Fashion with Purpose: NiaLafoz Triumphs at ELLE Talent Project 2023

IE Business School aims to nurture fearless entrepreneurs and business professionals with a deep commitment to sustainability. Young designers competed for €25,000 and an opportunity to study a Master in Management (or an Executive course) at IE Business School. The competition was supported by ELLE España, IE Business School, and Inditex to reward local Spanish talent.

Since October 2022, numerous projects threw their hat into the ring for this competition. After careful consideration, only the top five projects made it to the final round. The brand NiaLafoz, founded and led by Emma Lafoz, emerged as the most promising and advanced participant in the eyes of the jury and won the prize.

“All the projects were so amazing. I expect that together we will change the world,” said Lafoz receiving the award.

NiaLafoz is an inclusive brand that produces fashionable clothes for people with physical disabilities. Lafoz impressed the jury with easily adaptable shirts, trousers, and tops for all kinds of shapes and necessities. The founder expects to officially launch the brand in September.

“Our mission is to bring adaptability and fashion closer and create a mix of functionality and aesthetics,” said Lafoz.

The 10th edition of the ELLE Talent Project featured several interesting initiatives focused on social design. One of the finalists captivated others with its innovative idea of producing bags from old sail textiles. Tombo, the sustainable brand, utilizes recycled and repurposed sail material, resulting in each bag being unique due to the variety of textiles used.

“My business helps fulfil values of the modern fashion world: good quality, innovative design, and commitment to sustainability,” said Sara Formoso, founder of Tombo.

ELLE, IE Business School, and Inditex organize the competition annually to support startups in the fashion and sustainability industries. Through this initiative, IE Business School fulfills its mission of promoting entrepreneurship and sustainability.

“Welcome to our tower, to the house of entrepreneurs. Congratulations for being here. We know that the path during the competition was not easy, with many obstacles,” welcomed everyone Geoffroy Gerard, President of IE Foundation and Vice Dean of IE School of Science and Technology, who played a role in determining the winner.

In addition to Gerard, this year's jury board included prominent figures such as Benedetta Poletti, the Director of ELLE, accompanied by Paloma Leyra, Director of special projects at ELLE; Annick Janssens, Director of the Venture Lab at IE; as well as Iria Folla-Cisneros, Cristina Hermo, and Inés Rogero, members of the Inditex Communication team.

“You are the ones who can change the world. So, above all, do not let your fears hinder your dreams,” motivated Poletti the finalists.

If you want to participate in the 2024 competition, follow @IEBusinessSchool on social media to receive more information.