25/05/2026
NOT!CED is proud to announce the Top 5 Finalists for the NOT!CED Independent Designer Award, presented at WINGS Independent Fashion Festival 2026.
Created and sponsored by NOT!CED, this award recognises independent designers contributing to the festival through their creative work, brand development, craftsmanship, and design potential.
All participating designers, including those featured in the WINGS runway line-up and those who applied and presented their work to WINGS, were considered as eligible candidates.
Through the NOT!CED Designer Grant, two selected designers will receive support toward the next stage of their creative development:
WINNER
$5,000 NOT!CED Designer Grant
RUNNER UP
$2,000 NOT!CED Designer Grant
All designers were assessed using a judging framework developed by NOT!CED, which considered each designer’s creative vision and originality, overall collection coherence, craftsmanship and technical ex*****on, wearability within its intended context, and alignment with high-fashion.
Congratulations to our Top 5 Finalists:
BAAQIY
ETHERO
MADELYN NICHOLS
RESEAU
SHIYO
We look forward to celebrating with them on closing night, where the Winner and Runner-Up will be announced.
NOT!CED Independent Designer Award
Presented at WINGS Independent Fashion Festival 2026