In a move designed to reinforce its drive into the UK fashion and design sector, the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has merged its successful Colour in Design Competition with Graduate Fashion Week’s Textiles Award. Henceforth the award will be known as the SDC Colour & Textiles Award and will be judged during the four-day event in London on 3–6 June 2007.

Portfolio-based, every college and university represented at Graduate Fashion Week, presented by River Island, will be eligible to enter. Announced at a gala show and awards on the last night, the winner will receive a cheque for £750 and their respective university £250.

Comments Chris Sargeant, SDC vice-president fashion/design, ‘This is a natural and logical move for the Society which brings it centre stage at one of the most important events in the fashion calendar. It builds on the success of our own competition and, at the same time, allows us to promote colour and the role of the Society to a wider audience.’

As a result of the new competition only being open to UK-based colleges and universities, the Society is currently reviewing its options for a new-style international competition planned for launch in 2008.