M&S has announced a nationwide search for its next designer with the launch of a competitive ITV1 and ITVX series, M&S: Dress The Nation, hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay.
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV, said:
“M&S: Dress The Nation offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a member of the public to be able to design their fashion collection of dreams. We’ve had real success previously marrying two of the UK’s most loved brands in ITV and M&S for food content and so we’re hugely excited to be able to extend this partnership into the world of fashion.”
The entire search process will be documented in six episodes, showcasing the journey of 10 candidates who will compete for a highly sought-after in-house design role at M&S’ colleague support centre in Paddington, London. Over the course of the recruitment process, the candidates will be set a series of briefs which will assess their design, problem-solving, commerciality and collaboration skills.
AJ Odudu said:
“I’m so excited to be hosting M&S: Dress The Nation on ITV alongside my mate Vernon. To host a primetime show that celebrates all things fashion is incredible and I can’t wait to help ITV and M&S unearth some brilliant new design talent. Accessibility to the creative industries for people across the U.K. is so important to me and shows like this provide an opportunity that really could change someone’s life forever.”
The candidates will have access to a purpose-built design studio where they will work individually and in groups to create garments that resonate with the M&S customer, who values style, versatility, value, and quality in their clothing choices.
The winner of the series will be offered an in-house junior designer role with M&S which will be built around their skillset and experience.
Vernon Kay said:
“I’m a strong believer in giving talent the opportunity to be seen and get a chance to make it. This is a great way for budding designers, especially those who don’t necessarily have any formal training or experience, to win a life-changing job at one of Britain’s most loved retailers. This is gonna be huge for all those who take part. And I’m so looking forward to working alongside AJ again.”
The show will air on ITV1 and ITVX from early autumn possibly with a different title.
