Designer Of The Year Award

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

ENTRIES CLOSE: 30 MARCH 2026 | FINALISTS NOTIFIED: 13 APRIL 2026 | WINNERS ATTEND FASHION SVP: 28–29 APRIL 2026

Launched at FASHION SVP last year, the Designer of the Year Award has quickly become a standout platform for discovering the next generation of fashion talent.

Now returning for its 19th edition, the award celebrates exceptional emerging designers from leading UK and European fashion colleges and universities, spotlighting bold creativity, strong design thinking, and ideas rooted in real-world relevance.

Proven impact. Real industry exposure.

The award debuted at the 18th edition of FASHION SVP to outstanding success. Competition was exceptionally high, with 10 finalists selected to present their collections live on the FASHION SVP show floor in front of a packed industry audience.

Finalists were judged by a panel of respected industry experts, including Niamh Maher (Vivienne Westwood) and Mary Fellowes (Sustainability Consultant and former Vogue Editor), who praised the standard of work as:

“Captivating across the board."

Judges highlighted the strength of students’ design processes, from concept and research through to final execution, and emphasised the importance of balancing creativity with commercial awareness.

WHY ENTER ?

If you’re selected, you’ll get to:

• Showcase your collection live at FASHION SVP 2026

• Get noticed by buyers, brands, and industry leaders

• Receive expert feedback from senior fashion professionals

• Build confidence, credibility, and visibility at a defining moment in your career

What to submit?

Applicants are invited to submit a clear, creative, and well-presented PDF that showcases both concept and execution.

Submission Guidelines

Your application must include:

PDF format (maximum 5MB per file)
2 pages only, featuring:
Concept boards & inspiration
Design development & ideas
Final piece imagery

Physical or digital submissions are accepted

Finalist Requirements

If selected, finalists must be willing to:

Provide 1–2 physical pieces for display on a dedicated stand,
Supply digital assets for on-screen display (for digital-only submissions)

Eligibility!

Open to final-year undergraduate and MA students enrolled in fashion-related courses, including digital design, at UK colleges or universities. Proof of enrolment may be requested.

Apply Below

If you are a fashion student ready to challenge yourself, showcase your work and step onto a major industry stage; this is your moment to shine.

Key Dates

Entries close: 30 March 2026
Finalists notified: 13 April 2026
Winners attend FASHION SVP: 28–29 April 2026

Winner Attendance

Winners must be available to attend FASHION SVP on both days and participate in award activities and on-site promotion, including content captured for future marketing purposes.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – MINGYU LI

Mingyu Li, Designer of the Year – Edition 18

Meet the Winner

A fashion design graduate from Kingston University, Mingyu won over the judges with “The Eighth Continent”, a powerful concept inspired by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its devastating impact on marine ecosystems. She entered the competition to push her creative boundaries, experience the fashion industry in a professional setting, and gain real-world insight into turning bold ideas into commercially viable fashion.