Harris Reed, the British-American inclusive designer, and Klarna, the leading shopping and payments service, have teamed up to launch a gender-fluid fashion competition to find the next great emerging design talent.
Most known for his work dressing celebrities, including Harry Styles and Lizzo, Harris Reed will serve as a judge for the competition that challenges aspiring runway designers to create a look that represents a fluid world through a sustainable lens using recycled, eco-conscious materials. The contest, which launches on March 31 in the US & UK, encourages everyone to participate, especially the LGBTQIA+ community. The competition asks aspiring runway designers to: “Design a look that best represents your fluid world. Please try and create this through a sustainable lens.” The winning designer will have direct access to Harris Reed over an intimate mentoring lunch where they will receive advice and guidance on the world of fashion and feedback on their design.
“My vision is that inclusivity and sustainability will become central to the future of fashion. There is no better way to foster this eco-conscious, inclusive culture than to instill this in the next generation of aspiring fashion designers. This competition builds on my previous work to champion gender inclusivity and I look forward to meeting with the winner and future creative talent.”
-Harris Reed
Coinciding with London Fashion Week, the partnership with Klarna was formed following Harris’ breakout year in 2021, where he designed a number of attention-grabbing outfits, gaining fame for large feathered headpieces and chunky platform boots for megastars such as Harry Styles and Emma Watson.
“Klarna has long focused on championing diversity and inclusion in all that we do. Partnering with Harris Reed for this competition is a great opportunity to back the future of British American fashion, itbuilds on our work both supporting the fashion industry and designers but also ensuring consumers have sustainable fashion choices open to them.!”
-David Sandstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Klarna
About the Competition:
Timing – The Competition commences on 31st March 2022 at 00:01 GMT, and the closing date is 28th April 2022 at 00:01 GMT (the Competition Period).
Eligibility – The Competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom and the United States of America aged 18 years and over at the time of entry.
Prize – The winner will be selected no later than 12th May 2022 at 23:59 GMT (the Selection Date). The Prize Winner will be notified via email within ten (10) working days of the Selection Date. The email will contain instructions on how to claim the Prize. If the Winner is based in the UK, the mentor lunch will be in person. The mentor lunch will be virtual via an internet conference call if the winner is based in the US.
Edited by Wynter Aiken