DAFES | Design, Art, Fashion, Education & Startups

✨ DAFES А: Fashion Brand Open for fashion projects by young designers and entrepreneurs dedicated to creating or promoting their own brands, startups, or initiatives within the fashion industry. Mass-market brands, sustainable fashion concepts, stores, showrooms, agencies, and startups are all welcome!

💡 Evaluation Criteria: – Originality and innovative concept – Clarity of brand positioning and vision – Strength of visual identity and branding – Quality of visual communication (lookbooks, photoshoots, social media content, etc.)

Eligible works: concepts or completed projects created between Nov 1, 2023 – Mar 15, 2025. No proof of publication is required unless requested by the jury. 📅 Deadline: April 25 📍 Submit your project as a longread on DAFES platform #DAFESAwards #fashion #design

Sustainability and Fashion 💚 🌍 Today is Earth Day, and it's the perfect time to spotlight brands leading the way in sustainability. One of the pioneers in eco-conscious fashion? Stella McCartney.

🌱 From the very beginning, the brand has refused to use leather, fur, or animal glues. Instead, it champions innovative, cruelty-free materials — from mushroom-based leather to recycled textiles.

♻️ Stella McCartney proves that luxury and ethics can go hand-in-hand, showing the world that fashion doesn’t have to cost the planet. #daily_fashion #fashion

Font Story: Oswald 📖 Oswald was created by British designer Vernon Adams — a former furniture restorer and woodcarver turned type designer. He collaborated closely with Google Fonts, also designing Nunito, Oxygen, and Pacifico.

Inspired by Alternate Gothic, Oswald first appeared on Google Fonts in 2011. By 2014, Adams added bold and light styles. That same year, he was seriously injured in a car accident and sadly passed away two years later.

His work lives on — including Mulish (2020), based on his sketches — but Oswald remains his most iconic typeface ✨ #dafes_archive #typography

📸 DAFES A: Photography Nomination Open for series-based work in documentary, conceptual, staged, or manipulated photography — across both applied and artistic practices. Photobooks, zines, installations, and photo-objects are also welcome.

💡 Evaluation Criteria: – Original approach to the series – Strong conceptual vision – Technical quality – Presentation/exhibition (if applicable)

Eligible works: concepts or completed projects created between Nov 1, 2023 – Apr 25, 2025. No proof of publication is required unless requested. 📅 Deadline: April 25 📍Submit your project as a longread on DAFES platform, following this structure: Problem → Idea → Solution → Execution → Outcome. #DAFESawards #photography #design

🏆HSE Creative Open: Nominations Now Open! From UX/UI, motion graphics, packaging, and branding to fashion design, photography, and experimental film — DAFES celebrates creativity in all forms. → Design Awards: apps, editorial, board games, 3D, calligraphy & more → Art Awards: illustration, concept art, music videos, documentaries → Fashion Awards: photography, jewelry, object & brand design → Education Awards: visual research, creative learning → Startups: bold ideas reshaping creative industries Why to participate? Gain international exposure, win cash prizes, and get noticed by top industry pros & global partners. I's your unique chance to shine and elevate their careers! 📅 Submissions are open until April 31 🔗 Full list of nominations + deadlines here #DAFESawards #HSECreativeOpen

Competition: Parajanov. Continuing the Experiment 💫 HSE Art and Design School in Yerevan and Russian-Armenian University, in collaboration with the Sergey Parajanov Museum, announce the third season of the international competition "Parajanov. Continuing the Experiment." Participants are invited to reimagine everyday objects—furniture, clothing, or digital interfaces — through the bold and poetic visual language of Sergey Parajanov, blending his style with modern technology and AI. Nominations: Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Objects Prizes: 100,000 ₽ per category Submit by: May 18 Exhibition: Summer 2025 Take part and continue the experiment 🌟⭐️ 🖇 learn more about the competition #daily_design #design

DAFES x DProfile: Illustration Nomination About the Collaboration DAFES AWARDS is an international competition recognizing achievements in design, art, fashion, education, and business. In collaboration with DProfile, we introduce a special nomination for Illustration, supporting contemporary trends and artistic innovation. About the Nomination We welcome projects showcasing contemporary illustration, evaluating technical skill, originality, composition, and adaptability across mediums, from digital to print and fashion. Terms & Requirements ✔️ Open to concepts and works published Nov 1, 2023 – Mar 15, 2025 ✔️ High-quality images, engaging titles, and structured presentations ✔️ Submit as a longread report on the DAFES platform 📌 Deadline: May 6 🔗 Register and submit via DAFES platform #DAFESAwards #design

Woman on a ship ⚓️ by Yaroslava Kudryashova, Mariya Klyuchevskaya For centuries, women were excluded from the world of seafaring due to superstition. Ships were given female names, and sailors were expected to devote their care only to “their” woman — the vessel. The presence of any other woman on board was believed to bring misfortune.

This yachting outfit symbolizes the evolution of women’s roles in a traditionally male-dominated domain. Blending elements of naval uniforms with the elegance of a feminine dress, it represents strength, independence, and grace. Inspired by maritime traditions, the design reinterprets history, proving that the sea belongs to everyone.

🖇 explore the project #daily_fashion #fashion

High Heels – A Symbol of Power and Status → Origin: While today high heels are primarily associated with women's fashion, their origins lie in men’s fashion.

In the 17th century, Persian cavalrymen wore heeled boots to secure their feet in stirrups while riding horses. This practical feature later spread to European aristocracy. By the time of Louis XIV of France, high heels had become a symbol of power. The king himself famously wore red heels as a way to demonstrate his superiority, with red being a color reserved for the French monarchy.

→ Today: Heels have evolved into a high-fashion accessory that continues to be emblematic of femininity and elegance. Iconic heels by designers such as Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik are sought after globally, often seen as a symbol of both luxury and status. #daily_fashion #dafes_archive

DAFES AWARDS: Creative Startups Nomination! Got a groundbreaking idea that’s reshaping industries? DAFES Awards invites creative entrepreneurs in fashion, design, art, and digital services to showcase their startups!

🏆 Why Participate? → Gain recognition & media exposure → Get expert feedback from top industry professionals → Expand your network & connect with investors 🔍 Categories: → Creative Problem Solving – Innovative solutions for industry challenges → Creative Design & Innovation – Unique products & experiences → Creative Business Models – New monetization & growth strategies

📅 Deadline: April 25, 2025 📍 Submit your longread-format project on DAFES platform Join the competition & shape the future of creative business! #DAFESAwards

Why DAFES Awards Matter & Why You Should Participate? DAFES Awards is more than a competition—it’s a global platform celebrating innovation in design, art, fashion, education, and creative research. By participating, you: 🚀 Gain Recognition – Showcase your work to an influential jury of industry leaders. 🌍 Expand Your Network – Connect with like-minded creatives, experts, and potential collaborators. 📢 Boost Your Career – Winning or being shortlisted enhances your professional portfolio and credibility. 🎓 Develop & Learn – Push creative boundaries, refine your ideas, and receive expert feedback. 💡 Inspire & Be Inspired – Become part of a movement shaping the future of creative industries. DAFES Awards isn’t just about winning—it’s about making an impact. Submit your project and join a global community of visionaries! #DAFESAwards

📸 Helmut Newton: The Master of Bold Elegance Provocative, cinematic, and unforgettable—Helmut Newton redefined fashion photography. His signature black-and-white images blend glamour with power, transforming models into femme fatales.

Big Nudes, Saddle I, and his iconic Vogue editorials challenged beauty norms, mixing sensuality with strength. Dramatic lighting, bold poses, and a touch of fetishism made his work instantly recognizable.

From Yves Saint Laurent to Naomi Campbell, Newton captured the most influential figures with his daring lens. His legacy? A world where fashion meets art, and elegance meets edge. #daily_fashion #fashion #photography

🏆 DAFES Awards: Education Nominations! 🚀 Submissions are open for Visual Research & Educational Course categories! — Visual Research – Explore the dialogue between classical and contemporary culture. We welcome unique, interdisciplinary studies on art, design, architecture, cinema, or theater. Must include a structured longread with images and analysis. — Educational Course – Create an original, well-structured course with clear learning outcomes, assessments, and high-quality visuals. Any subject, any duration. 📅 Deadline: 25th of April Submit your project in longread format on DAFES platform! #DAFESAwards #Education

✨ DAFES Awards: Fashion Nominations ✨ DAFES Awards is open for fashion nominations! Submit your best work and gain recognition in the fashion industry.

Fashion Design: Submit your original clothing collection, created for the competition or a brand since last year. Open to all designers worldwide. Jewellery Design: Showcase innovative and conceptual jewelry and accessory designs. Fashion Photo and Styling: Submit fashion photoshoots, ads, campaigns, or fashion videos. Focus on originality, aesthetic integrity, and presentation. Fashion Brand: If you’re a designer or entrepreneur creating or promoting your own fashion brand, startup, or sustainable initiative, we want to see it.

🔗 Terms of Participation: → Submissions must be presented as a longread-format report on the DAFES platform. Deadline: April 25, 2025 Don't miss the chance to showcase your talent and get recognized! ✨ #DAFESAwards #fashion #photography

HSE CREATIVE OPEN x DAFES Awards 💫 HSE CREATIVE OPEN is an online competition that brings together original ideas and projects in design, fashion, and contemporary art. The competition takes place over several seasons with different categories. Who is it for? This competition is open to emerging professionals, students, and graduates from any university, regardless of their location. Prizes: Winners have the chance to showcase their projects, receive mentorship, and win valuable prizes to boost their careers in the creative industry. Why? The goal is to raise awareness in the creative community about the development of careers in design, fashion, and art, supporting young talent in the industry. Don't miss your chance to win! Visit our website for more information! #DAFESAwards #HseCreativeOpen

DAFES Awards – Open Call for Art Nominations A1 — A9 🌟 DAFES invites artists, designers, and researchers to submit work in the following categories:

Best Research Publication – Outstanding research on contemporary culture (books, articles, podcasts). Image Series & Photography – Original photography projects, including books, zines, and installations. Video Essay – Creative audiovisual analyses of cultural topics. Illustration & Comics – Contemporary illustration and narrative-driven comics in any style. Algorithmic Music – AI-driven, generative, or live-coded compositions. Local Event – Innovative cultural and entertainment events. Concept Art – Design for worlds, characters, and props in games, film, and animation.

📅 Eligibility: Works created between Nov 1, 2023 – Apr 25, 2025. 🔗 Learn more & apply #DAFESAwards #Art

Slanted Experimental Type 3.0: Typography Meets Technology & Social Commentary ✨ This new released book pushes the boundaries of typography, blending AI-generated fonts, variable typefaces, and unconventional design methods. Developed with students from Dortmund University, this third edition explores the intersection of typography, technology, and social impact. More than just a visual showcase, the book serves as a manifesto, questioning not only typographic norms but also broader societal and conceptual boundaries.

"Typography is the visual form of our languages; languages influence our thinking and create cultural commonalities but also differences." – Andreas Ruhe

With its mix of bold experimentation and deep cultural reflection, this book is a must-read for designers who want to challenge the status quo of type. #daily_design #typography

DAFES AWARDS — D3 GameDev, Game Design, Game Visuals & Board Game Nominations ⭐️ Game Development – Devlogs on game creation: mechanics, visuals & workflow. Game Design – Indie game prototypes of any genre, focusing on creativity & engagement. Game Visuals – Trailers, teasers & gameplay showcasing style & technology. Board Game – Fully developed, skill-based board games with clear rules & PnP format. 👉 Who Can Participate? Game designers, teams & indie creators at any stage—concepts & finished projects welcome! 👉 Evaluation Criteria: → GameDev & Game Design – Unique concept, strong visuals, walkthrough video. → Game Visuals – Originality, coherence, asset quality, engagement. → Board Game – Balanced mechanics, clear rules, compelling presentation. 📅 Deadline: April 25 Submit your project & gain international recognition! 🔗 Details & submissions #DAFESAwards #design #gamedesign

#dafes_follows Boris Bidjan Saberi He is a German-Persian designer known for his avant-garde menswear blending streetwear, utility, and artisanal craftsmanship.

Launched in 2006, his brand features asymmetry, layering, distressed leather, and experimental treatments. In 2013, he introduced 11 by BBS, a tech-driven streetwear line collaborating with Salomon.

His collections, shown at Paris Fashion Week, redefine functional high-fashion with a raw, industrial aesthetic, sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. #daily_fashion #fashion

DAFES AWARDS — D2 Creative Programming and Media Design Nominations ⭐️ Creative Programming celebrates interactive and generative design projects where programming is the primary tool of implementation. Media Design is a nomination for professionals in media design, covering websites, digital services, social media projects, and print/digital publications. 👉 Who Can Participate? Both conceptual and realized projects (published between Nov 1, 2023 – Mar 15, 2025) are eligible. Proof of implementation is not required but may be requested by the jury. 👉 Evaluation Criteria: Originality of the idea Quality of visual and interactive components Technical execution and overall presentation 💫 What will you gain? → Get Recognized by Industry Experts → Official Digital Certificate → International Recognition Deadline: March 15, 2025 Get more details: → Creative Programming → Media Design #DAFESAwards