The Accessories & Footwear Award

Submission
Accessories — from handbags to footwear — are the backbone of the fashion industry. To celebrate and recognise emerging talent in this important sector, the Accessories Award will be given to a graduate with the most innovative, exciting and creative submission. It is open to all courses listed under the membership with GFF. Eligible categories include: millinery, footwear, bags, belts and jewellery.

Criteria

To bring a modern directional approach to the accessories sector
A broad research base that clearly displays the relationship to the individual’s ideas
The understanding of future trends in design, craft and innovation
Where appropriate, the submission includes fabric swatches
Showcase innovation, push boundaries and creative expression
Showcase design sketches, illustrations and where appropriate technical drawings

A supporting statement to explain the nominated student’s entry from concept to realisation
including images demonstrating that it meets all the criteria as detailed above

An initial digital submission of no more than 15 x pages for the nomination shortlisting. The full physical body of work and samples will be displayed for the final judging session.

The nomination can be a maximum of 10mb, illustrating the final project and a supporting statement.

Process

The Accessories award will be judged in two stages. All nominated students will have to submit a supporting statement for scrutiny at the pre-event shortlisting by industry experts.

Part One

Deadline: Monday 18th May 2026, 18:00.

Deadline for submission, academic staff are to nominate 2 final year students and the nominations must be made by clicking below.

Submit Here

Selection

An industry expert will shortlist 12 students from the entries submitted.
Shortlist Announcement: Thursday 28th May 2026

Part Two

Awards judging will be onsite at Graduate Fashion Week at the Truman Brewery. Shortlisted students must bring their full entry for the final judging. This can be physical work plus digital elements if required. The judging will be an opportunity to talk through the students work, ideas and answer questions from the judges.

All nominated students must attend the full judging day during GFW and ensure they attend all talks, meetings and judging sessions as well as the end of day Awards Presentation and celebratory networking event. Winners will receive promotion across the GFF networks.