Window of opportunity opens

One of Australia's peak design endorsement programs has now opened doors to the fashion sector for the first time.

The Australian International Design Awards (AIDA) has confirmed it will add a raft of additional categories this year – including the awarding of the most innovative and sophisticated design in the fashion and accessories field.

The event, an evolution of the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA), is recognised by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) and now run by international design promotion organisation Good Design Australia.

The new category of 'Fashion and Accessories' will for the first time allow submissions for the best jewellery, eyewear, apparel, accessories and travel and leather goods from around the world.

Commenting on the evolution of the awards to include fashion and accessories, Good Design Australia managing director and AIDA chair Brandon Gien said the addition is a direct result of Australia’s growing reputation as a leading international design destination.

He also said he believes the expansion of categories in 2013 will raise the calibre of entries, give worthy businesses more opportunity to receive accreditation and clear up traditional beliefs that design is limited to aesthetics.

“People often assess design based on visual appearance and functionality, however, we measure design based on the parameters of form, function, quality, safety and sustainability,” he said.

Gien confirmed that this year will also see AIDA partner with Vivid Sydney for the 2013 awards, with its judging panel and forum set to include of some of the world’s most respected product designers, including representatives from countries including Sweden and USA.

Submissions to the 2013 AIDA close on Thursday March 28 2013, with winners to be announced on Thursday May 30, 2013. To enter, click here.