Alex Grant, of Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts, has been announced as this year’s winner of the Pentland Winston Churchill Wardrobe Competition 2020.
Runners up included Emma George, London College of Fashion UAL in second place, and Olivia Thorpe, Manchester Metropolitan University in third place.
ARTS THREAD has partnered with Pentland Group plc and The Churchill Centre as the platform for the fourth edition of this competition. This year's theme is called the Winston Churchill Wardrobe Competition.
Prize: First prize £1000, Second Prize £750, Third Prize £500.
All three winners will be considered for work experience at Pentland headquarters in London. Pentland Group includes Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, Mitre, Ellesse, Boxfresh, SeaVees, KangaROOS and Red or Dead +++
INTRO TO THE BRIEF - THE IMAGE OF AN ICON
Best-known as the Prime Minister that gave the British Lion its roar during the Second World War, Sir Winston Spencer Churchill was a force in more ways than one. His ceaseless energy his ceaseless energy has been documented throughout every aspect of his life; from speech-writing and party-hopping Edwardian politician to Nobel Prize winner and artwork extraordinaire. Generations of historians have marvelled at the man that many consider the greatest Briton of all time. There was, however, more to Churchill than his savvy war strategies and gravelly voice.
A man who knew the power of dressing for the occasion, Churchill dressed in a manner that was undoubtedly ahead of his time. Some would say that his sense of style was peculiar, others unique; combining to create a notably individual look that visually renders him one of history’s most iconic figures.
Churchill was a man that dressed for the moment, with a style that was aligned to his role as both a keen war strategist and a politician. A love of military uniforms meant he was frequently seen in ‘siren suits’, specially designed to be donned quickly when air raid sirens sounded.
Alongside an intensely practical sense of style, existed his love of the finer things in life. Churchill possessed an extensive parliamentary wardrobe, with suits made by the most luxurious brands on Savile Row, as well as a casual wardrobe for his love of paining and brick wall making. A forward-thinking man, he took his style inspiration from the time in which he existed as one of the most in-demand figures in public office.
THE BRIEF
You are asked to use the above Intro to the Brief - The Image of an Icon as inspiration to -
- design* one item of casual apparel, footwear, or accessory, that Winston Churchill would be proud to wear in 2020. Strictly no formalwear or tailoring!
- we would like to see the research, inspiration, rationale and mood boards that led to your final designs, as well as design sketches. Minimum 5 pages in total.
* Please note - it is not necessary to physically make the item
JUDGING CRITERIA - WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
INSIGHT: Churchill’s brilliance was in his ability to energetically approach a multitude of tasks with interest and enthusiasm. From politics to bricklaying, and from writing to orating. Does your design embody the range of interests and excitement that surrounded Churchill’s life and endeavours?
COMMERCIAL APPEAL: As well as paying tribute to one of the lesser known aspects of Churchill’s life, your design must also hold commercial value. Does it appeal to a wider audience? How can it generate customer interest?
WHO CAN ENTER
Location: International - from any country.
Experience/age: Open to anyone over 18 who is studying or graduated from an Arts & Design course within the last three years - any course from fine art and illustration, to fashion and textiles, graphic design etc.
HOW TO ENTER
STEP A
Already got an ARTS THREAD portfolio? To enter, simply log into your account, upload your design as a new project, return to this page and select your project into the Competition box above.
New to ARTS THREAD? To enter, register to create an ARTS THREAD account and go to your email and click on the activation link sent to your email Inbox. Then log into your account, upload your project, then return to this page and select your project into the Competition box above.
STEP B
Complete our online Pentland Churchill Wardrobe Competition Entry Form
Please ensure you have read the Terms & Conditions for the Pentland Churchill Wardrobe Competition 2020
ENTRY: free to apply
DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 27 2020 MIDNIGHT GMT
THE PRIZES
First prize £1000, Second Prize £750, Third Prize £500. All three winners will be considered for work experience at Pentland headquarters in London.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUBMISSION?
- The judges will announce a shortlist of finalists in the week of the 1st of May, 2020.
- The Finalists shall be invited to attend an interview in London to be held between the dates of 6th-17th May 2020.
- The first, second and third prize winners shall be selected and notified by 20th May 2019.
MEET SOME PREVIOUS CHURCHILL WINNERS
Winston Churchill competition winner on using art to create positive change
