ABOUT
ASIAN FASHION 
DESIGN AWARD

Asia Fashion Design Award: Celebrating Excellence in Sustainable Innovation

Why Participate

The Asian Fashion Design Awards 2026 (AFDA), proudly hosted by the Creative Asia Foundation and presented as part of Asian Fashion Festival 2026, celebrates emerging talent, innovative design, and forward-thinking approaches to sustainability and technology in fashion.

​

As a key program evolved from Asian Fashion Week, AFDA continues to discover and empower designers across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, offering a global platform to showcase creativity, gain recognition, and connect with the international fashion industry.

​

Why Enter

Global Recognition
Present your designs on an international stage as part of Asian Fashion Festival 2026 in Melbourne.

​

Runway Opportunity (Value AUD $15,000)
Selected winners will have the opportunity to showcase their collection in a featured runway presentation during the Festival.

International Pathways
Outstanding works may be recommended and submitted to leading design competitions across Asia, providing further opportunities for international exposure and recognition.

Industry Exposure
Connect with global designers, buyers, media, and key industry leaders.

Free Entry
Open to students and emerging designers, encouraging innovation, creativity, and accessibility.

​

Award Categories

1. Best Design Award
2. Sustainable Design Award
3. Innovation in Fashion Award
4. Finalist Showcase Honour

​

Prizes

​

Winners

• Featured runway presentation in Melbourne (valued at AUD $15,000)

• Opportunity to be featured in Festival media, press releases, and promotional campaigns

• VIP invitations to Festival events and networking sessions

• Trophy and Certificate of Excellence

• Support for international award applications 

​

Finalists (Shortlisted Designers)

• Opportunity to showcase work through supported runway or exhibition pathways

• Recognition in official Festival programme and media channels

• Access to networking with buyers, industry professionals, and collaborators

​

Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: Open to students and emerging designers internationally

​

Collection Requirements:

• Minimum of 6 complete looks or design concepts

• Categories may include womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, or interdisciplinary / technology-driven designs

​​

Submission Materials:

• Digital portfolio including mood boards, sketches, and final designs

• Visual documentation (photos or digital renderings)

• Final samples or visualisations

• A sustainability statement detailing eco-conscious materials or practices used in the collection.

• Personal profile and collection introduction

​

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 5 July 2026

• Finalists Announcement: August 2026

• Award Presentation & Showcase: November 2026 during Asian Fashion Festival, Melbourne

​

How to Apply

   Email all materials to enquiries@asianfashionweek.org. Include your name, contact details, and a short biography.

   Or click here to submit your application 2026.

​

Further Opportunities

Outstanding designs will have the opportunity to be recommended to leading fashion and design competitions across Asia, providing extended pathways for international recognition and career development.

​

Selected works may be submitted to prestigious platforms such as:

• China Fashion Award – Golden Top Award

• Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC)

• Redress Design Award (Hong Kong)

​

Through these opportunities, designers can further showcase their work on global stages, gain industry recognition, and expand their professional networks across the Asia-Pacific region.

​

​