Applications for the iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2027, in partnership with the Otago Polytechnic, are now open.

The iD Awards was launched in 2005 and now attracts designers from all over the world, as finalists travel to Dunedin, New Zealand, with the opportunity to learn, collaborate and connect during the iD Dunedin Fashion Week. The iD Awards enables the future of sustainable fashion design to be showcased to fellow emerging designers, the jury of fashion professionals and a wider public audience. 

To enable greater participation from those travelling from overseas we are offering two entry dates this year. This will enable a longer lead in time for those requiring Visas to come to New Zealand and to organise travel plans.

Round 1 closes Monday 22 June 2026*

Round 2 closes Monday 30 November 2026

*Those who are unsuccessful in Round 1, will automatically be reconsidered as finalists in Round 2.

The iD Awards is an exciting opportunity for designers to network, develop collaborations with other international rising designers, industry contacts, high profile guest judges, media, established designers and gain invaluable professional experience.

Submit your entry and follow in the footsteps of previous entrants who have advanced their fashion careers within fashion houses and through establishing their fashion businesses. Including positions in fashion brands, Balenciaga (France), NOM*d (NZ), Kenzo (France), Missoni (Italy), Glassons (NZ), and in their fashion businesses, twenty-seven names (NZ), Paper Theory (NZ), MARIAM SEDDIQ (Australia), Liar Liar Lingerie (Australia), Studio Catta (the Netherlands), Ruby and Liam (NZ), Charly Thorn (Australia), Gyouree Kim (UK & South Korea), Chris Ran Lin (Australia), Yousef Akbar (Australia) and LILA&JOHN (Belgium).

There are no design restrictions, sections or specifications for collections, other than an emphasis on innovation, originality, creativity, quality and extension, and the ability for the model to take a long stride and walk unaided on a long (120m) narrow catwalk.