GFF Awards 2024

The Graduate Fashion Foundation 2024 Awards will only accept nominations from final year students who are enrolled in courses listed under the membership of our member universities. Self-nominations are not permitted, and all nominations must be submitted by course leaders and tutors on behalf of the students.

The Accessories Award

The Accessories Award is open to graduates who have a passion for creating innovative and creative accessories, such as handbags and footwear. This award aims to recognise and celebrate emerging talent in the fashion industry and highlight the importance of accessories as the backbone of fashion. The winner will be selected based on their submission, which should showcase their creativity and ability to push boundaries in the field of accessories design.

The Catwalk & Fashion Presentation Awards

Our university catwalk shows and presentations provide graduating designers with the opportunity to showcase their talent to industry judges, who will select a Winning and Highly Commended designer. The selected looks will then be featured in our ‘Best of GFW24’ event, giving these designers further exposure and recognition within the industry.

The Childrenswear Award

Design a collection of twelve pieces or six outfits for babies or children up to the age of 8. The collection should be innovative, unique, and cater to the needs and preferences of the target age group. The designs should be comfortable, practical, and safe, while also incorporating stylish and trendy elements. Attention should be given to the choice of materials, prints, colours, and overall aesthetics to create a visually appealing and cohesive collection that stands out in the childrenswear market.

The Considered Fashion Award

The Considered Fashion Award honours projects and products that prioritise sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. To be eligible, submissions must showcase a compelling narrative that highlights their environmental impact and communicates their commitment to sustainable and ethical principles. The presentation should demonstrate how the project or product contributes positively to the fashion industry and promotes a more conscious and responsible approach to fashion. The award aims to celebrate and encourage sustainable and socially aware fashion initiatives.

The Culture & Heritage Award Design & Non-Design

This award is a step towards addressing the global race inequalities and lack of representation of people of colour in the fashion industry. By giving students a platform to raise awareness and engage in important conversations about race and ethnicity, this award aims to promote cultural diversity and encourage discussions on underrepresented areas. It is an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge work that demonstrates an enhanced understanding of these vital issues and pave the way for positive changes in the industry.

The Digital Fashion Award

The Digital Fashion Award recognises and celebrates the innovative advancements in the digital fashion industry. From the ability to design virtual garments to experimenting with AI dressing rooms, this rapidly growing sector is revolutionising the way we interact with and experience fashion. The introduction of gaming avatars and other technological advancements have further expanded the possibilities, making the digital fashion world an exciting and dynamic space for creativity and engagement. The Digital Fashion Award acknowledges and honours the outstanding contributions made in this transformative field.

The FACE Excellence Award

The FACE Excellence Award is now accepting applications from final year students of any BA fashion-related course in the UK with a global ethnic majority background (Black, Brown, and minority ethnic). The award is open to a range of disciplines, including journalism, marketing, photography, communication, fashion design, and textile design. This is a great opportunity for talented individuals to showcase their skills and receive recognition for their achievements in the fashion industry.

The Fashion Communications Portfolio Award

The Fashion Communications Portfolio Award recognises an exceptional fashion communications portfolio that showcases a strong individual creative identity. This portfolio effectively communicates the graduate's strategic and creative process, highlighting the development from concept to final output. It is well-executed, stylish, and professionally presented, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The Fashion Illustration Award

We acknowledge the immense significance of fashion illustration in every facet of the fashion industry. We take pride in promoting and nurturing the art of fashion illustration, acknowledging its inherent worth. Our organisation is dedicated to aiding graduates in effectively communicating their collection design concepts through the medium of fashion illustration. We believe that this support plays a crucial role in empowering emerging designers to effectively convey their creative vision to the industry and the wider public.

The Fashion Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognises and celebrates the outstanding and innovative work carried out by students in GFF member university courses. It is open to all degree courses under our membership, and specifically honours students who demonstrate forward-thinking innovation in their final major project. The award aims to highlight projects that have well-documented outcomes, showcasing the positive impact of these innovative endeavours.

The Fashion Marketing Award

The Fashion Marketing Award report format should showcase creativity and a deep understanding of the different stages and promotional methods involved in launching a campaign for a new product or service. It is expected that the graduate will demonstrate a strong and progressive mindset by incorporating both traditional marketing techniques and innovative strategies in their report.

The Fashion Moving Image Award

Fashion films are an incredible medium to enhance fashion communication by adding depth and a more profound narrative. They provide a distinct platform to express ideas and contemplations, delving into the essence of style and allure. Moreover, these films serve as a mirror reflecting social and cultural messages, intertwining fashion with broader societal discussions. The Fashion Moving Image Award acknowledges the power and potential of fashion films in creating meaningful and thought-provoking conversations about fashion, style, and beauty.

The Fashion Photography Award

We acknowledge the significant role fashion photography plays in the fashion industry and are committed to supporting emerging photographers. With the growing number of photography graduates, our organisation aims to provide opportunities and resources to help these talented individuals thrive in the industry. We recognise the value of their creative practice and the impact it has on the fashion world. Through our support, we hope to contribute to the continued growth and success of fashion photography.

The Fashion Portfolio Award

The Fashion Portfolio Award recognises a fashion portfolio that is executed with skill, showcases a contemporary style, and is professionally presented. The winning portfolio should demonstrate a unique and creative identity, effectively capturing the creative process from the initial idea generation to the development and final presentation. It should showcase the individual's ability to interpret and communicate their vision through fashion.

The Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award

The Fashion Styling & Creative Direction Award challenges students to compile a portfolio of 5 editorial stories created during their last year of studies. These stories must be tailored to specific audiences and tackle a diverse range of subjects and narratives within the fashion industry. This award encourages students to showcase their creativity, fashion styling skills, and ability to connect with various demographics.

The Hilary Alexander Sustainable Trailblazer Award

The award was created to honour the late Hilary Alexander OBE, an esteemed UK Fashion Journalist and Honorary Lifetime President of the Graduate Fashion Foundation charity. Its purpose is to embody Hilary's passion for innovative, eco-friendly, and forward-looking fashion. The award aims to recognise and support designers who exemplify these values, promoting fresh and sustainable ideas in the industry.

The New Business Award

The New Business Award celebrates innovative and refreshing ideas in the fashion, fashion tech, and lifestyle sectors. The winning idea should demonstrate its potential to make a significant impact in the marketplace. To compete for the award, participants must provide detailed research on the idea's relevance to the market and target demographic, along with a comprehensive business plan and budget. The aim is to recognise and promote promising new businesses that have the potential to thrive and bring exciting changes to their respective industries.

The Next Trend Forecasting Award

The Next Trend Forecasting Award aims to recognise and support talented individuals with a keen eye for the next big thing. Whether you're an aspiring fashion designer, a trend-savvy buyer, or a creative stylist, this is your chance to showcase your ability to anticipate and interpret consumer desires. Join us in our quest to uncover the future of fashion and make your mark on the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to be a trendsetter and win the Next Trend Forecasting Award.

The Pattern Cutting Award Creative & Tailoring

The Pattern Cutting Award aims to acknowledge and promote creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities in pattern cutting. It recognises designers who demonstrate innovative approaches in translating their vision into contemporary design, incorporating sustainable practices and emerging technologies. By celebrating and showcasing these skills, the award aims to encourage and inspire further advancements in the field of pattern cutting.

The Sportswear & Leisurewear Award

The market for performance and athleisure sportswear has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting the increasing demand for clothing that can be worn both during sports activities and in everyday life. Consumers now prioritise comfort and technical performance in their clothing choices, driving the need for innovative designs and materials that can fulfill these requirements. This award acknowledges the lucrative market opportunity created by the growing popularity of sportswear and athleisure, and highlights the importance of catering to the evolving needs and preferences of modern consumers.

The Terry Mansfield Fashion Publication Award

The Terry Mansfield Fashion Publication Award challenges students to create captivating and groundbreaking fashion publications that deeply connect with the industry and its audiences. This prestigious award, named in honour of media titan Terry Mansfield, who served as the President and CEO of Hearst Media and Chairman of the Graduate Fashion Foundation, seeks to encourage students to push the boundaries of creativity and produce publications that leave a lasting impact on the fashion world.

The Zandra Rhodes Fashion Textiles Award

The award recognises exceptional talent and innovation in fashion design. It celebrates individuals who push boundaries and challenge conventions in their work. Dame Zandra Rhodes' impact on the fashion world is undeniable, and this award pays tribute to her significant contributions. It serves as a reminder to future fashion designers of the power of creativity and the importance of daring to be different.