M&S has kicked off a nationwide search for its next designer as it unveils the upcoming launch of its new competitive TV show.
The ITV series, due to air in the Autumn, will document the search process from start to finish as 10 candidates compete to secure an in-house junior designer role at the fashion retailer.
Spread over six episodes, the contestants will be set a series of briefs which will assess their design, problem-solving, commerciality and collaboration skills.
M&S said each brief will be reflective of its design and product development process from gathering insights to identifying key product trends to designing and developing original products.
It added that it was looking for people with “a creative flair, a willingness to learn and a passion for design”, and reiterated that a formal qualification or training in fashion was not essential for applicants.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
The candidates will work out of a purpose-built design studio and will be judged by a panel of the retailer’s senior leaders, alongside a rotation of celebrity guests and designers with hosts AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay.
M&S marketing director for clothing and home Anna Braithwaite said: “The UK has some of the best emerging design talent in the world and we want to meet them.
“We’re on the look-out for the next generation of designers who can be part of our journey to evolve M&S’ style credentials and design original products that not only appeals to our existing customers but also turns the heads of customers who may not have previously considered us.
“We know customers loved the behind-the-scenes look at how we deliver Christmas for our customers, so we’re very excited to lift the lid on our Clothing & Home design process for the first time with this brand-new show format.
“It’s going to be fast-paced, creative, and fun – and for the winning candidate a rare opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business to design collections that will be worn by thousands.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
