2026 Young Designer Competition Design Brief
Overview
The AllFashion sourcing Young Designer Competition (YDC) celebrates its 9th anniversary in 2026. YDC is a distinguished platform for emerging talent within the design industry. The competition invites designers annually who are graduating in the year of the competition, recent graduates (within the past five years), or are currently engaged in a design internship program.
As the world moves into 2026, it does so under visible strain. Political instability, economic uncertainty, climate pressure and growing social divides continue to influence how people live, work and consume. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, rising costs of living and environmental anxiety have created a global mood that feels cautious, fragmented and, at times, fatigued.
Fashion exists within a powerful contradiction.
At one end of the spectrum, luxury fashion continues to expand — aspirational, image-driven and increasingly global in influence. At the other, fast fashion accelerates, fuelling immediacy and overconsumption while intensifying urgent debates around ethics, sustainability and labour. Between these extremes lies a critical tension: consumerism versus job creation, profit versus responsibility, and excess versus intention.
It is within this space that the next generation of designers must operate.
The Challenge
This brief invites young designers to respond to a world in flux and to consider the role fashion can play within it. Beyond reacting to trends, can fashion become a tool for social, economic and cultural impact — without losing its sense of joy, creativity and play?
Under the theme Circular by Design: Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle., designers are challenged to embed circular thinking into their creative process, transforming existing materials into meaningful, future-focused fashion. The aim is not only to reduce waste, but to rethink value, production and purpose in a changing global landscape.
Colour Direction 2026
Designs should draw inspiration from the following colour direction:
- Cloud Dancer – A soft, understated neutral that represents calm, clarity and space to breathe in an overstimulated world.
- Teal – A colour of depth and duality, symbolising healing, renewal and resilience.
These colours may be used as dominant tones or subtle accents, supporting the overall narrative of balance, reflection and regeneration.
Final Reflection
Fashion alone cannot fix the world — but it can reflect it, question it and imagine alternatives. Through intentional design, responsible material choices and creative expression, fashion has the power to move beyond excess and contribute to a more thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable future.
Submission Requirements
- Vision Board: Showcase your concept with inspiration and design direction rooted in South African themes.
- Detailed Sketches: Illustrate each garment clearly, reflecting functionality and aesthetics.
- Material Choices: Include sustainable material descriptions, emphasising local or innovative sources.
- Design Rationale: A 300–500-word statement on how your collection captures the theme and promotes creativity and sustainability.
Let South Africa’s spirit of innovation, creativity, and resilience shine through your designs. Together, let’s craft a sustainable future for fashion with a uniquely South African voice.
PHASE ONE
IMPORTANT DATES
Entries Open: 5 February 2026
Entries Close: 23 April 2026
Submission Requirements
- Vision Board: Showcase your concept with inspiration and design direction rooted in South African themes.
- Detailed Sketches: Illustrate each garment clearly, reflecting functionality and aesthetics.
- Material Choices: Include sustainable material descriptions, emphasising local or innovative sources.
- Design Rationale: A 300–500-word statement on how your collection captures the theme and promotes creativity and sustainability.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Creative Excellence: Uniqueness and artistic impact.
- Sustainability: Effective integration of eco-friendly principles and materials.
- Cultural Expression: Strong connections to South African heritage and contemporary design narratives.
- Technical Skill: Precision in construction and attention to detail.
PHASE TWO
The semi-final selection takes place between 23 April to the 08 May 2026.
You will be notified by the Young Designers Competition Organisers if you are qualified to move on to the next phase on the 12 May 2026.
PHASE THREE
FINAL GARMENT
Deadline: 02 July 2026 – Delivered to the Messe Frankfurt Offices – Office 2 , Harfield Village Centre, 48 Second Avenue, Harfield Village, Claremont, Cape Town.
- Entry element three will allow for you to translate your thoughts, imagination, and concept into a final garment.
- Don’t forget to reference your mood board as well as and your initial drawings/illustrations to ensure we see your vision from sketch to final garment.
- Have all design details been maintained as per sketch in terms of trims etc. Judging criteria: How close to the sketch is the final garment? Have all design detail and trims been as close to original sketch and communication (written and illustrated?).
Final Showcase
Date: 15 July 2026
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre 2
FINAL DESIGN WITH STYLING
- You are required to create the runway look by providing your final design.
- Please include notes on hair and makeup, shoes, accessories, and overall look and feel to walk the runway.
- The finals will be hosted live at the Allfashion sourcing event taking place at the CTICC on 15 July 2026.
- The finals will be filmed and reshared on Allfashion sourcing social media platform as well as media platforms.
- The Young Designer Finals will consist of ten finalists who will showcase their designs on the runway at the AllFashion Sourcing Event.
Let South Africa’s spirit of innovation, creativity, and resilience shine through your designs. Together, let’s craft a sustainable future for fashion with a uniquely South African voice.