Blenheim Palace launches design competition to mark final month of Icons of British Fashion exhibition

Blenheim Palace is searching for the next generation of Icons of British Fashion, with the launch of a nationwide design competition where the winner will be chosen by a panel including renowned fashion designers Lulu Guinness and Alice Temperley, with their design visions showcased at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

The launch of the fashion competition is in celebration of the biggest exhibition in the 300-year history of Blenheim Palace, Icons of British Fashion, which is open to the public until 30th June 2024.

To enter, fashion students must register their interest to blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk along with their portfolio by Wednesday 12th June 2024; a shortlist will then be invited to experience and take inspiration from Icons of British Fashion at Blenheim Palace.

The fashion students will then have three weeks to visit, sketch and submit their designs which have been inspired by the exhibition and the Palace itself by 30th June 2024.

Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel including Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace & Collections at Blenheim Palace, fashion designers Alice Temperley and Lulu Guinness.

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.

All entrants must currently be studying a degree or equivalent in fashion design, textiles or related subjects.

Icons of British Fashion at Blenheim Palace features a display of renowned classic pieces, as well as never-before-seen looks by the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jean Muir, Terry de Havilland, Bruce Oldfield, Turnbull & Asser, Zandra Rhodes, Lulu Guinness, Barbour, Alice Temperley, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior.

Kate Ballenger, 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. We can’t wait to see the looks inspired by our exhibition and have no doubt that the talented fashion students in the UK will create some amazing designs.”

Admission to the Icons of British Fashion exhibition is free with a valid Blenheim Palace ticket. See our website for full details.

For more information about the exhibition visit and to book tickets visit, www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/icons-of-british-fashion/.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Cab Campaign blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk