Environmentally friendly measures, sustainable development actions and the circular economy applied to fashion are at the centre of Fashionomics Africa's first online competition. The first Fashionomics Africa Competition is a challenge prize organised by the African Development Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Parsons School of Design and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative across the continent.
Registration deadline: 31 December 2020
On the continent and around the world, the linear make-do model, characterised by fast and endless consumption, is giving way to a more circular and inclusive fashion value chain.
This year's competition is looking for African fashion brands that will change the way we produce, buy, use and recycle fashion and encourage a more sustainable change in consumer behaviour, as well as raising awareness.
The winner will have the chance to win:
- A financial reward of US$ 2,000 for the best sustainable and innovative design4;
- A Fashionomics Africa certificate;
- Access to a network of media insiders and industry experts;
- The opportunity to take part in online events and share information on the main sustainable development challenges facing the sector;
- Publication of the winner's story and 400-word blog on the African Development Bank's website and on the Fashionomics Africa platform;
- The opportunity to take part in an African fashion webinar as a speaker;
- Access to mentoring and networking opportunities:
- Parsons School of Design:
- 2 mentoring sessions to develop individual projects with Brendan McCarthy, co-director of Parsons School of Design;
- 1 group review session to support project development with Parsons School of Design faculty members.
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative:
- Support the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular network;
- Take part in one of live online events to be presented in the brand and project.
- United Nations Environment Programme:
- Network visibility and support:
- Presenting the brand's sustainable development journey at an online event organised by UNEP, with the participation of African and international companies, technical organisations, fashion institutes, etc.
- Participate in a live event dedicated to sustainable fashion at the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (in 2022);
- Spotlight on UNEP's Sustainable Fashion Communication Campaign that will be launched next year and benefit from UNEP's support on social media
- Training support:
- Win an exclusive place on a UNEP online training programme on eco-innovation and life cycle approaches;
- Take the opportunity to get involved with some of UNEP's Goodwill Ambassadors.
- Network visibility and support:
- Parsons School of Design:
Eligibility criteria
- The competition is open to African designers over the age of 18 living in Africa. Proof of age will be requested.
- Participants must have started a fashion business1 and operate in the textile (fabric), clothing (garment) or accessories sector.
Newly launched companies are encouraged to apply. Proof of business registration will be requested.
Eligibility requirements
Nominations must be received by 31 December 2020.
Entries must be submitted by completing the online entry form HERE.
The information to be provided includes:
- Personal information about the participant;
- Business information about the participant's brand;
- Writing (max. 2000 words) for:
- Present the brand's sustainable business model (from the materials used to production and the end of the product's useful life);
- Introduce branded supply and distribution channels, social engagement and justice, labour practices (i.e. the social status of its employees) and additional ecological measures. How does the brand show consideration for the people who are part of the design/development/production systems and how does the brand ensure that products have an impact on people and communities?
- Explain what makes the main products of eco-friendly brands innovative;
- Explain how the brand defines sustainability and how the brand measures its impact on its products?
- Explain why the brand has chosen to engage in a specific area of sustainable production? Explain the motivation behind this choice;
- Explain how they intend to allocate and spend the funds if they win the competition.
- Photos of the product(s) offered from different angles (at least front and rear views) - maximum of 5 products3.
The following information will be required for each product sent:- The materials used;
- The design process;
- Production techniques;
- Methods put in place to reduce the carbon footprint (if any);
- Information on the product's useful life: sustainability and measures taken to extend the product's useful life.
- Other attachments: 1 page visual/text summary of the brand, look book, press book and other relevant documents.
Entries must be sent in English or French.
Failure to fulfil these requirements will result in the application being rejected.
The
JURY nominations will be reviewed by a panel of:
- Representative of the Fashionomics Africa programme of the African Development Bank: Emanuela GregorioEconomist and Coordinator of Fashionômica Africa;
- Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme: Bettina HellerProgramme Manager;
- Representative of Parsons School of Design: Brendan McCarthy, Programme Director, BFA Fashion Design: Systems and Materiality;
- Representative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative: François Souchet, Lead - Making Fashion Circular.
The members of the jury will choose the 3 finalists of the competition.
CHRONOLOGY
- Deadline for submitting the proposal: 11 December to 31 December 2020
- Announcement of the jury of finalists: 25th January 2021
- Public vote: 25 January to 8 February 2021
- Winner announced: week of 15 February 2021
For more information:
