D.C. Emerging Designer's Competition Presented by TYGERIANLACE

 

D.C. Emerging Designer Competition Presented by TYGERIAN LACE

Inspired by the grandeur of Paris Fashion Week in Summer of 2025, the Emerging Designer Competition seeks to showcase the most talented and innovative designers around the globe. The competition culminates in a breathtaking showcase on August 23, 2025, at the Newton White Mansion at 1:00 p.m. in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Below are the rules for submission and key details for participation:

 

Submission Guidelines

#1 HOW DO I APPLY AND WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST APPLICANTS POSSESS TO APPLY FOR THE EMERGING DESIGNER COMPETITION?

  • Complete the online application by providing:

    • Details about the collection you plan to present.

    • A professional headshot.

    • Examples of past work.

  • Pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.

Qualifications: Applicants must meet ONE or more of the following criteria:

  1. Previously studied or currently studying at a fashion program or working under a recognizable designer.

  2. Have operated a design business for a minimum of two years.

  3. Demonstrate experience with fabrics and textiles, consistently producing high-quality garments over multiple seasons.

Note: Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental/guardian permission.

Your collection must debut at the competition and must not have been showcased previously.

#2 ARE SKETCHES AND GARMENT IMAGES REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION?

  • Submit at least four photos of previous work, including recent designs.

  • Images must be of professional quality and feature garments on models or mannequins.

#3 WHAT SEASON SHOULD MY COLLECTION FOCUS ON?

  • Designers are encouraged to present a collection for the next season.

  • This recommendation does not affect scoring but original work only is required.

#4 HOW MANY LOOKS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN MY COLLECTION PRESENTED?

  • Each collection must feature 10 complete looks for the runway show.

#5 DO MY DESIGNS HAVE TO BE SEWN BY ME, OR AM I PERMITTED TO HAVE A SEAMSTRESS OR MANUFACTURER PRODUCE MY COLLECTION?

  • Designers may collaborate with seamstresses or manufacturers, but all designs must be original creations of the applicant.

Selection and Commitment Details

#6 IF SELECTED AS AN EMERGING DESIGNER, WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?

  • All applicants will be notified by April 5, 2025 (by midnight).

  • Designers must confirm acceptance within 24 hours of notification to secure their spot.

#7 IS THERE A FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION?

  • Participants are responsible for all expenses, including:

    • Designing and producing their collection (including shoes, accessories, and hair/makeup elements).

    • Travel to/from Maryland for the event.

    • Transporting their collection and meals during their stay.

#8 WILL TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS BE PROVIDED?

  • Designers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations for fittings and the event day.

#9 WHAT TIME COMMITMENT WILL BE REQUIRED?

Designers must attend the following mandatory meetings:

  • April 28, 2025: Competition logistics meeting.

  • May 12, 2025: Meeting with the hair and makeup team.

  • June 9, 2025, designers will film introductory videos and meet with models.

  • July 21, 2025: Meeting with the sound team and Q&A.

  • Attendance is non-negotiable. If meeting is missed designer will be disqualified from the competition. All meetings are virtual. 

#10 HOW WILL I CREATE MY RUNWAY SHOW?

  • The production team will coordinate runway production, including:

    • Providing models, approved music, and hair/makeup services.

    • Managing the runway, lighting, and overall show production.

  • Designers must:

    • Supply their collection, accessories, and any approved special hair/makeup elements.

    • Complete a Production Information Form with music requests and inspiration photos upon entry.

Note: Runway choreography must be pre-approved.

#11 CAN I USE MY OWN MODELS?

  • Only models selected by the production team may be used. Final model selections are based on event needs.

Event Details

#12 WHEN WILL DESIGNERS SHOW THEIR COLLECTIONS?

  • Collections will be presented to the fashion panel on June 6, 2025, and the winner will be announced post-competition.

#13 DO DESIGNERS RECEIVE TICKETS TO THE EVENT?

  • Each designer receives one (1) guest ticket.

  • Additional tickets can be purchased online via the TYGERIAN LACE website.

Awards and Prizes

#14 WHAT DOES THE WINNER’S PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDE?

The Emerging Designer of the Year will receive:

  • $2,000 cash prize.

  • Participation in the Fall 2025 Insider’s Preview Week (up to 15 looks; travel costs are the winner’s responsibility).

  • A professional photoshoot of the winning collection.

  • A 6-page spread in The Face Magazine.

  • A commercial-grade Juki sewing machine.

#15 WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME FOR REDEEMING THE PRIZE?

  • Cash prizes will be awarded the day of the showcase. 

  • Other prizes must be redeemed within one month of being named the winner.