Fashion East is the industry’s largest talent incubator. From Kim Jones, Jonathan Anderson and Simone Rocha to his Mowalola, the platform has launched the careers of superstar designers. But the missing link has been additional support for those who lack the means to emerge and take their business to the next level. has partnered with Ugg to launch a new initiative, the XLNC Program (pronounced like Excellence), to empower and provide ongoing support to outstanding alumni. This season, his KNWLS, run by life and work partners Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault, will be the first recipients of the £20,000 grant. He will also receive significant investment for the brand’s production of his Spring/Summer 2023 show.

“This is something we have wanted to do for a long time because we want to give additional support to those who have done shows at Fashion East in the past but have not yet found or are taking investment. We recognize that there is an opportunity to deliver, and we are walking a unique path that may not fit the other schemes out there,” Kennedy explained of how the initiative came to fruition. To do. “And he had a lot of enthusiasm for KNWLS from the jury. They are clear winners for all of us and we are very excited to provide continued support for such a great label.” I am doing it.”

Ugg Senior Product Director Sandy Grant added: Bold, unapologetically self-expression is at the heart of Ugg and Fashion East, and KNWLS is arguably the boldest embodiment of these values ​​through craft and storytelling. ”

“This means a lot to us. It was a much needed validation as we had a lot to manage as the business grew for several months,” said KNWLS about their feelings about winning the award. . “It helped take the strain off our business and our nerves. And Lulu was one of the first people to believe in what we were doing. Fashion him.” without East and Instagram! – KNWLS wouldn’t exist.

This season, the KNWLS and Fashion East Group shows are hosted by Mills Fabrica, King’s Cross. The design duo will also use materials from Nona Source, an LVMH-supported resale initiative for luxury fabrics.