The textile industry is one of global importance, providing high levels of employment, foreign exchange revenue and products essential to human welfare. The world is producing and consuming more textiles than ever before, and the current very low re-use and recycling rates mean that more textiles are also being thrown away than ever before. This requires ever more land, water, and fossil fuels, and leads to increasing pollution of the air, water, and soil. However, addressing the sustainability and circularity of such a globally diverse industry, a specific feature of which is the marked power asymmetry between the suppliers and global buyers and the large numbers of small and medium-sized players operating on tight margins, presents a particular set of challenges. (UNEP Sustainability and Circularity in the Textile Value Chain report)
Calling all young regional designers with an aptitude for fashion and sustainability. With the intention of strengthening action to protect and restore nature and the nature-based solutions to achieve the SDGs in its three complementary dimensions (social, economic and environmental) UNEP West Asia, in collaboration with world-renowned designer, Rami Kadi, and Jamalouki magazine, are launching a regional competition calling for talents of all ages. This competition, initiated by UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Rami Kadi, will highlight the ability to create innovatively while remaining environmentally conscious and embracing a circular mindset. The hope is that this competition will be able to demonstrate how leftover fabrics and materials can be brought back to life and utilized to their full potential.
Join this competition to get a chance at regional recognition and guidance from world famous designer, Rami Kadi. The lucky winner will have the opportunity to receive the following:
- A feature in one of Jamalouki Magazine’s future issues, photoshoot included to showcase your designs to their 3 million+ worldwide users.
- An invitation by UNEP West Asia to attend the United Nations Environment Assembly 5 with all expenses covered including accommodation, transportation and more.
- An official UNEP certificate.
- An internship at Rami Kadi Maison de Couture, working closely with the designer himself.
Here is what you need to know!
By entering this competition, you will be given the opportunity to be 1 of 10 contestants who will submit their newly created designs using the leftover materials provided by Rami Kadi Maison de Couture. The 10 finalists will be given the chance to schedule a one-on-one phone call with the couturier himself, Rami Kadi, for guidance on how to design the piece.
Upon the completion, a winner will be selected based on how creatively the participant has utilized the material provided, the piece’s practicality, and most importantly, how sustainable the garment is.
Please note that the application deadline for this competition is May 10, 2021
Timeline:
April 25, 2021 to May 10, 2021: Application process - applications will be open and accepted until the deadline.
May 17, 2021: Selection process - 10 designers will be selected out of all applicants to proceed to the next stages. The chosen participants will receive an email to be informed of their status on the specified date.
June 4, 2021: One-on-one meetings - all contestants will be given the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with Rami Kadi, where he will be giving the designers feedback and guidance on their works.
June 21, 2021: Competition deadline - all designs must be submitted.
June 28, 2021: Winner announcement.
In order for you to be eligible to participate, you must be between the ages of 18 to 35, and both a resident and national of one of the 22 following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Partners Description:
Rami Kadi
A Lebanese American designer, Rami began his career in 2011 designing couture dresses in his atelier in Beirut for his label Rami Kadi Maison de Couture. He emerged onto the global fashion scene in 2014 when he showcased his collections during the official fashion week calendar in Paris. His Spring Summer 2020 Couture Collection, which featured a dress made from recycled plastics, gave Rami the privilege of being the first Middle Eastern designer to hold a cyber-fashion show that highlighted issues such as the progressive and disruptive nature of climate change. On November 4, 2020, the renowned designer was appointed as the regional Goodwill Ambassador for West Asia.
Jamalouki
Jamalouki is the leading fashion and beauty authority in the Arab region. It is a premium multi-platform experience with over 35 years of print leadership featuring international luxury content that uniquely meets regional readers’ lifestyles and offers unparalleled access to the world’s most renowned luxury brands.