Tutto ciò che c'è da sapere sulla seconda edizione dei Black Carpet Awards

One of the major highlights of the upcoming fashion week is the much-anticipated return of The Black Carpet Awards for its second edition. Building on the success of its inaugural event, this year’s awards aim to strengthen further its commitment to celebrating excellence, diversity, and inclusion within the creative industry. Set to take place on September 20th at the historic Teatro Manzoni, the event will once again honor leaders of change in Italy and beyond, who have made significant impacts across various sectors, including fashion, art, music, technology, business, sports, film, and culinary arts. According to Michelle Francine Ngonmo, the event’s visionary founder, “This event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a powerful platform to celebrate and elevate those who are often unseen in our society. It is a reminder of the importance of visibility, recognition, and the profound impact that diversity, equity, and inclusion have within the creative industry. By honoring these Leaders of Change, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to continue driving meaningful progress.”The second edition of the Black Carpet Awards introduces several exciting updates and additions to its format, promising an even more engaging and impactful experience. Here’s a rundown of the key novelties you need to know about:

Virgil Abloh Award

A new and significant addition to this year’s event is the introduction of the “Virgil Abloh Award.” Created in collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Foundation, this one-time award is dedicated to celebrating and highlighting young creatives of color making remarkable strides in the fashion industry. This special award pays homage to the late designer’s legacy and his unwavering support for emerging talent.

The Jury

While many of the distinguished names from the 2023 edition remain on the jury, this year sees the addition of several new and influential international figures. The expanded jury now includes industry luminaries such as Grace Wales Bonner, Shayne Oliver, Anna Paola Vergani, and Jan Quammie, among others. Their combined expertise and diverse perspectives will ensure a thoughtful and comprehensive selection process.

New Waves

Another exciting feature of this year’s Black Carpet Awards is the introduction of the “New Waves” presentation. This segment was created to recognize and commend ten emerging talents in the creative industry who are on the cusp of achieving great things. These rising stars have already begun blazing impressive paths in their respective fields, and the New Waves presentation aims to shine a spotlight on their future potential.

People’s Choice

In a bid to engage the public more actively, this year’s winners have been chosen through a combination of jury deliberation and public voting. For each of the five categories, there will be two winners—one selected by the appointed jury and the other by the public’s votes. Public voting, which concluded earlier this year, allowed fans and supporters to have their voices heard, adding an extra layer of excitement to the award announcements.