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EMERGING DESIGNER FAQ

#1 HOW DO I APPLY AND WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST APPLICANTS POSSESS TO APPLY FOR THE GFW EMERGING DESIGNER COMPETITION?

There are a few easy steps to apply. This includes submitting an online application with details about the collection you plan to show, uploading a professional headshot and examples of past work along with payment of the $50.00 application fee.Online applications must be submitted by February 10, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. EST to be considered for the competition.

 

There are no age restrictions or required experience for the Emerging Designer Competition.  Applicants 18 years of age and under, will need parental/guardian permission to apply.

To qualify as a designer must meet ONE or more of the following:

1. Previously studied or currently be studying at a fashion program, and/or work under a recognizable designer.

2. Have a design business for a minimum of one year.

3. Demonstrate experience with fabric and/or textiles over a number of seasons and consistently produce high quality garments.

 

*Your collection must debut at Greenville Fashion Week, meaning the collection has never been seen before.

 

#2 ARE SKETCHES AND GARMENT IMAGES REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION?

Designers must provide at least four photos of your previous work, including but not limited to your most recent collection or designs.  

Images need to be of professional quality and on a model or mannequin.

#3 WHAT SEASON SHOULD MY COLLECTION FOCUS ON?

We recommend Emerging Fashion Designers present a collection for the next season: Fall/Winter. However, this is left up to the sole discretion of each Emerging Designer Applicant and can be any season. This plays no role in your scoring criteria. 

 

#4 HOW MANY LOOKS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN MY COLLECTION PRESENTED AT GFW?

Each Emerging Fashion Designer collection will consist of five (5) complete looks to be shown on the runway Friday, April 5, 2024 and one (1) design inspired by the theme of this year's GFW, "Fashion in Bloom," on Saturday, April 6, 2024. 

 

#5 DO MY DESIGNS HAVE TO BE SEWN BY ME, OR AM I PERMITTED TO HAVE A SEAMSTRESS OR MANUFACTURER PRODUCE MY COLLECTION?

You are permitted to work with a seamstress or manufacturer, as long as the designs are your own.

 

#6 IF SELECTED AS AN EMERGING FASHION DESIGNER, WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?

All applicants will be notified by February 15, 2024 by midnight. Designers must confirm acceptance into the competition within 24 hours of notification or they may be disqualified.

 

#7 IS THERE A FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EMERGING DESIGNER COMPETITION?

Greenville Fashion Week requires a processing fee of $50 to enter the Emerging Designer Competition. Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with designing/creating looks for the collection – shoes, accessories, and any special hair and makeup pieces used for the show. Designers are also responsible for their own travel to/from Greenville (see details below) for both  March production meetings and the week of the event, transporting their collection, and meals.

 

#8 IF SELECTED AS A EMERGING FASHION DESIGNER WILL TRAVEL TO/FROM GREENVILLE AND ACCOMMODATIONS IN GREENVILLE BE PROVIDED?

Emerging Fashion Designers are responsible for their own travel to/from Greenville for both fittings in March and the week of the event in April.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Discounted hotel rates are offered through our Host Hotel, Homewood Suites Downtown Greenville.

 

#9 IF SELECTED FOR THE 2024 EMERGING DESIGNER COMPETITION WHAT TIME COMMITMENT WILL BE REQUIRED?

Emerging Fashion Designers MUST commit to the following dates and times, in order to participate in the competition. Tip: Mark your calendar now! Attend the mandatory production meetings and model fittings March 3, 2024 and March 24, 2024. The schedule is not flexible and is determined by Greenville Fashion Week.

Optional to be on-site at final rehearsals on Thursday, April 4, 2024  and must be present during the shows on both Friday, April 5th and Saturday, April 6, 2024.

 

#10 WHAT TAKES PLACE IN MARCH AND WHY IS MY ATTENDANCE MANDATORY?

Emerging Fashion Designers will film their introductory videos, turn in sketches, meet and fit models. Videos will be filmed on March 3, 2024 along with initial fittings; additional optional fittings will be held on March 24, 2024. Final Sketches are due on March 24, 2024. 

 

#11 IF SELECTED AS AN EMERGING FASHION DESIGNER, HOW WILL I CREATE MY GREENVILLE FASHION WEEK RUNWAY SHOW (CHOOSE MODELS, MUSIC, HAIR/MAKEUP LOOKS, SHOES, ETC.)?

Greenville Fashion Week will produce the Emerging Designer Competition (EDC) runway show in coordination with each designer. GFW will provide models, approved music, and hair/makeup. The runway, lighting, and show production are at the sole discretion of GFW. Designers are responsible for the collection designs, accessories, and any approved special hair or makeup pieces. Models are asked to provide their own basic and neutral tone shoes. Should your collection need something more specific, then it is your responsibility to provide these for your models. You will complete a Production Information Form with music requests along with hair and makeup inspiration photos. Any runway choreography, must be approved by GFW Production. 

 

#12 CAN I USE MY OWN MODELS FOR THE RUNWAY SHOW?

Only models cast and selected for Greenville Fashion Week may be used for an Emerging Fashion Designer runway show. GFW will make final selections based on overall event and production needs. Emerging Fashion Designers will meet models and hold fittings on March 3, 2024 and March 24, 2024. See additional details above regarding time and financial commitments related to model fittings. 

#13 WHEN WILL DESIGNERS SHOW THEIR COLLECTION?

Each Emerging Fashion Designer will show their five (5) looks from their collection on Friday, April 5, 2024 and their one (1) theme look on Saturday, April 6, 2024 prior to the winner being announced.  The Fashion Panel of judges will select one (1) Emerging Fashion Designer Winner after the competition on Friday to be announced on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

 

#14 DO EMERGING DESIGNERS RECEIVE TICKETS TO GREENVILLE FASHION WEEK?

Each Emerging Designer will receive two (2)  tickets for you and a guest on Friday, April 5, 2024 and Saturday night, April 6, 2024. Additional tickets may be purchased online via the Greenville Fashion Week website once they become available for purchase. Purchase tickets here!

 

#15 IF SELECTED AS THE EMERGING DESIGNER WINNER, WHAT DOES THE PRIZE INCLUDE?

One (1) Emerging Fashion Designer will be named the Emerging Designer of the year for GFW.  Winner will be selected by a professional panel of judges.

The Prize Package will include:

  • $500 Cash Prize

  • Runway show as a Featured Designer at Greenville Fashion Week 2025

    • Maximum of 15 looks

    • All travel cxpenses are the responsibility of winner 

  • Professional photo-shoot of your winning collection with a GFW Photographer ​

    • Date will be coordinated by GFW ​

  • Two tickets to GFW 2025 Friday & Saturday PM Runway Shows ​

 

#16 DURING WHAT TIME FRAME MUST THE WINNER REDEEM HIS/HER PRIZE?

All cash prizes awarded at a date selected by GFW. All other prizes must be used within one year of the date from the time you are announced as the Emerging Designer Winner. 

 

 

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