European Design Contest under the motto “Local – Global”

“Local – Global” is the topic of the Award of the Stiftung der Deutschen Bekleidungsindustrie 2006 (German Apparel Industry Foundation). Although fashion has always been globally oriented, there have been special regional characteristics and national design cultures till today. Designs are being sought, which are founded in a local clothing culture and consequently provide the market with their own approach and identity. European fashion and design schools are invited to combine these local elements into new, up-to-date and globally attractive symbols.

A special prize is also being awarded for the first time within the framework of the European design contest. Fashion creates identity, and identity is considered a competitive strategy of the future. In spite of this great significance, there has been surprisingly little known about how these identities can be structured strategically in the field of tension of continual change in fashion and the required continuity of brands. The Special Award Fashion Branding, awarded in cooperation with the brand consulting agency Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux, is consequently searching for succinct brand worlds for fashion labels, which are based on values.

The contest is open to especially talented design students of all disciplines. Works by interdisciplinary teams as well as collaborative ventures with companies are desired expressly. The registration deadline for free participation is December 14, 2005.

A jury composed of internationally experienced experts from design, marketing and media will select the prizewinners from the works according to set criteria. Cash prizes in the amount of 10,500 euros as well as paid, six-month internships at Adidas, René Lezard, Schöffel and Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux will be awarded. In addition, the best portfolio will be presented at the WGSN website.

The prizewinning works will be exhibited at ispovision winter 06, the International Trade Show for Sports Style - Fashion inspired by Sports, which will be held in Hall A4 of Neue Messe München from January 29 till February 1, 2006

The European contest is organized by the Stiftung der Deutschen Bekleidungsindustrie (German Apparel Industry Foundation). The foundation was founded by the fashion entrepreneur Klaus Steilmann in 1977. Its purpose is the promotion of young talent. Additional information is available at www.stiftung-bekleidungsindustrie.de

For additional information and pictures, please contact: Stefanie Gerhardt
Messe München GmbH
Marketing and Communication
gerhardt@messe-muenchen.de
Tel.: (+49 89) 949 20 610

Constanze Fuchs
Stiftung der Deutschen Bekleidungsindustrie
mail@stiftung-bekleidungsindustrie.de
Tel.: (+49 89) 949 20 194 1/MK/sg/ka