Marks & Spencer is seeking its “next top designer” through a TV talent show tie-up with broadcaster ITV.
Marks & Spencer will offer the winner a job as a junior designer on a show provisionally titled Dress the Nation. It will be aired on ITV1 and ITVX this autumn.
The progamme, hosted by presenters AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, will run for six episodes with 10 contestants competing for the role at M&S’s Paddington head office.
The competition will be open to “people of all walks of life” and “creative flair, a willingness to learn and a passion for design” will matter more than formal qualifications.
Over the course of the series, participants will be set a range of briefs, designed to “assess their design, problem-solving, commerciality and collaboration skills”.
Their efforts will be judged by a panel of executives from M&S, celebrity guests and designers.
M&S clothing and home marketing director Anna Braithwaite said: “The UK has some of the best emerging design talent in the world and we want to meet them.
“We’re on the look-out for the next generation of designers who can be part of our journey to evolve M&S’ style credentials, designing original products that not only appeal to our existing customers but also turn the heads of customers who may not have previously considered us.
“We know customers loved the behind-the-scenes look at how we deliver Christmas for our customers, so we’re very excited to lift the lid on our clothing and home design process for the first time with this brand-new show format.
“It’s going to be fast-paced, creative and fun – and for the winning candidate a rare opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the business to design collections that will be worn by thousands.”
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