Entering a new era of nurturing emerging designers by helping them find a unique platform on which to stand tall, The Future of Fashion Program launches for the first time with WHO'S NEXT. This season they’re teeing up for a collaboration with the world’s leading pioneers of new talent, Not Just A Label (NJAL), who since 2008 have been introducing the fashion world to their very best in bright, young things.

WHO’S NEXT will seek out 20 emerging designers from NJAL’s vast database of talent, with the aim to uncover the next generation of fashion’s finest, and with applications closing next week, this isn’t an opportunity that will wait around.

If chosen, entrants will be given the chance to show their designs during the WHO’S NEXT AW14 Paris trade show in January. From there, a selection of the most promising will showcase their designs across three additional seasons, being judged on creativity, as well as the business potential of their brand.

Not to worry though because it wouldn’t be an emerging talent program without a little hand-holding. Alongside some PR help, mentoring will be provided by a selection of the industry’s best, including buyers, consultants and sales directors, as well as NJAL founder himself, Stefan Siegel.

The long-term program will culminate in July 2015 with the announcement of two winners, one specialising in ready-to-wear and the other in accessories. The chosen designers will feature in Dazed & Confused, as well as receiving an extra six-months worth of mentoring, including advice for building the business plans to launch their futures.

But as we know by now, fashion moves fast and entries close on 12 December. If it’s a stepping stone, a building block, or whatever you need to get a leg up, then head on over to NotJustALabel.com and apply to become one of the next generation’s new designers.