1. There are no age restrictions or required experience for the Emerging Designer Competition: (both individual designers and design duos accepted; those under 18 will need parental/guardian permission to apply). Designers are permitted to work with a seamstress. For the purpose of this 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 must submit a minimum of 2 complete looks and a maximum of 5 looks in the competition. Each must represent a different original look that represents you as a designer. 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.

3. All applications must include a bio of the designer, maximum 100 words, that may be used in VAFW’s advertising and promotional materials, including the official website. Bios must be sent by email either as part of the body of the email or in word (.doc or .rtf) format so they can be cut and pasted into web promotions and program documents. VA Fashion Week has the right to edit bios for length as well as spelling/grammar corrections. Designers must also include a brief description of the looks they intend to present in the competition.

4. There is a $20 minimum entrance fee for all designers and payment must accompany the application. Minimum entrance fee includes entrance for two complete looks. If a competitor wants to include additional looks in the competition, there is an addition charge of $10 per look. 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. The student designer may use their own models (one model for each look, prefer female size 2-6, height 5’7” -6’) if they choose to do so but a less professional model may hurt your chances during the runway portion of the competition. The emerging designer competition will take place November 13-14, 2010. All judges decisions are finals. Designers or their designated representative must be present to win.

6. All contestants 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: First place winner will be awarded a free showing of up to 20 looks in the VAFW 2011 show as well as a fashion photo shoot and spread in the 2011 VA Fashion Magazine. In addition, the first prize winner 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". Second & third place winners will be awarded a showing of 8-12 looks in the 2011 VA Fashion Week. Additional prizes to be announced at a later date.

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