Blenheim Palace launches UK design competition

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jun 7, 2024

Blenheim Palace has launched a design competition to mark the final month of its ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition.

So the Oxfordshire palace is searching for the next generation of icons with the launch of the nationwide design competition. The winner will be chosen by a panel including designers Lulu Guinness and Alice Temperley, who have their design visions showcasing at Blenheim.

The competition is an additional celebration of the biggest exhibition in the palace’s 300-year history, which is open to the public until 30 June.

Fashion students must register their interest along with their portfolio by 12 June, with a shortlist “invited to experience and take inspiration from [the] Icons of British Fashion” show.

The students, who must currently be studying a degree or equivalent in fashion design, textiles or related subjects, will then have three weeks to visit, sketch and submit their designs, inspired by the exhibition, by 30 June.

The winner will be announced in July and will receive an exclusive Icons of British Fashion prize, an afternoon tea for two as well as luxury lodge stay for four worth over £1,000.

They will also have the opportunity to display their winning design in the palace, and for it to be featured in a photoshoot for their portfolio.

Kate Ballenger, competition judge and Keeper of Palace & Collections at Blenheim Palace, said “We’ve had the best few months witnessing our visitors marvel at the incredible exhibition featuring some of the world’s most talented designers.

“With the last chance to see the exhibition in all of its glory in June, we wanted to mark this celebration of British fashion by opening the Palace doors to aspiring young designers and encouraging them to get creative.”