The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Dazed joined forces to offer BA & MA Fashion Design and Communication students studying at a BFC Colleges Council institution an extraordinary opportunity to apply for a competition and present their work to the Dazed team.

The project provided an unparalleled opportunity for students studying at a BFC Colleges Council institution to collaborate with Dazed on a photoshoot, display their work to a global audience, and work with the Dazed Fashion Team. Students were asked to respond to the Dazed Autumn 2023 issue theme, ‘Beyond Borders,’ which invited them to think about transcending and reshaping cultural borders through their artistic endeavours. Participants were also urged to draw from their personal narratives to produce imaginative imagery that mirrors the multicultural tapestry of our contemporary creative landscape.

Finalists were given five weeks between December 2023 and January 2024 to bring their ideas to life. Successful design students were given a contribution towards materials to create one complete look, while Communication students received assistance in various aspects leading up to the photoshoot, including casting, photography and art direction. The shoot took place in 180 Studios with key Dazed team members, and Hair, Makeup & Photography by Dazed Club members. 

The six finalists were Anisha Kapoor, Ava Luna Herczeg, Elizabeth Parry, Llyr Evans, Yiting Jiang and Yuping Zhang 

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council, said: “Both Dazed and the British Fashion Council are committed to supporting emerging fashion creatives and platforming new perspectives. Today’s fashion students are at the forefront of our creative communities, and it was great to bring our networks together to showcase their talent. We were blown away by the level of work presented by all entrees, in particular the six finalists. Congratulations to the two winners, Yiting Jiang and Llyr Evans. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for all the brilliant entrants.”

Based on their ideas and creations from the photoshoot, Jiang and Evans were selected to receive a cash prize of £1,500 each and a portfolio review with Dazed editors after the photoshoot. However, all finalists received a one-year Dazed Club Membership.