Now in the final month of its ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition, Blenheim Palace has launched a nationwide design competition for fashion students in search of the “next generation of Icons”.
Students must register their interest along with their portfolio by 12 June 2024. Those who are shortlisted will then be invited “to experience and take inspiration” from the exhibition.
They will then have three weeks to visit, sketch and submit their designs – which have been inspired by the exhibition and the Palace itself – by 30 June 2024, the final day of the exhibition.
Entries will be judged by a panel including Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace & Collections at Blenheim Palace, as well as fashion designers Alice Temperley and Lulu Guinness – who both have designs featured in the exhibition.
The winner will be announced in July and will receive an exclusive ‘Icons of British Fashion’ prize, an afternoon tea for two as well as a luxury lodge stay for four worth over £1,000.
They will also have the opportunity to display their winning design in the Palace, and for it to be featured in a photoshoot for their portfolio.
All entrants must currently be studying a degree or equivalent in fashion design, textiles or related subjects.
Kate Ballenger said: “We’ve had the best few months witnessing our visitors marvel at the incredible exhibition featuring some of the world’s most talented designers.
“With the last chance to see the exhibition in all of its glory in June, we wanted to mark this celebration of British fashion by opening the Palace doors to aspiring young designers and encouraging them to get creative.
“We can’t wait to see the looks inspired by our exhibition and have no doubt that the talented fashion students in the UK will create some amazing designs.”
The ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition, which launched on 23 March 2024, features a display of renowned classic pieces, as well as never seen before looks, by the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jean Muir, Terry de Havilland, Bruce Oldfield, Turnbull & Asser, Zandra Rhodes, Barbour, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior, as well as the aforementioned Alice Temperley and Lulu Guinness.