Global men’s retail platform MR PORTER has today unveiled the three collections under its inaugural ‘FUTURES‘ mentorship program which provides three up-and-coming, hand-selected designers with the tools and resources to innovate and design their own collections to then be sold on MR Porter.

Selected from thousands of entries from over 77 countries worldwide, the talented designers at the forefront of the FUTURES initiative include Kat Tua from MANAAKI, Ryan Edmonds and Julian Canda of Miles Leon and SAIF UD DEEN of the eponymous label, all of whom today launch their very first collections for MR Porter.

The three collections presented each offers a unique perspective on what drives the respective designer in their craft and clearly exemplifies the designer’s commitment to craftsmanship, discovery, inclusivity and community. The program ultimately aims to highlight the craftsmen and women shaping the design of tomorrow.

 

Through the FUTURES initiative, MR PORTER offers a two-season commitment to advise and nurture the selected designers, with MR PORTER meeting the costs of the production, sampling and shipping for the development of each respective collection. Upon launch, each designer and design duo will receive 50 per cent of the net profits made, and continued mentorship and support from the broader MR Porter team.

Each collection was also the culmination of over a year’s work, including a design and business mentorship programme that factors in running a brand, marketing, product range, cash flow and intellectual property. Direct experience in factories and sessions with sustainability consultancy also assisted the designers along the process.

“MR PORTER FUTURES was borne from discussions we had in the business regarding how we could support diversity and inclusivity at a grassroots level, says Sam Kershaw, MR PORTER Buying Director.

“The fact that all entrants were judged anonymously was hugely important and we are incredibly privileged to have selected three brands that are unique and should appeal to the modern man. That we now launch three fully set-up brands, MANAAKI, Miles Leon and Saif Ud Deen is a testament to their hard work and group effort. I am delighted that MR PORTER champions such talent.”

In conjunction with Swedish fintech company Klarna, each designer was also awarded £10,000 each to ultimately help grow their business.

To shop the collections from the MR PORTER FUTURES initiative, visit the website here.