TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government is offering a record NT$1 million (US$30,700) prize pool to help emerging clothing brands go international by taking part in this year’s Original Fashion Award.
UDN reported that the contest, hosted by the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli branches of the Workforce Development Agency, under the Ministry of Labor, targets designers and startups who have been in business less than five years.
Last year's event was a runaway success, said agency head Lai Chia-jen (賴家仁), adding the template of blending runway shows with on-site showrooms proves original local designs hold strong commercial potential.
Finalists will showcase their designs at an October fashion show in Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. This year adds a post-competition boost with 10 hours of one-on-one mentoring from marketing and branding experts.
Liberty Times reported that the event is themed “Ego-Eco,” which underlines the movement of design from self to the environment. The goal is to show creativity and integrate the concept of persistence.
Submissions are due by 6 p.m. on June 18. Further details and sign-ups for workshops are available on the Facebook page.
