Your task
Design a dress that draws inspiration from the theme ‘Mexico’. Additionally, you can design one or two extra garments or accessories such as hats, bags or shoes. These must all be drawn on the provided Matthew Williamson digital girl form.
You should start with initial research and ideas around the Mexican theme, which you then develop into your designs. You should consider choice and use of colour, fabric and texture. Here are Matthew Williamson's top tips on how to get started:
- Explore aspects of Mexican history and heritage in your research.
- Take inspiration from Mexican culture – film, music, art or cuisine.
- Consider the Mexican climate and landscape to influence your designs in shape, material, and colour.
What we're looking for
All entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- A finished design.
- Evidence of research around the theme ‘Mexico’.
- Awareness of Matthew’s distinctive style and of current fashion trends.
- Flair, creativity and originality in the designs.
Your prize
Five finalists will be selected and invited to a finalist's day event at the Design Museum on Saturday 26th January 2008. Your creations will be exhibited for the day in the Design Museum riverside Space. All finalists will receive Design Museum and Blast goodie bags and free tickets to the exhibition.
One winner will be announced and will win an exclusive tour of Matthew Williamson's studio (to be organised after the event at the winner's and Matthew's convenience).
How to take part
Print out Matthew Williamson's digital girl form or download it to your computer by right clicking on the image. It is conventional in fashion designs to draw elongated bodies. These do not reflect the human body shape, but are a tool to show off your fashion designs.
You should draw one dress and, if you wish, one or two accessories or additional garments onto the digital girl form. Entries may be illustrated by hand or on computer. Feel free to provide a colour palette and even images of fabric swatches on the template if you wish. You can take a photo of your design and upload to the Art showcase or pop it in the post.
Remember to be original, creative and colourful. Aim to make your work look as professional, eye-catching and appealing as possible!
Once you have finished your design, you need to upload it to the Blast website or post it to us to be uploaded:
- To upload your design, you need to take a photo of it or scan it and upload it to the Art Showcase. You will need to be signed on to Blast to do this. Make sure you describe your inspiration in detail on the entry form, telling us about your designs and your research on the Mexican theme. Where the form asks you for 'keywords', enter the tag: fashioncompetition, all one word. Please do not include your full name on the template.
- If you prefer, post your entry to: Fashion design competition, Blast Online, Room 2424, BBC White City, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS. Don't forget to include a description of your inspiration and your name, age and email address.
The competition deadline is 5pm on Friday 4th January 2008.
Check out the competition rules before you enter.
