Guidelines
Everything you need to enter the IRAY Prize 2026/27, from what to submit to key dates. Applications close 31 October 2026.
Questions? Email info@iraycashmere.com
Submission Instructions and Guidelines
IRAY Prize
Read the Brief
Explore the theme Ancient / Now and our yarn collections. If your university is taking part, ask your tutor about the IRAY yarn samples available for you to swatch with.
Submit Your Entry
Submit your design book as one PDF via the form. You may also email info@iraycashmere.com with the subject IRAY Prize – Name – University. Ensure all entries arrive by 31 October 2026. Submissions sent after this will not be reviewed.
(01)
(03)
Create Your Design Book
Put together a design book of no more than 15 pages, following the Stage 1 requirements below. No finished garment is needed. This stage is design work only.
(02)
Receive Confirmation
(04)
We'll email you to confirm your entry has been received. Finalists will be notified directly on 5 November 2026.
Submission Requirements
Stage 1: Design Book
All applicants Due 31 October 2026
- Theme & Inspiration:
The concept and how it responds to
Ancient / Now
- Material & Yarn Use:
Yarn choices, considering hand-feel, structure and colour
- Colour Palette:
Colour palette and the reasoning behind it
- Line-Up:
An overview of your full collection at a glance
- Sketches, Renders & Technical Flats:
Designs and how they're constructed
- Intro Video (optional):
A short video introducing you and your work, linked in your PDF
Your design book should be no more than 15 pages and include:
Stage 2: Technical Pack
Finalists only Due 20 November 2026
If you're selected as a finalist, you'll provide the details our production team needs to make your 2–3 looks:
-Reference image:
Rough annotations explaining the look
-Technical flats:
Front and back, showing pattern pieces and the finished garment
-Construction details:
Knit structure, brushing and gauge
-Sizing:
body length, sleeve length, chest width, leg opening and any other key measurements
-Colours
-Materials list
You won't need to make anything yourself.
IRAY produces every finalist look in our yarn, with full technical support.
29 SEP
APPLICATIONS OPEN
The prize is open to fashion, textile and knitwear students across the UK and Europe.
31 OCT
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Last day to submit your design book. → APPLY HERE
5 NOV
15–20 finalists will be notified directly.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
20 NOV
Finalists submit technical flats, sizing and construction details for their 2–3 looks.
TECHNICAL PACK DUE
15 JAN 2027
IRAY finishes producing every finalist look, followed by the lookbook shoot.
PRODUCTION COMPLETE
MAR 2027
Finalist collections are shown in Shanghai or Shenzhen, and the winners are selected.