Now in its 9th year, the FAD competition has become an “undeniable springboard” (Vogue.com) for young designers.

Open to undergraduates studying fashion in the UK, the competition’s aim is to highlight and support creative young people at the earliest stage in their careers. It provides an inspirational platform, enabling students to grow as designers, while also supporting them to bridge the gap between education and industry.

The strength of the FAD Competition lies with its intelligent and challenging briefs. Working alongside universities, FAD encourages young people to look to new areas of research, integrating art and culture into fashion, while also communicating an ethos of respect for the person through original design.

Considered a “must enter” competition for universities, FAD counts with the collaboration and support of retailers, designers, cultural institutes, museums and press. Each year an independent panel, formed of experts from the fields of culture and design, select the finalists and determine the overall winners.

Finalists taking part in the FAD Competition compete for coveted works placements, with top designers such as Paul Costelloe, Margaret Howell and Hoss Intropia. In addition the overall winner receives £2,000, while two runners up each receive £1,000. This combination of funding and experience is vital in supporting students with their graduate collections, and helping them to make the transition from university to employment,

Since 2008 FAD has worked in collaboration with Vauxhall Fashion Scout, providing a unique platform for selected students and their universities to showcase at London Fashion Week. This partnership gives young people a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the UK’s largest fashion event, while also offering them valuable industry and press opportunities prior to graduating.

Students who take part in the FAD Competition can expect to benefit in many ways. From gaining experience of working on a ‘live’ brief and making important industry contacts, to showcasing at London Fashion Week, the experience puts them one step ahead.

Past FAD finalists have successfully gone on to work for companies such as Vivienne Westwood, Hussein Chalayan, Burberry, Aquascutum, Jean Paul Gaultier, Coast and All Saints. Others have continued to work with FAD through our Volunteering & Mentoring scheme, where their practical skills and experience have helped other young people to succeed.

Read the 2009 FAD Competition Press Coverage