International Young Fashion Entrepreneur
of the Year 2008 Award
Ghana, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland,
Sri Lanka and countries from the Gulf and Central South Asia.

The main purpose of this award is to champion and celebrate the importance of creative entrepreneurs working in emerging markets in the international fashion industry – showcasing individual achievement and potential. The award is simultaneously run in 10 British Council offices.

The International Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 Award (IYFEY) is part of our International Young Creative Entrepreneur (IYCE) programme, also including other awards for entrepreneurs in publishing, music, design and screen.

What is our definition of the fashion sector?

For the purpose of this award, participants will be drawn from any of the following areas of the fashion business:

- Fashion, textile or perfume design and production
- Fashion promotion: shows, exhibitions, festivals, events
- Fashion retail: buying, merchandising
- Fashion product research, sourcing, supply chain management
- Fashion marketing, PR, branding, journalism
- Fashion publishing, communications, websites

We recognise that a participant may strongly influence the business of fashion without being a practising fashion designer.

What are the eligibility criteria?

You must:

- Be aged between 25 and 35 and have excellent English skills
- Already work in the fashion sector (as defined above)
- Be entrepreneurial and have shown your ability in the promotion of the fashion business in Lebanon, in either a commercial context, public context, or both
- Through your character, drive and abilities demonstrate your potential to be a future leader of fashion in Lebanon

What will the award involve?

In early February 2008 the finalist will arrive in the UK for a 10-12 day tour of the UK national fashion industry. This programme, which will be created with UK partners, will take you to London and at least one other UK city to meet leaders of the fashion sector. The tour will comprise visits, meetings, seminars and events and shows as part of London Fashion Week. It will also include a master-class with Sir Paul Smith during which you will be able to question him about the development of his highly successful fashion business.

How can you apply?

You will need to submit this application form to general.enquiries@lb.britishcouncil.org by Wednesday 24 October, 2007.

You can download more information about the award.