Samsung C&T Corporation, Recruiting Designers for the 18th SFDF Awards

Online applications accepted until the 21st, winners announced in November after expert review
One winning team will receive $100,000 sponsorship and an opportunity to exhibit their collection at Beaker

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Samsung C&T Fashion Division's Samsung Fashion Design Fund (SFDF) announced on the 5th that it is accepting applications for the 18th SFDF award-winning designers on its official website until the 21st.

SFDF award-winning designers will receive sponsorship of $100,000 (approximately 120 million KRW) and have the opportunity to exhibit their collections at the flagship store of Beaker, Korea's leading contemporary multi-shop. Established in 2005 by Samsung C&T Fashion Division, SFDF is Korea's premier designer support program, having produced 25 Korean designer teams recognized in the global market over the past 15 years, with a total sponsorship amounting to $3.6 million (approximately 4.2 billion KRW).

Applications for SFDF can be submitted online or via mobile on the official website. Eligibility requires Korean emerging fashion designers who have participated in overseas collections or have overseas sales records, operate an independent brand launched within the last five years, with no restrictions on age or educational background.

Samsung C&T Fashion Division conducts SFDF evaluations through internal experts such as design directors and external fashion industry professionals including editors-in-chief of major domestic fashion magazines. After reviewing submitted materials such as brand information, designer introductions, lookbooks, and samples, the winner (one team) will be announced in November.

Notably, this year's SFDF collaborates with SSF Shop, Samsung C&T Fashion Division's fashion and lifestyle specialty mall, through its official YouTube channel ‘SesapaeTV’. SesapaeTV plans to release a series of content featuring the purpose of SFDF, interviews with finalists and the final award-winning designer, and their collections.

Choi Myung-gu, SFDF Secretariat Director, stated, “SFDF continuously discovers and supports Korean emerging designers to shine K-fashion on the global stage,” adding, “We look forward to the challenges of young designers with high growth potential and passion this year as well.”