DESIGNER INFORMATION

Instructions For Submitting A Design

Deadline: January 12, 2009

Download Designer Pamphlet containing the instructions to follow

Download Designer Entry Form

Develop a Design:  We are looking for classic, timeless designs that flatter many: clothes that are beautiful, durable, wearable and functional, decorative accessories that are stunning but sturdy enough for everyday use. The lines may be simple, but the combination of fabrics and couture details make the wearer look and feel special.

You may submit one piece for consideration in one of the following categories :
   • Women’s Day Wear  
   • Women’s Outerwear  
   • Women’s Accessories     
   • Men’s Outerwear  
   • Women’s Evening Wear  
   • Women’s Separates     
   • Men’s Wear  
   • Men’s Accessories
   • Home Décor (new)  
   • Elegant Pet (new)
In most categories, the judges will particularly look for versatile pieces that can be worn over and over again in a variety of settings. We want people to fall in love with the designs, and stay in love with them.
Take your inspiration from a work of art at the San Francisco de Young Museum’s current or upcoming exhibitions. Visit the museum or view their collection online
 
Choose Materials: At least 50% of materials used for your entry must come from the Vincentian Help Desk, so make an appointment with Sally Rosen (415.202.9955) to select from our discards. These materials will be provided free of charge, but you are responsible for any additional costs.
 
Go from Discarded to Divine: Using your creativity and skills, transform the material into a unique design for a person, a pet or a home. All pieces MUST be finished (including seams). Garments not meeting these requirements will be excluded from the competition (OR will be returned).
 
Submit Your Entry: You may submit your application in either of two ways:
I. Complete an entry form manually, and mail or deliver it with your creation and a check for $40 for processing. We will photograph your piece for you.
II. We will waive the processing fee if you enter the application information online and include at least one high-quality color digital photograph of your work that meets these specifications: (a) clothing must be shot on a form, not a model, (b) against a plain black or white background, (c) file must be 300 dpi, (d) include a 300 dpi image of your art inspiration from the internet. Print the confirmation document and send it with your piece.  Applications may be submitted online beginning January 2, 2009.
 
When Submitting Your Entry be sure to:
1) Provide complete contact information so we can contact you regarding public showings of the pieces and publicity opportunities.  We prefer to use email.
2) Give your piece a title to be used in the event program and publicity materials.
3) Measure your finished piece carefully. For garments, provide both the finished measurements and a suggested size range to indicate intended fit. (See our website for our standard sizing chart.
4) Describe the original materials you used (e.g., bedspread, men’s ties, hand-dyed cummerbunds, etc).
5) Share your creative process by writing a short description of your work— what it is, what it represents, what inspired you at the museum. This description will be used to create signs to display with your item, and can affect the selling price.
 
Deadline: January 12, 2009
All fashions, images, and information must be received by SVDP no later than January 12, 2009. Discarded to Divine entries and photographs become the property of St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your generous donation of your artistic talents allows us to raise much-needed money to help fund our work with the homeless and the working poor. Items that are not sold will be featured for sale on our website and at other of our fundraising events.
 
Awards
A jury of fashion industry professionals will select the best entries in each category. They will also select two new awards in women’s wear: the “Best One-Size-Fits-Most” and “Best Plus-Size”. The most popular item at the de Young preview event will be deemed the “People’s Choice” and we will recognize the “Best Art-Inspired” piece as well.  The winning designers will be mentioned in press releases and featured at the auction and may be eligible for special honors and internships.
 
Get Noticed
Talented designers have been featured on posters, publicity materials and news coverage.  The items they designed all have the following in common:
Photographs of the pieces are stunning, and include full-length, well-lit, dramatic shots and intricate detail shots
Artists are able to “tell a story” about the materials they used and how they were inspired by St. Vincent de Paul’s work with the homeless to design their creations. You may submit additional photos to illustrate the transformation.
Artists respond quickly to requests for additional information, since media contacts need specific information quickly to complete their stories.