This June will see a new showcase for national and international designers take place, as part of the 2014 Midlands Fashion Awards. The MFA International Fashion Showcase has been launched after an influx of interest from designers who were not eligible for the main Midlands Fashion Awards but had talent that deserved recognition from the industry.

Organisers of the Midlands Fashion Awards (MFA) have announced the introduction of the MFA International Fashion Showcase, which will take place in Birmingham this June. The event is a chance for designers with over three years’ experience to use the MFA platform and gain invaluable experience and contacts to help them take their brands to the next level. Entries are now open for designers from the UK and beyond to take part in the event, showcasing a collection of up to eight looks for Haute Couture, Evening Wear or Ready-to-Wear.

Jenny Eason, Founder and Managing Director of MFA, said:

“This is the sixth consecutive year of the Midlands Fashion Awards and each year the event, and talent, has improved. With this success behind us, we have launched the MFA International Fashion Showcase as a result of continual interest from designers from outside of the Midlands whose talent is unbelievable. Previous MFA participants have gained valuable experience and have had considerable success as a result of this platform and it’s great that we can now offer this to designers outside of the region.

“If you’re one of these designers and you’ve been in the industry for at least three years you’ve got until 30 April to submit your entries. I’m excited to see the talent that comes from the UK and beyond and hope that 2014 is the first of many years’ success for the MFA International Fashion Showcase.”

With MFA 2013 backed by the likes of Shoppinginbirmingham.com, The Mailbox, Lisa Shepherd, Office and Alan Sharman Modelling Agency, the 2014 event promises to provide fashion designers with a platform to take their brand to a new level.

The Midlands Fashion Designers Awards (MFA) was launched back in 2009 to recognise and celebrate the wealth of fashion design and talent across Birmingham and the Midlands region. In 2013 the company re-branded with a new name Midlands Fashion Awards. Since the re-launch new categories have been introduced to promote and profile design creatives, such as accessory designers, aspiring make-up artists and stylists. The theme for this year’s event is 2015 trends, with designers able to create either spring/summer or autumn/winter collections. Entrants will present a collection of garments for Haute Couture, Evening Wear or Ready-to-Wear. Successful designers will have their collections shown as part of the MFA 2014 catwalk show in October and awards will be presented for Independent Designer, Emerging Fashion Designer, New Emerging Talent, Accessory Designer, Make-Up Artist, and Fashion Stylist. Winning, and being shortlisted for, an award provides endless rewards for designers; from brand awareness to the chance to showcase to industry professionals.

Showcasing at the MFA International Fashion Showcase provides exposure to industry professionals, the general public, press and the media. Previous MFA entrants have gone on to make their mark in the fashion world; 2010’s Young Fashion Designer of the Year Victoria Bramwell was scouted at the awards by celebrity fashion stylist Alexis Knox to showcase at the Clothes Show live in the main fashion theatre. Now based in sunny Santa Monica, California, she is building her experience with LA designers, collaborating with other artists and showcased the finale show at RAW Hollywood with her mix of wonderland Couture on the runway.

Winner of the 2012 Designer Catalyst, Tamara Joseph, has welcomed international success, having showcased at Maryland Fashion Week and Charlotte International Fashion Week, both in the USA. Other designers and fashion talent have set up their own businesses, secured full-time employment in the industry and have gained vital experience as a result of their MFA participation.

Information about MFA criteria and how to enter MFA 2014 and the MFA International Fashion showcase can be found on the website: www.midlandsfashionawards.co.uk. You can also follow the event on Twitter @MidlandsFashion and Facebook: Midlands Fashion Designers.  

Ends.

MFA images can be downloaded here: MFA Flickr.