What is sustainable fashion design?

Sustainable fashion design is guided by core sustainability principles that take into consideration the economy, environmental and social impacts of a product’s entire lifecycle. The design, sourcing and production of sustainable garments should have a neutral or positive environmental impact, positive social impact, and should use manufacturing methods that are both financially viable and fair for all people involved.

In addition to this, sustainable fashion design and production may also include the adoption of circular economy models. Here, resources, such as textile waste, energy and water outputs that are routinely created, and then wasted along the entire fashion supply chain, are re-designed, re-imagined and re-purposed to create new products which require minimal or no virgin resources. This is in contrast to the traditional linear model, which creates a constant flow of waste whilst draining our limited natural resources.  

Head to the Redress Academy to find out more about sustainable fashion design and the circular fashion system.

WHAT ARE CIRCULAR DESIGN STRATEGIES?

Circular design strategies are approaches that can be applied to a garment’s lifecycle in order to optimise the usage of resources and create innovative and low-impact solutions. Within the Redress Design Award competition, we focus on the following four core circular design strategies:

• Design for low waste

  Design for low-impact materials and process

  Design for longevity

  Design for recyclability

For the competition, it is essential that you apply the four core circular design strategies to your collection. Your understanding and application of these strategies will be taken into consideration during judging under the sustainability and innovation for the circular economy (30 marks). See FAQ section ‘What are the judging criteria?’ for more information.

Read our guide to these four core circular design strategies on the Redress Academy.

WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN TECHNIQUES?

The Redress Design Award defines the following techniques under the Design for Low Waste circular design strategy:

• Zero-waste: a design technique that eliminates textile waste at the design stage

• Upcycling: the transformation of materials into products of equal or higher quality and value. In fashion, this means prolonging the life of waste textiles through creativity. At Redress we have further categorised waste materials used in upcycling to be textiles that have never been made into any garment form or textiles from non-clothing products. We categorise the reuse of material waste that is in garment form as ‘reconstruction’.

• Reconstruction: a form of upcycling and the process of making new clothes from waste formed of previously worn garments or pre-formed finished clothing products. This process involves deconstructing garments and reconstructing the waste materials into new designs.

Head to the Redress Academy to find out more about these sustainable design techniques.

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WHAT IS THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD PATHWAY COURSE?

The Redress Design Award Pathway Course aims to support emerging designers intending to enter the Redress Design Award to deepen their knowledge of circular fashion design strategies and techniques, giving them an edge in both the competition and the fast-changing fashion industry. The course, open and free for all, is divided into three core segments, each rich in practical tips and delivered by leading industry experts. You can learn at your own pace, with the overall study time at approx. 6-8 hours.

The three topics covered in the course are Designing with a Circular Approach, Building a Sustainable Brand, and Innovating for Circular Fashion.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD PATHWAY COURSE?

You can sign up for the Redress Design Award Pathway Course directly through the competition online application platform, which will grant you exclusive extended access to the course content until the competition closing date of 16 March 2023 at 15:00 Hong Kong time (UTC +8).

IS IT MANDATORY TO ATTEND THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD PATHWAY COURSE?

No, your participation in the Redress Design Award Pathway Course will NOT be judged or taken into account during the review of your application for the Redress Design Award competition. However, we strongly advise your attendance to support your development and make your application stronger.

WHEN DOES THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD PATHWAY COURSE TAKE PLACE?

If you are applying to the Redress Design Award competition and have created an account on the competition online application platform, you will be given exclusive extended access to the course content until the competition closing date of 16 March 2023. There will be multiple intakes for the Pathway Course, including 12 January–16 March exclusively for applicants, and 1 June–31 August 2023 for the general public.

WILL I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE IF I ATTENDED THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD PATHWAY COURSE?

Yes, applicants passing the end-of-course quiz with a score of over 80% will receive a certificate.

What organisation is behind the Pathway Course on circular fashion design?

The course is developed and presented by Redress, an environmental nonprofit with a mission to educate and empower the fashion industry and consumers to reduce clothing's negative environmental impact by shifting to circular solutions.

It is made possible with support from partners including Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), lead sponsor of the Redress Design Award.

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WHO ARE THE ORGANISERS?

Now in its 13th cycle, the Redress Design Award was developed by and is wholly organised by Redress.  Redress is a Hong Kong based NGO whose mission is to educate and empower the fashion industry and consumers to reduce clothing's negative environmental impact by shifting to circular solutions.

WHO ARE THE KEY PARTNERS OF THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD?

The Redress Design Award is supported by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor. In addition, the competition relies on a strong network of sponsors, and supporting organisations including universities and fashion organisations across the world. See a full list of partners here: 

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Redress Design Award 2023 is open for emerging fashion designers aged 18 years or above (as of the application closing date on 16 March 2023). Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Aged 18 years or over, (no maximum age), as of application closing date of 16 March 2023.

• Hold a valid ID/passport/visa/residence permit in your country of residence.

• Have less than four years’ professional fashion design experience at the time of application.

• Have a reasonable level of English to be able to take part in activities conducted in English

• Are applying as an individual (group applications are not permitted)
  

CAN I APPLY IF I’M SELF-TAUGHT AND HAVE NO FORMAL FASHION DESIGN TRAINING AND/OR PROFESSIONAL FASHION DESIGN EXPERIENCE? 

Yes, as long as the other application criteria are met. 

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AS PROFESSIONAL FASHION DESIGN EXPERIENCE ?

At Redress we consider professional fashion design experience to mean:

• Professional experience: full time, part-time and freelance experience. Internships and fashion competition applications do not count towards professional experience. However if you have been the recipient of a competition prize such as short-term working experience, brand collaboration, etc, this will be counted as professional experience.

• Fashion design experience: working in any subject related to fashion design, textile design, education in fashion & textile design.

If you are not sure about your eligibility before applying, feel free to email us at apply@redress.com.hk. Applicants may be required to submit their curriculum vitae to confirm their eligibility once they’ve applied.

CAN I APPLY IF I HAVE FIVE YEARS’ PART TIME EXPERIENCE WORKING IN FASHION DESIGN?

No, you cannot apply. Only applicants with less than four years’ professional fashion design experience can apply. Applicants with over four years’ full time, part time or freelance professional fashion design or textile design experience, or professional experience as a fashion or textile-related educator are not eligible to apply.

DO I NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH TO BE ABLE TO APPLY?

Applicants can apply to the competition in English or Chinese. The application platform and guidelines are available only in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese, and all applicants are required to use one of these three languages. Any other languages submitted will not be processed.

A reasonable level of English is required for applicants as semi-finalists and finalists to take part in a variety of activities including interviews, judging and various grand final week activities in Hong Kong, all of which will be conducted in English.

IS THERE A FEE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?

There is no fee to enter this competition. If you succeed in reaching the finals, you will have to bear the costs for your own materials/textiles/trims, allocate your own personal time to produce your competition collection, purchase/provide four pairs of shoes to accompany your Grand Final Fashion Presentation collection (you will have the right to keep the shoes after the grand final), and provide packing materials for the shipping of your collection to Hong Kong, such as carton boxes, tapes and garment bags. Redress will cover the shipping costs of your collection outfits to Hong Kong (terms and conditions apply). Redress will also cover the costs of the fashion shoot, the travel and accommodation of the finalists’ visit to Hong Kong, and all costs related to the Grand Final Fashion Presentation and exhibition(s).

Finalists must prove that they are in possession of a valid travel document, and adequate travel and medical insurance for their visit to Hong Kong.

WILL I GET TO TRAVEL TO HONG KONG?

Yes, as a finalist you will get to travel to Hong Kong for the Grand Final Week of the competition, with costs covered by Redress. The full details of the trip will be provided in May 2023. In the case of unfortunate circumstances (such as the Covid pandemic) affecting the ability to travel, the Grand Final Week activities will be held virtually, still with the intent to provide an exciting and enriching experience for our finalists.

CAN I APPLY FOR THE 2023 CYCLE IF I HAVE ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN A PREVIOUS COMPETITION CYCLE?

Yes, if you still have less than four years’ professional fashion design experience. However you may only apply if you have not previously won the first or second prize in past cycles of the Redress Design Award.

CAN I APPLY MORE THAN ONCE WITHIN THE 2023 COMPETITION CYCLE?

No, you may only submit one competition entry per cycle. Only your first application will be accepted, any other subsequent applications will be rejected.

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DUE?

Applicants must submit their application online via the Redress Design Award 2023 competition application platform before Thursday 16 March 2023 at 15:00 Hong Kong time (UTC +8).

WILL I GET ANY SUPPORT IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD?

Yes. For the Redress Design Award 2023 we are running the Redress Design Award Pathway Course which is aimed at fashion students and emerging designers like yourself who intend to enter the Redress Design Award 2022 competition cycle. You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in the subject of design for circularity. To find out more, read about the Redress Design Award Pathway Course here.

I AM A UNISEX DESIGNER, CAN I APPLY?

For this competition we accept unisex collections. However, because of the Grand Final Fashion Presentation production constraints, we ask you to make a decision on whether your collection will be shown on female or male models should you reach the grand final. Please check the womenswear or menswear box within the application to select your choice. Please note the collection cannot be a mix of menswear and womenswear.

DO I NEED TO MAKE MY OWN GARMENTS?

Yes, finalists are required to sew their own garments themselves. Marks will be awarded for workmanship in the final.

WHAT IS SIZE A AND SIZE B?

In your application, you are required to sketch and create outfits that will fit models in Size A (sample size) and Size B (larger size). Exact measurement details will be shared once finalists are announced on 10 May 2023.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF TEXTILE WASTE IN MY APPLICATION?

• Textile swatches - leftover textile samples from production

• Cut-and-sew textiles - textile scraps generated during garment manufacturing

• End-of-rolls - factory surplus waste leftover from garment manufacturing

• Sampling yardage - factory surplus waste leftover from textile sample manufacturing

• Damaged textiles – unused textiles that have been damaged, for example with colour or print defects

• Unsold clothing - clothing waste (finished or unfinished) that has not been sold

• Clothing samples - part-finished or finished clothing samples from the design and production of clothing

• Secondhand clothing – any clothing or fashion accessories that have been owned and then discarded (both used and unused)

• Secondhand textiles – any finished non-clothing textiles (such as curtains, bedding etc) that have been owned and then discarded (both used and unused)

If you are using textiles created from waste you will be required in your application to provide detailed information on the textile (see next question).

CAN I USE TEXTILES CREATED FROM WASTE? 

Yes, we accept the use of textiles created from waste with a minimum 50 percent of regenerated content in fabric composition in the competition. Applicants must clearly state the textile source, composition, and details of after care. 

You are permitted to use ‘recycled textiles’ for example recycled wool - made of old wool products; rPET (recycled polyester) - most commonly made from recycled plastic bottles; and recycled polyamide (recycled nylon) - which can be made from discarded fishing nets. You can also use ‘innovative materials’ made of non-traditional waste sources, for example textiles made of pineapple leaves or coffee grounds.

CAN I USE OIL-BASED (ALSO KNOWN AS FOSSIL FUEL OR PETROLEUM) PLASTIC IN MY COLLECTION? 

Oil-based, fossil fuel, or petroleum products are under great criticism due to the fact they use valuable, non-renewable resources that do not naturally biodegrade. Polyester in particular is a fabric made from oil which, when washed, releases microplastics into the ecosystem. 

For the competition, whilst we are not against the inclusion of oil-based plastics in collections, if you do use them, we expect a clear and thorough explanation of why these materials are included. A method to tackle this is to review the plastic materials using the four core circular design strategies:

1. How is the material transformed and integrated into the collection?

2. What will happen to it when washed and via other care processes? 

3. What will happen to it after disposal? 

4. How/would you include the plastic material if you were to upscale the production of the collection?

Bio-based plastics are often cited as an alternative to oil-based plastics. However, there is still much research to be done regarding their disposal and the long-term effects of them on our environment, so we recommend that you also apply the above thinking if you are looking to select bio-plastics for use in your collection.

CAN I USE OIL-BASED PLASTIC IN MY COLLECTION?

Oil-based plastics are under great criticism right now - especially disposable plastics like single-use bottles and shopping bags. Oil-based plastics take many years to break down and as they do not biodegrade – instead over time they break into smaller pieces which can be ingested by animals and could endanger their lives, as well as harming our ecosystems.

For the competition, whilst we are not against the inclusion of oil-based plastics in collections, if you do use them, we expect a clear and thorough explanation of why these materials are included. A method to tackle this is to review the plastic materials using the four core circular design strategies:

1. How is the material transformed and integrated into the collection?

2. What will happen to it when washed and via other care processes?

3. What will happen to it after disposal?

4. How/would you include the plastic material if you were to upscale the production of the collection?

Bio-based plastics are often cited as an alternative to oil-based plastics. However, there is still much research to be done regarding their disposal and the long-term effects of them on our environment, so we recommend that you also apply the above thinking if you are looking to select bio-plastics for use in your collection.

CAN I USE REAL FUR IN MY COLLECTION? 

No, we do not allow old (e.g. sourced from secondhand garments) or new fur in submitted collections for ethical reasons related to animal welfare. The use of fur is understandably an emotive issue and whilst there are arguments that re-using or re-purposing old fur can prevent these precious resources from being wasted, we do not want to promote fur as aesthetic or aspirational in any way through our competition platform.

The debate relating to the environmental impact of real fur versus synthetic alternatives (where manufacturing processes can involve significant amounts of chemicals and end products do not biodegrade) is a valid one and we encourage you to research and select all materials in a careful and considered way based on their overall environmental impact.

CAN I USE NON-TEXTILE MATERIALS IN MY COLLECTION? 

Yes, we allow the use of non-textile waste materials such as metal, leather, tree bark etc to be included in collections but ONLY as trims and embellishments. Non-textile materials should not exceed approximately 10% of the total garment and will be reviewed on a case by case basis depending on your supporting argument for use. If you are uncertain about your material and whether we will accept it, please email us at apply@redress.com.hk.

As a standard, we want designers to understand the environmental impact of the material choices they make for their collections. We expect designers to be selective about their materials and consider the usage of them along the garment lifecycle using the four core circular design strategies. It is important that you conduct research and are prepared in order to discuss your material choices with the judges should you be selected as a finalist.

CAN I USE BRANDED FABRICS?

Yes, you can use branded fabrics as long as they are waste textiles or textiles created from waste. However, the branding (e.g. logo) must be transformed or removed so as to be unrecognisable in your finished designs.

CAN I USE NEW TRIMS (SUCH AS ZIPS, BUTTONS AND ETC) FOR MY COLLECTION?

Yes, you can use new trims but a preference will be shown for upcycled or sustainable materials.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE DROPS OUT OR IS DISQUALIFIED?

In the event that a successful finalist drops out or disqualified for any reason, it is at the discretion of Redress as to whether the finalist’s collection will be shown, and we may contact the next runner-up from the same region in order to provide a replacement.

WHAT ARE THE 'REDRESS DESIGN CHALLENGES'?

The Redress Design Challenges are a series of workshop-style events for the finalists that take place in Hong Kong in early September 2023. The finalists will explore the four core circular design strategies through various education activities and practical design challenges. The exact focus of the challenges will be confirmed nearer to the event date. All finalists are required to attend and participate in these challenges and they may be recorded for use in the Frontline Fashion documentary series and/or general video promotion.

 WHO ORGANISES THE FASHION SHOOT?

Redress will organise a fashion shoot in Hong Kong in late July/early August 2023 (exact date TBC). Redress’ stylists will determine all styling including the possibility of mixing a number of garments from any four outfits of the same finalist for one look. Only one final photo per finalist will be chosen for promotion.

CAN I SELECT MY OWN MODELS, HAIR AND MAKEUP AND MUSIC FOR THE GRAND FINAL FASHION PRESENTATION?

No. Redress determines the creative direction for the Redress Design Award Grand Final Fashion Presentation, including styling, makeup, hair, models, music, photography and filming.

CAN I PROVIDE MY OWN SHOW SHOES FOR THE GRAND FINAL FASHION PRESENTATION?

Yes. In fact all finalists are required to supply four pairs of shoes to accompany their four physical outfits for the grand final in Hong Kong. Shoes are part of the show presentation but will not be reviewed as part of the judging, however, a preference for sustainably made shoes will be shown. We recommend the same style of shoes for all five outfits for consistency purposes. Finalists will have the right to keep the shoes after the show is complete.

CAN I ACCESSORISE MY OUTFITS AT THE GRAND FINAL FASHION PRESENTATION?

Yes, if you wish to, accessories are optional. The same competition design requirements apply and they will be included for judging purposes. However, Redress reserves the right to determine if submitted accessories (including any head piece, face covering and hats) are to be included in the Grand Final Fashion Presentation of collections. All accessories must be sent together with the four outfits to Redress on 12 July 2023. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY PHYSICAL OUTFITS AFTER THE COMPETITION?    

Redress will keep, for at least two years, two out of the four physical outfits made by each finalist, which will be used for further educational and promotional activities, such as exhibitions after the competition. If you are one of the winners of the competition, Redress will keep these two outfits indefinitely. As designer, you shall be credited on any occasion that your outfit(s) are displayed following the competition’s completion. 

The remaining two outfits will be returned to you at the end of the Grand Final Week.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY DIGITAL OUTFIT AFTER THE COMPETITION?

Redress will have rights to the digital outfit designed by you as a finalist which will be used for further educational and promotional activities, such as exhibitions after the competition. As designer, you shall be credited on the occasion that your digital outfit is displayed at events or shown on Redress’ channels following the competition’s completion.

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HOW DO I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

Applicants must submit their applications via Redress’ competition online application platform here. To begin your application, fill in your details and click 'Register', an activation email will be sent to your email address.

If you have not received the email, please check your spam or junk mail folders. You can also try adding apply@redress.com.hk to your address book. If you still don’t see the email, please click ‘Resend verification email’ to request for another activation email.

I HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED FOR AN ACCOUNT IN A PREVIOUS CYCLE, DO I NEED TO CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT?

No, if you have already registered an account for the Redress Design Award 2020, 2021, or 2022 cycles, you can use the same account to log in.

I HAVE LOST MY PASSWORD, WHAT DO I DO?

Please click ‘Reset Password’ in the login page to reset password, you will receive an email that is associated with the account. If you have not received the email, please check your spam or junk mail folders. You can also try adding apply@redress.com.hk to your address book.

I CANNOT ACCESS MY ONLINE APPLICATION ACCOUNT, WHAT DO I DO?

Please refresh the page, login with another browser or restart your computer. If the problem remains, create a new account with a different email address or contact apply@redress.com.hk 

I HAVE SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION BUT I DID NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL, WHAT DO I DO?

A confirmation email will be sent to the email address associated with that registration. Please check your spam or junk mail folders. You can also try adding apply@redress.com.hk  to your address book to see if you can find the confirmation email. If you still don’t see the email, please contact apply@redress.com.hk 

CAN I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION USING WORD OR PDF DOCUMENT?

We do not accept any applications via Word or PDF formats, your application must be submitted via the online platform here.

I HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION FOR THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023, CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES?

No, you will NOT be able to amend your application including your artwork and textile selections once you have submitted your final application. Any subsequent changes to your application will be rejected and you may be disqualified from the competition so make sure everything is ready before you click the ‘Submit application’ button!

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WHAT IS THE JUDGING PROCESS?

All applications will go through an initial review by experienced members of the Redress team, with these sustainable fashion experts shortlisting 30 semi-finalists: fifteen designers from region one, with two guaranteed spots for Hong Kong applicants, and fifteen designers from region two.

The Redress experts will also shortlist six promising applicants to offer them the Rising Talents programme: three designers from region one, with one guaranteed spot for Hong Kong applicants, and three designers from region two. The Rising Talents programme is designed for applicants who are not selected as semi-finalists but show great potential in becoming sustainable designers.

The 30 semi-finalist applications will be handed over to the judging panel composed of leading industry experts. The panel will select nine finalists – who will be joined by a 10th, the winner of The People’s Choice Award – to go through to the Grand Final. The same panel will judge the Grand Final Fashion Presentation to determine the winner(s).

WHO ARE THE JUDGES?

The judging panel is composed of leading industry experts. Check out their profiles here.

HOW ARE THE 10 FINALISTS SELECTED?

Ten designers will be selected to go through to the Grand Final, with five from region 1 and five from region 2. Within the 10 finalists there is one guaranteed spot for the top scoring Hong Kong finalist, and one guaranteed spot for the winner of The People’s Choice Award. 

WHAT IS THE RISING TALENTS PROGRAMME?

The Rising Talents programme is designed for designers who have not been selected as semi-finalists but show great potential to grow into sustainable designers. Six designers will be selected by the Redress experts, based on their competition application. Redress will offer a sustainability enrichment experience, extending the designers’ knowledge in circular fashion through mentorships and various activities. Upon completion of the programme, the Rising Talents will become Redress Design Award alumni.

If you are selected to participate in the Rising Talent programme, you will be contacted directly by the Redress team at the same time as the semi-finalists announcement. You will be offered an exclusive, non-transferable opportunity to take part in the programme, including several mentorship sessions and activities between May and September 2023. The exact schedule details will be shared with you at a later date, and will take into account your availability.

WHICH REGION WILL I REPRESENT?

For the purposes of judging, your application will be entered into either region one or two according to your place of residence at the time of application.

The locations for region one are as follows:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Cyprus, Georgia, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Macao Special Administrative Region, Mainland China, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, State of Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

The locations for region two are as follows:

Åland Islands, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Channel Islands, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Czechia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of Moldova, Réunion, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, South Sudan, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States Minor Outlying Islands, United States of America, United States Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe

WHAT IS THE JUDGING SCHEDULE?

Open application shortlisting will take place from 17 March 2023 to determine the 30 semi-finalists, who will be announced on 20 April 2023 on www.redressdesignaward.com.

The semi-final judging will take place from 20 April 2023 to determine the nine designers who will join the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the Grand Final. The 10 finalists will be announced on 10 May 2023 on www.redressdesignaward.com.

The final judging will take place in Hong Kong in early September 2023 to determine the winners, with the results announced live at the Redress Design Award 2023 Grand Final Fashion Presentation.

WHAT ARE THE JUDGING CRITERIA?

All applicants’ designs will be scored in three categories in the semi-final round and in four categories in the grand final round, with variable weighting in each category according to:

1. Creativity and originality (20 marks) - Applicants must demonstrate strong, original design concepts and have the ability to translate the concept throughout the entire collection with consistency.

2. Sustainability and innovation for the circular economy (30 marks) - Applicants must demonstrate their overall understanding of sustainable fashion design through the application of four circular design strategies:

   • Design for Low-impact Materials and Processes

   • Design for Longevity

   • Design for Recyclability

   • Design for Low Waste

   These circular design strategies must be integrated into competition collections with a holistic approach and with technical confidence.

3. Marketability (20 marks) - Applicants must demonstrate that their designs are suitable for the target consumer with unique qualities and strong commercial viability, and clear potential to be scaled up/replicated for production.

4. Workmanship (20 marks), (applicable to the grand final round only) - Finalists must demonstrate that all four physical outfits were made to the highest standard using suitable materials with quality finishing. All garments included in the four physical outfits should be functional and practical for the end user and should withstand the test of washing and wearing.
   

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I’M NOT SELECTED AS SEMI-FINALIST, FINALIST OR RISING TALENT?

For the open application and the semi-final rounds, all unsuccessful applicants and semi-finalists will be notified by email. For the grand final judging, all finalists will find out the competition results as they are announced live at the Grand Final Fashion Presentation.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

There are multiple prizes on offer for the 2023 cycle with a development fund pot of HK$80,000 (US$10,000) to be distributed to the highest-scoring finalists. All finalists and semi-finalists and Rising Talents will receive educational and career-enhancing prizes.

View all prizes and relevant information here:

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WHO ARE TIMBERLAND?

Timberland is a global outdoor lifestyle brand based in Stratham, New Hampshire, with international headquarters in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Best known for its original yellow boot introduced in 1973 to take on the harsh elements of New England, Timberland today offers a full range of footwear, apparel and accessories for people who value purposeful style and share the brand’s passion for enjoying – and protecting – Nature.

At the heart of the Timberland® brand is the core belief that a greener future is a better future. This comes to life through a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and strengthen communities around the world. The brand has committed to plant 50 million trees worldwide by 2025, and has a bold vision for its products to have a net positive impact on Nature by 2030, giving back more than they take.  To share in Timberland’s mission to step outside, work together and make it better, visit a Timberland® store, timberland.com or follow @timberland. Timberland is a VF Corporation brand.

WHAT IS THE VF CORPORATION?

Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Their purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. They connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use their company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

HOW ARE THE VF CORPORATION TACKLING SUSTAINABILITY IN THEIR BUSINESS?

VF’s Made for Change report details the company’s aspirations for advancing environmental and social improvements across its business, portfolio of brands, global supply chain and communities worldwide.

The strategy focuses on three areas:

Circular Business Models: The commercialisation of circular business models to reduce VF’s environmental impact while creating new growth opportunities;

Scale for Good: Leveraging VF’s global scale and influence to drive impact reduction across the business and broader industry; and,

Movement Makers: Enabling VF and its brands to serve as a catalyst for global movements that help more people live active lifestyles and access sustainable and responsibly sourced products.

Read more about VF’s commitments here.

IF I WIN, WILL I HAVE TO LEAVE MY CURRENT JOB?

It is not a requirement to leave your current job or cease any work commitments as part of your winning prize, which will be tailored to you and your needs within reason. The extent of how winning will impact your current work will depend on your personal circumstances. The winner is required to work with the Timberland team remotely part-time between Sept/Oct 2023 through to May 2024 (details TBC).

IF I WIN, WILL I TRAVEL AS PART OF MY WINNING PRIZE?

Yes, as part of your prize there will be an educational trip for the winner to spend time with key teams or individuals within the business. Full details TBC and dependent on travel restrictions associated with the pandemic.  All travel and accommodation related to the trip to be organised and paid for by VF.

WHEN WILL THE PRIZE COMMENCE?

The winner will meet a VF Corporation or Timberland team representative soon after the Grand Final Fashion Presentation to discuss their career plans so that they can be best matched with mentors within the business, with the collaboration taking place from October 2023 onwards.

WILL I EARN ANY MONEY FROM THE RESULTING DESIGN COLLABORATION OR OWN ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS?

No, you will not earn any money from sales and you will not own the intellectual property rights for any designs that you assist in designing. This is because the design will be done under the guidance of VF and Timberland and the production costs of any resulting collaboration will be fully covered by Timberland.

WILL I RECEIVE A DESIGN FEE OR ANY FURTHER INCOME?

Along with the experience of working with the VF and Timberland teams, you will also receive a development fund of HK$50,000. This is broken down as a design fee contributed from VF Corporation of HK$20,000 which includes the entire scope of all of your work related to the design collaboration, and the remaining HK$30,000 funding coming from Redress.

IF I WIN, WHO HAS THE FINAL DECISIONS ABOUT THE DESIGN COLLABORATION?

Timberland will have all final decisions on all aspects of the collection. Although your winning prize is a design collaboration, all final decisions about the creative, design, marketing and business operations will be with Timberland’s representatives.

IF I WIN, WILL I NEED TO ATTEND ANY COLLECTION PRESS LAUNCHES WHEN THE COLLECTION RETAILS?

It is unlikely that you will need to travel again after the collection is complete. In the event there is a press conference, you may be invited to attend and your costs will be covered in this instance.

WILL REDRESS BE INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN COLLABORATION WITH TIMBERLAND?

No, Redress will not have any involvement in your direct design collaboration. Redress will support wherever needed in facilitating your prize but Redress has no responsibility for the design or delivery of your collaboration with Timberland.

WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENT FUND AND HOW CAN I USE IT?

The development fund is a lump sum of money that can only be used to further advance your career, your brand or your education development. Here is a non-exhaustive list of examples of how the fund can be used:

• buying of materials and machines to support your brand expansion or education

• hiring manpower to support the expansion of your brand

• renting space to support the expansion of your brand

• fashion or sustainability related training

• tuition fees for university education

• software licenses

IF I WIN, HOW DO I JUSTIFY HOW I WILL USE THE FUND MONEY?

After the Grand Final winner announcement, Redress will be in touch with you to discuss how you would like to use the prize funding. You will sign an agreement with Redress expressing how the fund money will be spent. Redress reserves the right to withhold funding if you do not express a clear plan on how to spend the development fund.

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ABOUT THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023 MENTORSHIP WITH ORSOLA DE CASTRO

WILL I GET TO MEET ORSOLA DE CASTRO?

Yes, you will get to meet Orsola de Castro during your stay in Hong Kong* after the Redress Design Award 2023 Grand Final.

*pending travel restrictions due to the global Covid-19 pandemic

WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL I BE GETTING?

You will receive a tailored mentorship to support your needs, ranging from topics including but not limited to sourcing sustainable materials, design techniques, business advice on starting a new brand, industry contacts and more. The content of your mentorship will be determined during your initial meeting with Orsola de Castro after the Redress Design Award 2023 Grand Final.  

HOW LONG IS THE MENTORSHIP?

The Redress Design Award 2023 mentorship with Orsola de Castro runs over a period of 6 months where you will receive either 3 x 45–60min sessions via online video call or in-person at Orsola’s studio in London (the cost of travel to London is not included in this prize). Details will be confirmed at the initial meeting with her in Hong Kong after your win.

WHAT CAN I USE MY SHARE OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR?

As runner-up, you will receive a development fund of HK$15,000 (US$1,900) and can use it to further advance your career, your brand or your education development. You may use it to support the travel and accommodation to visit London to meet and receive your mentorship with Orsola de Castro in person, or alternatively please refer to the FAQ for First Prize for a list of examples of how else the fund can be used.

ABOUT THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023 HONG KONG BEST

WHAT IS THE HONG KONG BEST?

The Hong Kong Best title is awarded to the overall highest scoring applicant applying from Hong Kong, to recognise the achievements of emerging creative talent in Redress’ home city. To be eligible designers must be living in Hong Kong, and if they are a student they must be enrolled in a Hong Kong education institution at the time of application (i.e. exchange students are excluded). There is one guaranteed spot in the Redress Design Award Grand Final which will be awarded to the Hong Kong Best designer.

As Hong Kong Best, you will receive a development fund of HK$15,000 (US$,1,900), which can be used to further advance your career, your brand, or your educational development. (Please refer to the FAQ for First Prize for a list of examples of how the fund can be used.)

HOW IS THE HONG KONG BEST SELECTED?

The winner is selected according to the scores received for their competition application, with the highest scoring competitor from Hong Kong taking the title. Scores are received from the judging panel, and they are the final decision makers. In line with the competition's application criteria, the Hong Kong Best winner is a person who is living in Hong Kong and if they are a student, they must be enrolled in a Hong Kong education institution at the time of the application closing date of 16 March 2023, whether or not they are a Hong Kong citizen. 

ABOUT THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023 PEOPLE'S CHOICE

WHAT IS THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023 PEOPLE’S CHOICE?

The People’s Choice will be selected by the general public across the world, with participants casting a vote online for their favourite Redress Design Award 2023 Semi-Finalist based on their moodboard, collection designs and a written statement. Polling will open from 27 April 2023 to 5 May 2023 with the winner announced on 10 May 2023.

HOW DO I VOTE?

A public voting platform will allow participants to cast a vote for their favourite Redress Design Award 2023 Semi-Finalist. This will be based on their favourite moodboard, collection designs and written statement of the 30 semi-finalists. Participants simply need to select the semi-finalist they are voting for, and enter their full name and valid email address for their vote to be recognised.   

CAN I VOTE TWICE?

No, you may only vote one time. Each vote is recorded with a valid email address.

CAN I VOTE FOR MYSELF?

Yes, but you may only vote one time. Each vote is recorded with a valid email address.

WILL THERE BE TWO WINNERS AS THERE ARE TWO REGIONS?

There will only be one winner for the Redress Design Award 2023 People’s Choice Award, voted from the highest scoring semi-finalist designer overall.

IF I WIN THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD, DOES THIS MEAN I WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME A FINALIST?

Yes, you are guaranteed a spot as a finalist by winning the People’s Choice Award.

IF THE WINNER OF THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD IS FROM HONG KONG,  DOES THIS MEAN THE GUARANTEED SPOT FOR A HONG KONG FINALIST IS AUTOMATICALLY FILLED?

No, the winner of the People’s Choice Award is not related to where they apply from. If the winner of The People’s Choice Award is from Hong Kong, there will still be another spot for another Hong Kong finalist under the Hong Kong Best guaranteed spot.

If the People’s Choice and the Hong Kong Best designer are the same person, the second highest scoring Hong Kong designer will take the guaranteed Hong Kong place in the final.

HONG KONG APPLICANTS PRIZE

All applicants who are living in Hong Kong at the time of applying to the Redress Design Award 2023 (and therefore applying from this region) will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of six home sewing machines sponsored by JUKI. 

Applicants living outside of Hong Kong at the time of the open application are not eligible for this prize even if they are Hong Kong citizens.

The six winners will be drawn randomly on 17 March 2023. If you are successful you will be notified at the email address associated with your competition application by the end of March 2023 to arrange a time for you to visit the Redress office and collect your prize.

ABOUT THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD 2023 ALUMNI PRIZES

WHAT ARE THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD ALUMNI PRIZES?

Each cycle we award prizes exclusively to Redress Design Award Alumni who demonstrate achievement in various areas. The 2023 Prizes are listed here.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE REDRESS DESIGN AWARD ALUMNI PRIZES?

Members of the Redress Design Award Alumni Network are previous semi-finalists or finalists of the Redress Design Award. Only this group of designers are eligible to apply for alumni prizes. If you are a semi-finalist from the 2023 competition, you are not eligible to apply for the Redress Design Award 2023 alumni prizes. You will officially become part of the alumni for the 2024 cycle and eligible to apply for opportunities from 12 November 2023.

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WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

We hope this content has answered your questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question within these FAQ’s, please send an email to apply@redress.com.hk. If your enquiry cannot be answered by email, then a telephone or Skype call may be arranged if Redress deems necessary.

To learn more about circular fashion design and the competition visit www.redressdesignaward.com and check out our video tutorials, reading materials, and inspiring links.

For further information about Redress, please visit www.redress.com.hk