Contest Overview

We want you to imagine innovative fashion for the future, with a focus on the themes of beauty, resilience, and adaptation that speak to our shared ecological future. Interested designers will submit an original concept sketch (preexisting pieces will not be eligible) for wearable works of fashion, accompanied by a short description of how their designs address the contest themes.

Eligibility

The contest is open to any anyone of age 18 or older in the United States or its territories. Students are welcome to apply. Only individual artists may enter; teams, businesses, or organizations are not eligible.

Application Process

Our goal is to make this a fun and accessible contest. To that end, we are only requiring a few initial entry elements: some basic info about you, a project narrative, a materials list, and concept sketches and/or mood board.

Project Criteria

We are looking for a full-body looks that can be worn and displayed in motion. This could include but is not limited to: a suit, a dress, trousers and top, a full body coat, shorts and top, etc. This should be something that you could wear out. Accessories alone will not be considered such as just a hat, necklace, shoes, etc.

Judging Criteria

Your initial application will be considered for the ecology and artistry of the design, the materials used, the design’s functionality/wear-ability, and the design backstory/inspiration. Questions to consider when designing for these criteria can include:

–  How does the design minimize its embodied energy (the resources consumed by all of the processes required to produce the design)? For example, do the fabrics require overseas shipping? How much of the material is recycled or repurposed? What natural resources (like water) were used in producing the design’s materials?

–  What is the life cycle of the work? Is the design durable or can it be repurposed afterwards? Will the design biodegrade?

–  How does the design address the themes of beauty, resilience and adaptation that speak to our shared ecological future? Does the work address a specific environmental topic?

–  Does the design tell a story or serve a purpose? Are any innovations displayed in your design?

Trademark Constraints

References to trademarks or to specific individuals, including references to corporate brands or political figures, may limit our ability to showcase your design without additional permissions. Please avoid including anything in your design that prevents us from celebrating your work!

Contest Finalists

A selected group of participants will be asked to build their concept as contest finalists. These chosen participants will receive a modest stipend to help offset the costs of materials for their build. The finalists will submit a 2-minute video that includes closeups of your design, 360 degree views, as well as video of your design being worn and in motion (along with any additional features the designer would like to highlight). Finalists will also submit a more detailed description of their inspiration, concept, and designs. Finalists will have a little over one month to build and film their work.

These video submissions will be shown during a live broadcast celebration showcase. Each finalist may be asked to participate virtually in this event to discuss their work with the judging panel. A winner for the contest will be announced live by the judging panel.

All of the same judging criteria will be used in determining a final winner, with one additional component: quality of construction.

The contest winner will receive a prize of $3,000.

Materials

Your garment should be designed with resources you would have available. We understand that this may mean not all your materials adhere perfectly with the judging criteria. Just be honest about your materials and do the best you can! Some of the most impressive designs come from thinking creatively about what is accessible in your environment.

Use of Submissions

To fully celebrate your creativity and artistry, we will be highlighting works through our websites and social media accounts. This includes works that are not selected for the final round.

Contest Organizers

Program Host

Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht specializes in the creation of unique floral arrangements that celebrate enchanting flowers and natural beauty. He is the owner and creative director of Wild Bloom by Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht. His career began in New York City where he worked for some of the top designers in the industry. Since opening his own studio, his flowers have been in major publications across the US, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Traditional Home Magazine, and The Knot, and seen on Good Morning America and E! Network. His flowers for actress Julianne Hough were featured on the front cover of People Magazine.
Kristen has been named one of the world’s top florists by Harper’s Bazaar, and he previously served as the head judge for the Big Flower Fight on Netflix.