NEXTGEN DESIGNER

This award comprises the eligibility for consideration of a six to twelve month internship with an internationally recognized designer after an intensive summer study program at the most prestigious fashion institute in the world, Parsons in New York, and will be given to a new designer (one that has not previously produced a line of clothing, has been designing for less than 3 years, and does not currently work for a major fashion house) who the panel of judges selects as having the greatest potential on the international scene. Attention will be given to the designer's creativity, expression of style, selection of fabric and colour, and quality of execution of the design.

The judges will also consider:

• Cohesiveness
  • Do the designs form a cohesive fashion line?
• Commerciality
  • Do the designs seem profitable?
• Marketability 
  • Are the designs readily saleable? 
  • What is the quality of execution of the designs? 
  • Are the designs in demand by buyers, both on the islands and in developed markets?
• Creativity/ Originality 
  • Are the designs creative and original? Have we seen them before? 
  • Is the designer a good advocate in introducing creative island designs to the international market?
• Practicality
  • Can the designs translate to non-island life? Would they be marketable to buyers in developed markets?