Tommy Hilfiger wants entrepreneurs to take his 'Fashion Frontier Challenge'

Tommy Hilfiger is championing entrepreneurial spirit with its second ‘Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge'.

The PVH Corp-owned fashion brand is now accepting applications for the second edition of its annual global program, which aims to support entrepreneurial start-ups and businesses promoting inclusive and positive change within the fashion industry.

"The first chapter of this global initiative was an inspiring journey that put a spotlight on incredible ideas that could change the lives of people through a more positive and inclusive fashion landscape," said the head of the eponymous label, designer Tommy Hilfiger, in a statement. "Through the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge we continue to mentor and support social entrepreneurs who are putting their heart and soul into addressing issues they strongly believe in. This celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and determined optimism at the heart of our brand DNA."

From now through May 12, businesses can throw their hat into the ring by submitting project proposals that focus on inclusive fashion. A shortlist of six finalists will be announced in the summer, and, after a period of time fine-tuning their proposals with the help of Tommy Hilfiger experts at the Campus of the Future in Amsterdam, they will pitch their final concepts in early 2020. A jury panel will then select two winners, who will split a €150,000 award and benefit from a year-long mentorship program. An additional finalist will take home €10,000 if voted the "Audience Favorite Vote."

Mentorship programs remain popular in the luxury fashion industry -- the British Fashion Council (BFC) recently teamed up with the lifestyle magazine GQ to launch the 2019 BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund supported by JD.com Inc, while December saw the luxury conglomerate LVMH launch the 2019 edition of its prestigious annual ‘LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers'.