2026 Student Challenge

“Character Couture Challenge”

The Association of Sewing and Design Professionals invites student designers to create a fashion-forward, real-world look inspired by a character from their favorite movie, book, game, or anime.

The goal is to translate the essence, attitude, or defining traits of your chosen character into a design that reflects how that character’s style might appear in today’s world- ready for the street, the office, or an event, not to recreate a costume.

We are looking for you to draw inspiration from your chosen character and create a design that expresses an individual style. The design should show creativity, thoughtful transformation of inspiration, and strong craftsmanship. We ask that no more than $100 be spent on creating the design.

Download the Student Challenge and Submission Guidelines PDF 

How to Participate:

1. 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 EDT June 15, 2026.

2. Receive Entry Number

• Entry numbers will be sent July 1, 2026.
• Challenge participants will be sent their challenge entry number and additional challenge instructions by email; please add studentchallenge@sewingprofessionals.com to your safe list.

3. Digital Entry Submission:

• Entry submissions are completed through the online Student Challenge Submission Form.
• Submissions must be received by 10 pm EDT August 17, 2026.

Check out the Student Challenge Flyer!