APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

ENTRIES CLOSE: 20 Oct 2026 | FINALISTS NOTIFIED: 27 Oct 2026 | WINNERS ATTEND FASHION SVP: 10 & 11 Nov 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.

Into it’s second year, Designer of the Year Awards at Fashion SVP is returning for the 20th Edition and launching the International Designer of the Year award. Opening the competition to exceptional emerging designers from Europe, America, Asia and UK, so not only students from leading colleges and institutions, but also new designers and brands from their first year in business.

Showcasing bold creativity, strong design mentality and forward thinking, we will be selecting 1 finalist from each country to be a showcased at the show in November.

“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.

Celebrating the Next Generation of Fashion Talent

The Award Debuted at the 18th Edition and was a resounding success at the 19th Edition seeing a huge number of exceptionally high applications. Gaining momentum, we saw applications from across the UK including entries from Kingston University, Loughborough University, Birmingham University, Edinburgh University with the Winner coming from the University for the Creative Arts.

FASHION SVP was a hive of excitement with all finalists present to present their submissions to the Judges, a panel of respected industry professionals Including Harold Tillman CBE.

Whether you're developing your final collection or taking your first step into the fashion industry, this fashion design competition offers valuable exposure, industry recognition and meaningful career opportunities.

Proven Impact. Real Industry Exposure.

The competition not only promotes exposure of emerging talent but also connects you directly with the industry and supports enterprising projects by collaborating with manufacturers. The Winner is currently in collaboration with a UK manufacturer creating a line of samples from their designs! This is a unique opportunity to experience the real world of production of your very own designs.

About the International Designer of the Year Award

The International Designer of the Year Award is one of the highlights of Fashion SVP, celebrating the creativity and innovation shaping the future of fashion.

Unlike many traditional fashion design awards, Fashion SVP connects emerging designers directly with fashion brands, buyers, sourcing specialists and manufacturers. Participants gain the opportunity to present their work to professionals who actively influence product development, retail buying and future collaborations.

The award is designed to recognise originality, commercial awareness, sustainability and craftsmanship while helping talented designers build valuable industry connections.

Why Enter the Designer of the Year Award?

Entering the competition gives you much more than the opportunity to win a title.

Gain Industry Recognition – Present your work to respected fashion professionals, buyers, and decision-makers.
Showcase Your Collection – Display your creativity on a professional platform attended by leading brands and retailers.
Build Valuable Industry Connections – Meet buyers, manufacturers, sourcing specialists, and fellow designers from across the industry.
Strengthen Your Portfolio – Add recognised industry experience to your CV and professional portfolio.
Receive Expert Feedback – Benefit from insights and evaluations from experienced fashion professionals.
Open New Career Opportunities – Increase your visibility with employers, collaborators, and industry partners.
Experience manufacturing in the real world – The Winner will experience production of their designs by collaborating with professional manufacturers.

As a finalist, you'll have the opportunity to:

Present your work to influential fashion professionals.
Gain exposure within the UK and international fashion industry.
Build relationships with potential employers and collaborators.
Become part of a growing community supporting emerging design talent.

What the Judges Look For / Judging Criteria

Successful entries demonstrate more than great design.

Judging typically considers:

Original design concept
Creativity and innovation
Technical execution
Quality of garment construction
Commercial viability
Sustainability and responsible design
Storytelling behind the collection
Overall presentation

WHY ENTER ?

If you’re selected, you’ll get to:

• Showcase your collection live at FASHION SVP - IDA 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 BA Students, MA students and start up brands and designers across Europe, America, Asia and UK. Students to be enrolled in a Fashion Related course and or on Placement for the relevant industry additionally can be in the first year of trading as a brand or sole trader. Proof may be required on entry.

Attendace to the Show is essential.

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: 20 Oct 2026
Finalists notified: 27 Oct 2026
Winners attend FASHION SVP: 10 & 11 Nov 2026

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – MINGYU LI

Yiet Kuan Lau, Designer of the Year – Edition 19

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.

Student Spotlight - Yiet Kuan Lau

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Designer of the Year – Edition 19

Yiet Kuan Lau

The Winner Says

“Ugly Pretty, is an exploration of scrappy art elevated through restraint. Both of my parents grew up poor so they had to be very resourceful. That skill and mindset has been passed down to me and is now pronounced proudly in the way I make clothes.

At its core, the collection reimagines what is often overlooked. Textile prints are developed from envelope linings (objects designed to be hidden), now brought forward and refined into intentional surfaces. I’ve also experimented with heat pressing my own prints on top of deadstock fabrics with pre-existing prints to reinforce my design DNA of reworked fashion.

Silhouette plays a central role. The shapes are informed by my Malaysian roots and by the visual language of labourers; individuals who dress for function, climate, and endurance.

Layers of lightweight fabrics create garments that breathe while offering shade from the sun and maintaining ease and comfort.

The result is a collection designed for the modern working woman, someone who values quiet confidence, intelligence in design, and longevity in her wardrobe. The pieces are chic while balancing softness and structure.”