1. For 2012, VA Fashion Week will showcase emerging designers in four categories: Couture, Ready-to-Wear, Urban, and Young Designers (21 and under). There are no age restrictions in the Couture, Ready-to-Wear or Urban categories. (both individual designers and design duos accepted; those under 18 will need parental/guardian permission to apply). If designer applying is part of a design team, each member should submit application however, if accepted, only one entry fee will be required and only one prize issued if entering the Emerging Designer Competition. Designers are permitted to work with a seamstress. For the purpose of the competition, Emerging Designer is defined as anyone who has not been employed full time as a designer for more than three years and has never earned more than $100,000 in a single year as a fashion industry professional. Emerging designers from outside the Hampton Roads area are welcome to enter the competition however each designer is responsible for his/her own lodging and transportation.

2. All designers in the Emerging Designer Competition must show a collection of a minimum of 8 complete looks and a maximum of 20 looks. VA Fashion Week reserves the right to edit looks if our stylist feel it is not appropriate. Each entry must be an original creation, not a direct copy from a pattern or existing design. Use of recycled materials is encouraged but designs must be completely new and original, not altered or “up-cycled” from previous items. All clothing items for each look must be original creations with the exception being shoes, undergarments, or hosiery. Designer may include accessories with their looks if accessories were created by the designer or design team. An exception may be made for urban designers who specialize in a specific item such as shirts, jackets, or jeans.

3. Each evening during VAFW will include an award for favorite designer in the designated category for that evening. For designers who's collection includes a mixture of styles such as "ready-to-wear" and "Couture", designer must decide which category best fits the overall theme of the collection.

4. There is a $95 entrance fee for designers in the "Ready-to-Wear" and "Couture" categories, a $50 entrance fee for designers in the "Urban" and "Young Designer" categories. Payment must be received within 10 days of being notified of acceptance into the competition. The preferred method of payment is by PayPal online payments payable to vafw@splashmodel.com . Please make sure to identify the designers by name when making online payments. We will also accept check or money order payable to “VA Fashion Week” . Payment is non-refundable. Make sure a return address is attached to each application as well as a valid email and phone number.

5. Models for the runway competition will be provided by VAFW as will hair and makeup and music. Female models are 5'8"-6' tall, sizes 0-6. Male models are 5'11"-6'3", jacket 38-42, waist 30-33. If designer has their own music request, designer must submit at least 3 weeks prior to show. If any designer wants to bring their own models, they must be approved by VAFW. The professionalism of the models and overall runway presentation plays an important part in judges choices and in keeping with the professional high-fashion image we wish to project. VAFW stylists will consult with designer as to hair/makeup looks. Any assistants designer wishes to bring backstage must be pre-approved by the VAFW staff.

6. All designers and models must sign a release form allowing photos and video images to be used by Splash Model Management, VA Fashion Week, and all sponsoring organizations. This may include broadcast usage.

7. If any of these rules or regulations are not followed, Virginia Fashion Week has the right to refuse participation in the event and all investments will be forfeited. If you are unsure about something, contact a VAFW representative who can give you more information.

8. VAFW Prizes: There will be a trophy for judges favorite designer issued each night. Each winner will receive a photo shoot and the opportunity to show as a headline designer at future shows. The one overall judges favorite for the week will receive a video specially edited to show their designs combined with interviews and photo shots. If winner wishes, video can be formatted to serve as a submission video for "Project Runway". Additional prizes to be announced at a later date.

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