2023 Student Challenge

Fashion is one of the most creative yet wasteful industries, with clothing production contributing significantly to landfill waste. However, we believe fashion can also be a powerful tool for change. That's why we're thrilled to announce our upcycled fashion challenge!

“Upcycle Style Challenge”

This year's student challenge invites you to give pre-loved garments new life by reimagining them into modern, stylish looks. Whether you source from thrift stores or from the depths of your own closet, we encourage you to dig into the potential of forgotten pieces. Take risks, experiment with textile manipulations, and breathe fresh perspective into what already exists. Most importantly, have fun with the process! This is a chance to make sustainability stylish by showing your peers that upcycling is not only good for the planet, but can produce innovative fashion. We can’t wait to see the boundary-pushing potential of these undeserved garments when placed in the hands of young, inspired designers like you. Unleash your creativity and register today!

2024 Student Challenge Registration Form

Spread the Word

How to Participate in the Student Challenge:

Register an Intent to Enter:
- The minimum age requirement to enter is 16, and entrants must be able to verify student status.
- $10.00 for each entry must be submitted with the registration form. Limit of three entries per participant.
- Registrations must be received by 10 pm PST June 30, 2024.
Receive Entry Number
- Entry numbers will be sent July 10, 2024.
- Challenge participants will be sent their challenge entry number and additional challenge instructions by email; please add fashionshow@sewingprofessionals.com to your safe list.
Complete Entry Submission:
- Entry submissions are completed through the online Student Challenge Submission Form.
- Submissions must be received by 10 pm PST August 15, 2024.

Challenge Guidelines:

Source Pre-Loved Garment(s): Find an existing garment or textile from your closet, family/friends, second hand stores, etc. This must be the foundation of your design.
Upcycle & Redesign: Use your creativity to transform the garment into something new! Cut it up, combine it with other materials, apply trims/embellishments, etc.
Construction: While creativity and design are important, entries should demonstrate quality construction and effort. The items that make up your entry must be sewn together; gluing or stapling is discouraged. Remember that finished garments must be durable enough to withstand being worn.
Additional Materials: You may spend up to $30 on the garment and any additional fabrics, trims, or embellishments you incorporate into your upcycled design.

Print friendly pdf - Challenge Terms and Submission Requirements

Submission Requirements:

Photos:

2 full-view photographs of the garment - front and back (required).
2 full-view photographs of the garment after transformation - front and back (required).
2 detail photographs - construction details, technique photos, etc.

Please photograph your entry on a dress form or person. If you use a person, please crop out the face even if you are not the model - no faces are allowed! This is a blind judging.

Artist’s Statement:

Introduction: In 100 to 150 words, tell us about your inspiration and goals for the upcycled design, what garment(s) you began with and how you transformed them.
About the Garment: In 100 words or less, describe any additional fabrics, trims, or embellishments used.
Short descriptions of the garment’s features. Be concise, but also specific.
Amount Spent: List purchased items. The total must be $30 or less.

Runway Commentary:

Write your own fashion show commentary in 100 to 150 words. Statements should be in the third person; The Designer.

If you are selected as a finalist and your garment is being shown in the fashion show, garments are due by 10 a.m. Friday morning, October 25, at the ASDP office at the conference.

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