H&M launches graduate design scheme

Fashion chain H&M may well be busy with its designer

collaborations but now they are also backing graduate design talent.

H&M is campaigning to find the fashion's next big designers, as it launches an international competition involving 14 art and fashion colleges from around the world.

Graduates from each of these colleges will compete for the Global Design Award prize, a cash prize, a show at Stockholm Fashion Week, and the chance to have their designs sold in H&M stores.

The progress of the competition will be posted online for the general public to be involved and give their support.

"I'm very excited about the H&M Design Award," said H&M Head of Design Ann-Sofie Johansson. "It´s our first ever prize for new young designers, and it's been such an inspiring experience to meet these talented graduates, to hear the vision behind their collections and to see the final result. With the award I hope we encourage young designers around the world to believe in themselves and their creativity. I can't wait to share the experience with everyone online."