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 April 30, 2026 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, July 24, 2026 and one (1) design inspired by the theme of this year's GFW, "La Dolce Vita- an Italian Summer," on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

#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 May 1, 2026 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 nonrefundable $50 processing fee to enter the Emerging Designer Competition. Applicants are responsible for all costs related to designing and creating their collection, including shoes, accessories, and any special hair or makeup pieces used for the show. Additionally, designers must cover their own travel to and from Greenville for May fittings, production meetings, June/July fittings and event week, as well as expenses for transporting their collection, accommodations, parking, 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 orientation and fittings on May 9, 2026, June 7, 2026 and and July 19, 2026 if needed along with the week of the event. Emerging Designers must be present at rehearsal on Thursday, July 23 along with both shows on July 24 and 25, 2026.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Discounted hotel rates are available through our Host Hotel, Courtyard Marriott Downtown Greenville. To book, please visit the host hotel link on our website or call the hotel directly at 864.451.5700 and reference Greenville Fashion Week

#9 IF SELECTED FOR THE 2026 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 orientation meeting and model fittings May 9 (The can be virtual if needed), June 7 and July 19, 2026 if needed. The schedule is not flexible and is determined by Greenville Fashion Week.

Emerging Designers must be present at rehearsals on Thursday, July 23 at 3PM and must be present during the shows on both Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.

#10 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.

#11 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 May 9, 2026 and June 7, 2026 along with an optional third fitting on July 19, 2026 if needed. See additional details above regarding time and financial commitments related to model fittings.

#12 WHEN WILL DESIGNERS SHOW THEIR COLLECTION?

Each Emerging Fashion Designer will show their five (5) looks from their collection on Friday, July 24, 2026 and their one (1) theme look on Saturday, July 25, 2026 prior to the winner being announced. The Fashion Panel of judges will select one (1) Emerging Fashion Designer Winner after the competition on Friday, July 24 and the winner will be announced on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

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

Each Emerging Designer will receive two (2) tickets for you and a guest on Friday, July 24 and Saturday night, July 25, 2026. Additional tickets may be purchased online via the Greenville Fashion Week website once they become available for purchase.

#14 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 2027
- Maximum of 15 looks
- All travel expenses are the responsibility of winner
Two VIP tickets to GFW 2027 Friday & Saturday PM Runway Shows

#15 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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