Apply for $2,000 Cash Prize in the African Development Bank Fashionomics Africa Contest for African Designers
Environmentally friendly measures, sustainability and circular economy actions applied to fashion are the focus of Fashionomics Africa’s first online contest. The first Fashionomics Africa contest is a challenge prize run by the African Development Bank, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, Parsons School of Design and Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative, across the Continent.
On the continent and worldwide, the current linear take-make-dispose model, characterised by rapid 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 ways we produce, buy, use and recycle fashion and encourage a more sustainable change in consumer behaviour – as well as to raise further awareness around the topic itself.
The competition is open to entrants from across the Continent and the application deadline is on 31 December 2020 at 23:59 GMT.
If you are an African designer and a fashion entrepreneur over 18 years old, based in Africa, operating in the textile, apparel or accessories industry and you have launched a fashion business, this opportunity is for you.
1. PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
1.1. Eligibility criteria
The contest is open to African designers over 18 years old that live in Africa. Proof of age will be requested.
Participants must have launched a fashion business1 and operate in the textile (fabric making), apparel (clothing) or accessories sector.
Recently launched business are encouraged to apply. Proof of business registration will be requested.
1.2. Admissibility requirements
Applications must be received no later than 31 December, 2020.
Applications must be submitted by completing the online registration form HERE2. The information to be provided will include:
- Personal information about the participant;
- Business information about the participant’s brand;
- Write-up (max. 2000 words) to:
- Present the brand's sustainable business model (from the materials used, to the production and end-life of the product);
- Present the brand’s supply and distribution channels, social engagement and justice, labor practices (i.e. social status of its employees) and additional eco-friendly measures. How does the brand demonstrate consideration for the people who are part of the design / development / production systems and how does the brand ensure that the products have an impact on people and communities?;
- Explain what makes the brands’ flagship products environmentally friendly and innovative;
- Explain how does the brand define sustainability and how does the brand measure its impact on products?;
- Explain why did the brand choose 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, should he or she win the competition.
- Pictures of the product(s) proposed in different angles (at least front and back views) – maximum 5 products3.
The following information will be required for each product submitted:- The materials used;
- The design process;
- The production techniques;
- The methods put into place to reduce the carbon footprint (if any);
- Information on the life of the product: durability and measures taken to extend the product’s lifetime.
- Other attachments: 1 page visual/textual summary of the brand, look book, press book and any other relevant document.
Applications must be submitted either in English or French.
Failure to comply with these requirements will lead to the rejection of the application.
1.3. Evaluation criteria
Quality of the sustainable products designed (60 points)
Are the brand's flagship products environmentally friendly and innovative?
Sub-criteria:
- 1. Originality and use of more sustainable materials (e.g. recycled, organic) (15 points)
- 2. Design of durable, recyclable garments (15 points)
- 3. Cleaner/ greener production techniques (e.g. safer chemicals, less waste) (10 points)
- 4. Original ways to reduce the carbon footprint (10 points)
- 5. Life of the product: Product’s durability and measures taken to reduce waste and to extend the product's lifetime (10 points)
* All products submitted must have been introduced to the market.
** Each participant will submit pictures of the products (mandatory).
Clear write-up (on the brand and its sustainable products) and solid growth plan/strategy on how they intend to disburse the USD 2,000 prize (30 points)
Is sustainability at the heart of the brand’s business model?
Sub-criteria:
- 1. Quality of write-up (8 points)
- 2. The brand has a sustainable business model: From the materials used, to the production and end-life of the product. Are the brand’s fashion products used more, made to be made again, made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs? (12 points)
- 3. Is the allocation of the USD 2,000-reward proposed by the brand strong and viable? (10 points)
Brand’s commitment to sustainability (10 points)
Sub-criteria:
- 1. Use of social networks, website or other means of communication to promote circular actions (5 points)
- 2. The brand works to improve the social status of its employees, develops eco-friendly distribution methods, and any other positive and additional information provided (5 points)
2. AWARD
The winner will have the opportunity to win:
- A financial reward of USD 2,000 for the best sustainable and innovative design4;
- A Fashionomics Africa certificate;
- Access to a network of media insiders and industry experts;
- The possibility to take part in online events and share insights on key sustainability challenges facing the industry;
- The publication of the winner’s story and 400-word blog on the African Development Bank’s website and Fashionomics Africa platform;
- The possibility to attend a Fashionomics Africa webinar as a panelist;
- Access to mentoring and networking opportunities via:
-
-
Parsons School of Design:
- 2 Individual project development mentoring sessions with Parsons School of Design Undergraduate co-Director for Fashion Design, Brendan McCarthy;
- 1 group critique session to support project development with Parsons School of Design faculty members.
-
-
Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative:
- Benefit from Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative network support;
- Take part in one of the Foundation's live online events to present on the brand and project.
-
United Nations Environment Programme:
- Visibility and networking support:
- Present the brand’s sustainability journey at an online event organized by UNEP, with participation of African and international companies, technical organizations, fashion institutes, etc.;
- Participate in a live event dedicated to Sustainable Fashion during the fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (in 2022);
- Be featured under the UNEP Sustainable Fashion Communication Campaign to be launched next year and benefit from UNEP social media support
- Capacity building support:
- Gain one exclusive seat to participate in a UNEP online training programme on eco-innovation and life cycle approaches;
- Get the opportunity to dialogue with some of UNEP’s Goodwill Ambassadors.
- Visibility and networking support:
-
3. JURY
The applications will be examined by a jury composed of:
- A representative of the African Development Bank’s Fashionomics Africa program: Emanuela Gregorio, Economist and Fashionomics Africa Coordinator;
- A representative of the United Nations Environment Programme: Bettina Heller, Programme Officer;
- A representative of Parsons School of Design: Brendan McCarthy, Program Director, BFA Fashion Design: Systems and Materiality;
- A representative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative: François Souchet, Lead – Make Fashion Circular.
The members of the jury will elect the 3 finalists of the competition.
4. PUBLIC VOTE
The general public (any person wishing to vote) will choose a winner among the three final candidates. Voting will take place via the online Fashionomics Africa platform.
A voting page with the 3 finalists chosen by the jury will be created. The page will contain pertinent information about the selected finalists.
To vote, participants will need to have a user account on the platform. Each account can vote once.
In order to minimize the risk of multiple votes from an account, security tests will be put into place to verify that each vote corresponds to a different account.
The link to the voting page will be shared via social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram) and other communication channels in due course (please refer to section “Timeline” below).
5. TIMELINE
- Period to submit proposals: from 11 December to 31 December 2020
- Announcement of the finalists by the jury: 25 January 2021
- Public vote: from 25 January to 8 February 2021
- Announcement of the winner: week of 15 February 2021
Deadline: 31st December, 2020.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested individuals / businesses should click on the button below to apply.
Recent Posts:
🇨🇦 What is Required for Canada Federal Skilled Worker Visa Program 2025
🇳🇿 Customer Service Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 2024 (from $58,000 per year)
🇦🇺 Study in Australia: Charles Darwin University Scholarships 2024-2025
🇬🇷 Greece’s Golden Visa: Guide to Residency by Investment in 2025
🇦🇺 Hopkins Centre Scholarship at Griffith University 2025 ($33,480 per Year)
🇬🇧 Changes in UK Visa for International Students 2024/25 – What They Mean for You
🇬🇧 5 Best Agencies for UK Work Visa Processing 2025
🇸🇰 Slovakia National Scholarship Programme (NSP) for International Students (€620/€1,025.50 per Month)
🇸🇮 Discover Seasonal Work in Slovenia: Earn €800 to €1,500 per Month
🇨🇭 Switzerland University of St. Gallen (HSG) Excellence Scholarships 2025 (CHF 6,252 per Semester)
More Posts
- 🇨🇦 What is Required for Canada Federal Skilled Worker Visa Program 2025Are you considering making Canada your new home? The Canada Federal Skilled Worker Visa Program (FSWP) offers a pathway for skilled professionals to obtain permanent residency. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the requirements and steps to successfully navigate the FSWP. Eligibility Requirements for the ...Continue Reading
- 🇳🇿 Customer Service Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 2024 (from $58,000 per year)Are you dreaming of a rewarding career abroad? Customer service jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship offer an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking international experience. New Zealand’s thriving economy and diverse culture make it an attractive destination for expats. In this comprehensive ...Continue Reading
- 🇦🇺 Study in Australia: Charles Darwin University Scholarships 2024-2025Are you aspiring to study in Australia but concerned about the financial burden? Charles Darwin University Scholarships 2024-2025 in Australia offer a golden opportunity for students worldwide to achieve their academic dreams. These scholarships are meticulously designed to support exceptional individuals who ...Continue Reading
- 🇬🇷 Greece’s Golden Visa: Guide to Residency by Investment in 2025Greece has long been an alluring destination for those seeking to immigrate to Europe, boasting stunning landscapes, a rich historical tapestry, and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. If you’ve ever dreamt of calling Greece your home, the Greece Golden Visa offers a golden opportunity. This ...Continue Reading
- 🇦🇺 Hopkins Centre Scholarship at Griffith University 2025 ($33,480 per Year)Calling All Future PhD Superstars: Your Journey Begins Here! Are you ready to immerse yourself in groundbreaking rehabilitation research while securing an exceptional PhD scholarship at Griffith University? If you’re nodding enthusiastically, then buckle up! Griffith University is rolling out the red carpet with ...Continue Reading
Latest Job Vacancies
-
PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 3 hours ago
-
PalmPay Limited Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 1 day ago
-
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Full Time Open Abuja | Nigeria Posted 2 days ago
-
Stella Maris Schools Full Time Open Abuja | Nigeria Posted 3 days ago
-
AXA Mansard Insurance Plc Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 3 days ago
-
U.S. Mission Full Time Open Abuja & Lagos | Nigeria Posted 4 days ago
-
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Full Time Open Oyo & Kano | Nigeria Posted 5 days ago
-
Citibank Nigeria Limited (CNL) Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 1 week ago
-
Airtel Nigeria Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 1 week ago
-
PalmPay Limited Full Time Open Lagos | Nigeria Posted 1 week ago
Related
Discover more from Careerical eConsult
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.