ENTRIES OPEN
It All Begins Here
THE WINGS Independent Designer Award presented by NOT!CED
Overview
The WINGS Independent Designer Award recognises emerging designers shaping the future of fashion through originality, independence, and cultural perspective.
Positioned within the WINGS program, the award exists to support designers at a pivotal stage of growth—offering access to high-level creative production and the opportunity to translate vision into fully realised visual language.
More than a prize, the award is an investment in new voices redefining how fashion is conceived, produced, and experienced.
What the Award Offers
The recipient will be awarded a $5,000 AUD Designer Grant, delivered as production services by NOT!CED. The grant includes a fully realised campaign shoot and e-commerce asset package designed to elevate both creative direction and commercial presentation.
A runner-up will receive a $2,000 AUD Designer Grant, supporting the development of a campaign shoot.
Full prize inclusions and scope are outlined below.
Who Should Apply
The award is open to emerging designers with a defined point of view and a commitment to independent practice.
We are seeking designers who:
Demonstrate a strong and original design identity
Challenge conventions across silhouette, materiality, or presentation
Engage with fashion as a cultural and creative discipline
Are ready to elevate their brand through refined visual storytelling
Eligibility
Independent fashion brands less than 5 years old
At least one realised collection or body of work
Designer must be the primary creative lead
Ability to participate in WINGS programming
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
Creative identity and vision
Innovation and originality
Execution and craftsmanship
Cultural relevance and perspective
Brand potential and future trajectory
Alignment with the WINGS ethos
About NOT!CED
NOT!CED is a creative production studio specialising in high-end campaign imagery, e-commerce content, and visual storytelling. Through this partnership, the award provides designers with access to industry-level production resources typically reserved for established brands.
Apply
Applications are now open.
Applications close 30 April, 11:59pm AEST.
The recipients will be announced live on the Opening Night of Wings Independent Fashion Festival on the 6th of May at The Metro Social.
ENTER HERE
WINGS encourages applications from designers of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The award seeks to platform those shaping the next movement in independent fashion.