a mirror to the future of our brand. Sometimes we transform an idea into a collection, sometimes a small detail changes our R&D processes. As Colin’s, we want to be a brand that connects with young people, listens to them and transforms together. My Denim Idea has become one of the most natural and sincere ways of this dialogue. Because we are not only designing a collection for the future; we are also designing a journey with a new generation that thinks and produces together.”
Denim Fikrim was open to those studying in two- or four-year programs such as fashion, architecture and industrial design. The third edition of the contest received applications from 300 students hailing from 53 different universities in 25 cities across Türkiye. This field was whittled down to 10 finalists, who then received a week of training with seminars hosted by DNM, Bossa, YKK and Colin’s as well as mentorship from the Colin’s denim team. Finalists also attended a Denim Hero workshop where they learned about the denim production process.
Finalists were able to create physical pieces using eco-friendly materials provided by DNM, Bossa and YKK. On May 30, the finalists showcased their Denim Heroes during a final jury presentation at Colin’s headquarters. The judging panel included industry experts like Kutay Saritosun from Bluesign, Onur Duru of Bossa and Gökhan Ünsal from DNM. The three winning designers were then announced and presented with awards on June 19 at a gala event, wrapping up the five-month experience. This event displayed the creations of all 10 designers.
When Colin’s issued a prompt about “denim heroes,” it received a number of different answers, with young individuals naming mythological characters, grandmothers and more as their heroes. Explaining the theme, Ahmet said, “Today’s real heroes neither wear capes nor live in comic books. They are people who think sustainably, care about the planet and move forward with ethical values.”
The awards were presented by Colin’s CEO Yavuz Eroğlu and Ahmet Eroğlu, chairman of Colin’s sustainability committee.
“The ideas of young people shape not only our designs but also our vision,” said Yavuz. “Our aim is to place sustainability at the center of design and production.”
First place went to Beyza Nur Yılmaz, who created a collection called Teddy Threads. Next in second was Başak Doğan, with Modular Blueprint. Rounding out the top three was Samet Topuz with his collection named Fantastic Four Mission Zero. These individuals all received cash prizes, while the rest of the finalists were given Colin’s gift vouchers.
The student winners had the chance to tell their stories on stage.
Competition organizer Colin’s operates in 24 countries with almost 6,000 employees and over 600 stores. Key focuses for the company are innovation, fit and quality. With the mission “living life with joy,” the retailer also prioritizes responsibility toward the environment and society, with fair working conditions, water management and other initiatives.
“In every step we take, we consider not only the needs of today but also the needs of tomorrow, and we aim to raise sector professionals who are sensitive to sustainability,” said Yavuz during his speech at the gala. “My Denim Idea is a very valuable project where we grow this vision together with young designers. Because we believe that the real power of a brand is hidden not only in its products but also in the inspiration it gives to the future.”
All images courtesy of Colin’s.