COMPETITION 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 an active social media or business website presence - this will help Columbia Fashion Week best market your collection
  4. If selected, Stylist must pay 50% non-refundable deposit at time of invitation and remaining balance 30 days from showcase. 

​There are no age restrictions or required experience for the Emerging Fashion Stylist Competition applicants. Applicants 18 years of age and under, will need parental/guardian permission to apply.

Additional qualifications:
1. A fashion stylist must meet the following:
  • Demonstrate experience with fabric and/or textiles over a number of seasons and consistently produce high quality garments.
2. Designer must be a legal resident of the United States.
3. If under 18 years of age, designer must have parental permission and have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver to participate.

Winner Receives:
  • Named COLAFW TOP Fashion Stylist (access to COLAFW Stylist platform)
  • Monetary prize
  • Editorial Shoot for COLAFW Publication 
  • Access to monthy style content shoots
  • One year membership to COLAFW Alliance
  • Opportunities for paid style shoots

SAMPLE IMAGES OR SKETCHES 

  • Stylist 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.

MY COLLECTION SHOULD FOCUS ON?

  • The competition will be based on a theme provided by Columbia Fashion Week.

​HOW MANY LOOKS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN MY COLLECTION?
  • Each stylist must showcase between 10 looks. 

IF SELECTED AS A FASHION STYLIST, WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
  • Each completed online application will be reviewed within 7 days of applying, If the application is approved to showcase at COLAFW, the applicant will be sent an approval email with final registration instructions. 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?
  • Fashion Stylist registration fee is $150 which includes a one year membership into the COLAFW Alliance. 
  • Fashion Stylist will be responsible for all costs associated with creating looks for the collection – shoes, accessories, and any special hair and makeup pieces used for the show.
  • Fashion Stylists 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?

  • Yes, Fashion Stylists can bring in their own models; however, models must still pay to register and attend model rehearsals. Models can opt to be included model look book for the opportunity to be chose by other designers.

DO FASHION STYLISTS RECEIVE TICKETS TO COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK?

  • Each Stylists will receive:
    • (1)  ticket to our COLAFW kick-off event during our Summer Fashion Week.
  • Fashion Stylists 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