DESIGNER QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must:
  1. Submit an online application with details about the collection you would show,
  2. Uploading sample image or sketches of current or prior collections
  3. Must have one year of design experience or can show experience with handling quality fabrics
  4. Must have an active social media or business website presence - this will help Columbia Fashion Week best market your collection
  5. If selected, Designer must pay 50% non-refundable deposit within 14 days of invitation and remaining balance 30 days from showcase. 

Additional qualifications:
1. A designer must meet one or more of the following:
  • Previously studied or currently be studying at a fashion program, and/or work under a recognizable designer.
  • Have a design business for a minimum of one year.
  • Demonstrate experience with fabric and/or textiles over a number of seasons and consistently produce high quality garments.
2. The collection shown cannot have been shown within 60 miles of Columbia, SC.  
3. Designer must be a legal resident of the United States.
4. If under 18 years of age, designer must have parental permission and have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver to participate.

SAMPLE IMAGES OR SKETCHES 

  • Designers must submit a collection of sketches or images of the five (5) garments or pieces to be featured in the proposed collection at Columbia Fashion Week or of a prior collection.
  • Images need to be of professional quality and on a model or mannequin.

WHAT SEASON SHOULD MY COLLECTION FOCUS ON?

  • We encourage collections reflect next season; however, this is left up to the sole discretion of each Designer.

​HOW MANY LOOKS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN MY COLLECTION?
  • Each Designer must showcase between 10-20 looks (based on runway). These are limited spots to ensure effective timing of runway showcases. 

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

  • The Designer is allowed to work with a seamstress or manufacturer, as long as the designs are your own.

IF SELECTED AS A FASHION DESIGNER, WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
  • Each completed online application will be reviewed within 30 days of applying, If the application is approved to showcase at COLAFW, the applicant will be sent an approval email with final registration instructions, which must be returned within 14 days. Upon final registration and fee submission, the applicant will be sent a COLAFW confirmation email with additional information regarding production. 
IS THERE A FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE AS A DESIGNER WITH COLAFW?
  • Designer Package registration fee is outlined in the designer package which includes a one year membership into the COLAFW Alliance. 
  • Designer will be responsible for all costs associated with designing/creating looks for the collection – shoes, accessories, and any special hair and makeup pieces used for the show.
  • Designers are also responsible for their own travel to/from Columbia, SC (see details below), transporting their collection, and meals.

WHAT TIME COMMITMENT WILL BE REQUIRED?

  • We encourage Designers to attend the following, but not required: 
    • Model Rehearsals & Workshop (TBD) - this allows time to meet models, perform final fittings, answer any production questions, discuss hair and makeup, music, etc...
    • Event Rehearsal (normally day of)

HOW WILL I CREATE MY RUNWAY SHOW (CHOOSE MODELS, MUSIC, HAIR/MAKEUP LOOKS, SHOES, ETC.)?

  •  Columbia Fashion Week produces the runway show and coordinates with designers. COLAFW will provide models and hair/makeup direction. The runway, lighting, video, sound and show production are at the sole discretion of COLAFW. Designers are responsible for the collection designs, shoes, accessories, and any approved special hair or makeup pieces.

CAN I  USE MY OWN MODELS FOR THE RUNWAY SHOW?

  • Designers can encourage their models to register and attend a COLAFW model call to be considered for the runway. 

DO DESIGNERS RECEIVE TICKETS TO COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK?

  • Each Designer will receive:
    • (1)  ticket to our COLAFW kick-off event during our Summer Fashion Week.
  • Designers are encouraged to attend different events during fashion week to network and experience a time off the runway. 
  • Discounts may be provided for specified events during the week