>>DESIGN CONTEST - F.A.D. - FUTURE OPTIMISIM

In 2012 FAD celebrated the legacy of 10 years of the FAD Competition. 
For 2013 we challenge you: WHAT COMES NEXT?

We live in difficult times – yet social, economic and environmental constraints spark innovation. Collaboration between design and science leads to exciting new hi-tech possibilities, whilst some of the most innovative solutions are born from scarcity of means and resources. Ingenuity is what they have in common. In 2012 FAD celebrated the legacy of 10 years of the FAD Competition. For 2013 we challenge you: what comes next?

Look forward and explore: design has the potential to offer positive and creative solutions, and to address the needs of individuals and society in the next decade.

What will the future be about? How will living evolve? How can fashion help us live well – as an individual or as a whole society?

Envisage a key development or change taking place in the next ten years, and design two outfits which respond to it. Create people-centred design that enhances our way of living. Consider the moral and ethical choices to be made. Balance the practical and the beautiful, the sensory and the intellectual; be innovative and resourceful.

You can incorporate one, some or none of the following concepts into your designs:

• Taking advantage of technology 

• Transformation, multifunction 

• Long-term thinking: life-cycle, resilience and sustainability

• Personal health, happiness, fullfilment 

• The wearer’s relationship with their surroundings, with society, with others 

• Designing across disciplines

 2013 FAD COMPETITION 

FAD is a creative charity  whichnurtures innovative young talent and supports young people to progress into the fashion industry. The ethos that underpins all of our initiatives is to integrate art and culture into fashion while also promoting the idea that clothes should both enhance and respect the wearer. Through our challenging briefs we have been inspiring students for the past decade to explore new areas of research, promoting both original design and individual expression.

Now in its 11th year, the FAD Competition is dedicated to highlighting and supporting undergraduate talent, providing a platform for young designers to showcase their work before they graduate. Past FAD finalists have found employment in companies such as ASOS, Coast, All Saints and Harrods, as well as high profile designers Vivienne Westwood, Hussein Chalayan and Jean Paul Gaultier.

The final show will take place at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week in February 2013, giving students a unique opportunity to showcase their designs as part of the UK’s most prestigious fashion event.

 DEADLINE  

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

 PRIZES 

First prize: £1,000 and a work placement. Two runners-up: £500 each and a work placement.

 ELIGIBILITY

Participants must be 2nd or 3rd year BA, or MA, students studying Fashion at a UK Higher Education Institution. Each institution is permitted a maximum of three entries from BA courses and three from MA courses.

Students who have previously taken part in FAD Fashion Futures programmes may send their entries directly to FAD. These entries are in addition to the institutions’ quota of three entries and will be considered equally alongside other entries received.

To learn more and apply, go here.

Editorial by F.A.D.