FASHION DESIGN
This category celebrates innovative fashion rooted in African identity and contemporary expression. From ready-to-wear and haute couture to textile innovation and accessories, it highlights designers who push boundaries while honoring craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural narratives. The AIDA Awards recognize bold creative voices shaping the future of African fashion locally and globally.
Through African International Design Awards – Fashion Design, we recognize the undeniable impact fashion has in our daily lives. With 22 categories, from Haute Couture to Prêt-à-porter, or Sustainable Fashion to Accessory, Footwear and Textiles, the award gives credit to the important contributions of passionate African Fashion designers.
CATEGORIES
Haute Couture
Prêt-à-porter
Avant-Garde
Casual Wear
Sportswear
Cultural & Traditional Costumes
Sleepwear & Lingerie
Wedding & Ballgown
Sustainable Fashion
Other Fashion Designs
Fashion Tech & 3D Print
Textile: Print design
Textile: Eco-Textile & Bio-Based Fabric
Textile: Traditional Print
Accessory: Bags and Luggage
Accessory: Jewellery
Footwear: Fashion Shoes
Footwear: Sport Performance
Footwear: Artistic Shoes
Footwear: Medical Shoes
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Entries can be submitted as conceptual designs, in progress, or launched projects. The only restriction is that entries or completed projects must be no more than five years old.
Entries should include high-quality images showcasing the front, back, and side views of each garment or accessory, as well as contextual images such as runway shots, editorial styling, or the piece in use. Please provide sketches, technical drawings, or mood boards that illustrate the design process and creative intent.
If the submission involves a reworked or upcycled design, include clear before-and-after images to highlight the transformation. For collections, a group overview image is recommended to present the full creative vision.
Submissions can be made as a company, an independent designer or as a student. Winners are chosen based on a single project – not for a body of work.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Provide a brief description of the collection, garment, or fashion concept, including inspiration, materials used, and intended purpose or context.
- Include a Designer, Student, and/or Brand Profile (or University, if applicable).
- List all contributors involved in the creation of the design (e.g., designer, pattern maker, stylist, photographer, mentor, professor, etc.).
- Upload up to 10 images showcasing the work from multiple angles (front, back, details, in-context/running or editorial shots), including an optional brand or company logo.
- If applicable, include design development visuals such as sketches, technical drawings, or mood boards that place the work in context.
- For reworked, restored, or upcycled garments, please include both before and after images to show the transformation.
- Fashion Specification PDF (recommended for conceptual or student projects) — Include technical specs, fabric sourcing, sizing details, or production notes.
For more information, please download the AIDA Awards Entry Guide 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
The Africa International Design Awards are open to anyone aged 18 and above, regardless of their country of residence. Applicants living outside of Africa should either be of African origin or submit projects that have been developed or realized in Africa. All submissions must demonstrate a clear and meaningful connection to the continent.
The AIDA Awards Jury Members for Fashion Design
AIDA’s jury is composed of internationally acclaimed designers, creative directors, and cultural thinkers from across Africa and the diaspora.
JUDGING CRITERIA
The evaluation process for entries to the AIDA Awards – Fashion Design category is guided by a set of flexible judging criteria. These are regularly reviewed and adapted in response to evolving creative, cultural, environmental, and social contexts. While not exhaustive, the criteria serve as a framework to guide the jury’s assessment — complemented by each juror’s expertise, perspective, and cultural background.
Each jury member is deeply committed to a fair and thoughtful evaluation process. Categories are assigned based on the jurors’ specific knowledge and professional experience. All entries are reviewed anonymously and randomly, ensuring a judging process that is both impartial and equitable.
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria, depending on the nature of the project and design discipline:
- Aesthetics – Overall visual appeal, including form, shape, color, texture, finish, and choice of materials.
- Innovation – Introduction of new ideas, techniques, or improvements to existing concepts or structures.
- Practicality / Functionality – Usability in real-world conditions, including ease of cleaning, maintenance, safety, and practicality.
- Ergonomics – User interaction, comfort, and space optimisation in relation to the human body or daily use.
- Durability – Quality of materials and design execution to ensure long-term resilience and performance.
- Impact – Positive effect on the user, community, or broader society, whether cultural, economic, or social.
- Integration – How well the project fits into its local, cultural, or environmental context.
- Ecological Compatibility – Environmental responsibility, including the use of sustainable materials, production methods, and energy efficiency.
- Emotional Quotient – Beyond utility, does the design evoke a sense of enjoyment, connection, or emotional resonance?
SCORING BOARD & JUDGING PROCESS
The AIDA Awards follow a multi-step judging process to ensure fairness, rigour, and expert evaluation across all disciplines.
In the first stage, jury members review and rate all submitted projects online using a dedicated scorecard. Each juror evaluates entries based on their expertise and experience within their specific field of design. The Africa International Design Awards scores projects between 10-100 points.
Once the initial scores have been tallied, jury members participate in group discussions to review the highest-scoring entries in each category. These collaborative sessions allow for the exchange of ideas, critical debate, and collective insight. Final deliberations determine the winners in the Professional, Independent Designer, and Emerging Designer categories.
ENTRY FEES 2026
To ensure access and representation across the continent and the diaspora, we offer regionally adapted pricing. Africa-based applicants benefit from a reduced fee structure to reflect local economies and support emerging voices. Diaspora and international participants are invited to contribute through a standard fee, which helps fund outreach and the awards ceremony.
ENTRY FEES 2026 – APPLICATIONS FROM AFRICAN COUNTRIES
The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.
- Professional/ Company: US$100, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$40, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Student: US$10, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
ENTRY FEES 2026 – INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
The AIDA Awards entry fees are calculated per project submitted and are determined based on the country associated with your billing information or company location.
- Professional/ Company: US$200, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Independent Designer / Freelancers: US$80, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
- Student: US$20, same entry in additional categories at a 50% discount.
Submission fees are exclusive of VAT, unless the company is based in Switzerland. VAT, when applicable, has to be declared locally.
No Further Fees: Unlike some other design awards and competitions, there are no further fees for winning the award: Everything listed in the winner’s benefits will be provided free of charge.
DEADLINES & DISCOUNT – AIDA AWARDS 2026
- 20% Early Bird discount until October 31st, 2025
- 10% Extended Early Bird discount until November 30th, 2025
- Regular Deadline until February 15th, 2026
- Final Deadline: March 15th, 2026 (10% late fee applies) till March 31st, 2026
- The Program will close on March 31st, 2026