Fashion Fringe


	APPLICATION FOR FASHION FRINGE 2008 IS NOW OPEN As founder and creative director of Fashion Fringe I’m delighted that you are planning to apply for this exciting platform for new fashion talents, now in its fifth year. To help us help you, it’s worth taking a little time to think about what Fashion Fringe is about and to make sure that it is really right for you to apply. We take applicants very seriously; we choose our finalists with a great deal of care and we nurture and sustain our winner at all levels as he or she begins the job of building a business. Even with all our support, it is a very tough task. So, when you are filling in this form, be honest with us and don’t fool yourself. To help you, let us tell you what the likely winner must deliver – 1. Solid design principles backed by an individual handwriting, which does not include copies of details, shapes etc. already seen on catwalks. Remember, you are not a student. You are a creator. 2. An exciting, challenging runway show, highlighting the designer’s original creative thought without being fantasy or fancy dress. Remember, fashion is not only about ideas, it is about selling clothes but that doesn’t mean that a good runway show shouldn’t have drama or event theatricality. 3. Plans and projections which show an awareness of the money side of setting up a designer label in order to sustain it for more than an initial season. Remember, few designers have much hope of turning a profit in their business for at least four seasons, and even then they would be considered exceptionally talented – and very lucky were they to do so. This is a tough business with no quick fixes. 4. The last word of advice – Don’t try to second-guess what the judges want. They actually want you to show what you believe in, not something you think they might believe in. As world-class members of the fashion business, they are not easily fooled and they have seen everything so they can spot a ‘rip-off’ immediately. Remember, just be yourself. Being a designer is a demanding career and it isn’t just about clothes. It requires determination, self-belief, the ability to work hard – and the courage not to give in. In addition, a successful designer today has to have not only business but social skills, needs to be switched on to many different aspects to modern life and to have the ability to be self-aware and honest. Sadly, we can only have one winner each year so, before you send us your completed form, think a bit about how you will react if that isn’t you. Of course, if you’ve been lucky enough to be one of the four finalists, you are in a sense already out there. You will have had the exposure in The Sunday Times Style, Vogue.com and worldwide media generally. But you have to have a mind set which has faced the possibility no only of winning but of not winning. What will you do? Will you carry on your business – or will you have another go for Fashion Fringe? Good Luck Colin McDowell Creative Director TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY • You must be over the age of 21 to enter • You must be a UK/Eire resident (residing in the UK/Eire for 3 years or more) or have a valid work permit until 2012. Proof of residency/permit will be required • Design Duos are permitted to enter. Both applicants must fill in separate application forms and send them together with their shared sketches in the same envelope. No larger collaborative teams are permitted • The collection must consist of womenswear (and must not contain lingerie unless otherwise stated) • All outfits must be model size (to fit a UK size 8 - 10) and should be able to be worn without the aid of props • All outfits should be able to be hung on a clothes hanger • No perishable materials or live animals can be used • The collection must be designed exclusively for Fashion Fringe and must not have been exhibited or shown before • The number of drawings will not exceed 25 and will be geared to Spring/Summer wear 2008 sketches will consist of 5 evening dresses, and at least one of the following; casual wear; cocktail dress; smart daywear and sportswear (the catwalk collection does not have to include every category) • Sketches must include 5 full-colour illustrations of your finished design and the development of your idea, showing both back and front views. These must include shoes and accessories detailed on a separate sheet. • Sketches must include 1 brief for Spring/Summer 08's must-have beauty or fashion accessory. • Fabric swatches should be attached to each drawing, with a brief explanation on the same page stating how they would be used • Sketches must be no larger than A4 size and will NOT be returned • You must use your sketches submitted as the basis for your final Fashion Fringe Collection • All sketches must be the unaided work of the applicant • Fashion Fringe reserve the right to use any applicant’s sketches and photos for publicity purposes • Questionnaires and drawings must be sent together in the same package • If you are selected as a finalist, you will be granted a representation agreement with IMG which must be signed to qualify for the final judging round • If you are selected as a finalist you must be available from June 2008 and be based in London • If you win, your business must be set up and run from London and you will be obliged to show in London for 5 years under the auspices of Fashion Fringe • If you win, you will enter into a contract with IMG and the CFE who will support the setting up and initial running of your business • If you win you may be required to enter into contracts with Fashion Fringe partners • If you already have your own clothing label, you must not earn more than £20,000 per year in profit • Complete Equal Opportunities from must be completed, but can be anonymous, this will be sent to the LDA and will not affect your entry • You are not eligible if you are still in full time education • Those with a criminal record are not permitted to enter • Incomplete applications will not be accepted DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM DOWNLOAD EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM WHERE DO I SEND MY APPLICATION? Fashion Fringe IMG McCormack House Burlington Lane London W4 2TH