STYLIST COMPETITION QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must:
  1. Submit an online application 
  2. Have a website or style layouts to showcase stylist experience
  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 within 14 days of invitation and remaining balance 30 days from showcase. 

WHAT SHOULD MY COLLECTION FOCUS ON?

  • Stylist must curate a collection based on the theme provided by Columbia Fashion Week. 

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

HOW SHOULD I SOURCE MY COLLECTION?

  • The Stylist is allowed to source their collection via thrift stores, personal collection or other sources.

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?

  • Yes, Designers 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 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