Unwasted: Upcycled fashion challenge

Join the No New Clothes Challenge!
Calling all visionary designers! This is your chance to create runway-ready designs using only upcycled, repurposed, or second-hand materials. Win cash prizes, an exclusive fashion internship, and a coveted spot at Africa’s biggest eco-fashion event!

Cash price for the Top 3 winning designers TBA
Top 10 Designers showcase at Eco Fashion Week Africa’s No New Clothes Runway

About the Challenge

Fashion waste is one of the biggest environmental threats in Africa and the world. At Eco Fashion Week Africa, we are challenging designers to create stunning, innovative outfits without using new textiles or materials.

Through the No New Clothes Challenge, we aim to:
Reduce textile waste by promoting upcycling and circular fashion.
Encourage creativity through innovative design solutions.
Showcase Africa’s talent on the global sustainable fashion stage.

The competition is open to emerging and student designers from across Africa who are passionate about sustainable fashion and ready to take on the challenge!

How It Works

Apply Online – Submit your design concept & portfolio. (Application opening soon)
Create & Innovate – Work on your upcycled design following zero-waste principles.
Judging & Shortlisting – Industry experts will review and select the top 10.
Final Showcase – The top 10 finalists will present their designs at Eco Fashion Week Africa’s No New Clothes Runway in front of leading fashion industry professionals.
Winners Announced – Cash prizes & the grand internship awarded!

Who can apply?

Who Can Apply?

✔ Open to designers across Africa
✔ Must be a student designer or an upcoming designer
✔ Passionate about sustainability and upcycling
✔ Able to create original designs using only second-hand, deadstock, or repurposed materials

Eligibility Requirements

You can apply if you meet all of the following criteria:

Aged 18 years or over as of application closing date of 14 March 2025
Hold a valid ID/passport/visa/residence permit in your country of residence
Have fewer than two years’ professional fashion design experience* at the time of application
Have a reasonable level of English to be able to take part in activities conducted in English*
Are applying as an individual (group applications are not permitted)

Design Requirements

To be shared soon!

Why Join the Challenge?

Gain recognition & visibility in the global sustainable fashion movement.
Be part of the solution to textile waste in Africa.
Network with top industry experts & designers.
Win cash prizes & career-boosting opportunities.

Meet The Judges

Four top industry professionals will evaluate designs based on creativity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and wearability:

Zero-Waste Designer – Expert in sustainable and ethical fashion.
Renowned Fashion Stylist – Industry leader in editorial and runway styling.
Sustainability Expert – A leader in circular fashion and textile innovation.
Fashion Industry Leader – An established African designer or CEO of a sustainable fashion brand.

Final judge announcements coming soon!

Key Event Dates: 01 -08 Nov

Applications Open: TBA soon
Submission Deadline: TBA soon
Finalist Announcement: TBA soon
Runway Showcase & Winner Reveal: at Eco Fashion Week Africa on 8th Nov 2025