The Bras for a Cause Design Contest...How you can enter

It's time to get brainstorming because the Bras for a Cause Middle East design contest has begun!

Here are the categories again:

Established fashion designers are invited to take part in this category by designing and producing a distinctive bra or tshirt for this cause, to be later auctioned at one of the two upcoming fashion shows to raise funds for regional breast cancer organizations.

This category is open to everyone. One of the most important categories in the contest, the "Her Bra" Design category involves designing a bra specifically for breast cancer survivors. That means you will need to keep prostheses and other special fitting needs in mind when you design the bra. Need help? Bras for a Cause suggest you speak to breast cancer survivors and ask them what would be their ideal bra.

This category is open to fashion designers and other people working in creative fields. Design a bra that can be worn by all women - you could create the next bra trend!

Open to the public, this category is perfect for emerging fashion designers, creative talent and students.



Now it's time for the tshirt! This category is open to all fashion designers, artists, graphic designers, illustrators and/or interested in designing a creative tshirt based on the theme of breast cancer awareness.

For more information on the categories and to download the guidelines and helpful links click here.

The prizes!

Now for the part you've all been waiting for - the prizes! Entries can be submitted by June 26th, 11:59 pm GMT latest after which a two week public voting period will take place (June 29th-July 10th). Entries will be posted on the website for you to vote for. Then the jury will judge all entries and make their final choices for the winners, which will be announced on July 14th.

The "Her Bra" Bra Design Category
First Place: $600
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $250


The "Everybody Wants Me" Bra Design Category
First Place: $550
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $250


The "Training Bra" Bra Design Category
First Place: $300
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150


The "Such a Tee-s" Bra Design Category
First Place: $350
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150

It doesn't stop there - you will also be working with Bras for a Cause to turn your winning bra or tshirt design ino a reality. They will be showcased at one of two fashion shows which will take place in Beirut and Dubai - and don't worry, winners win 4 event tickets each too. After that, your winning bra or tshirt will be produced in stock to be sold in October 2011, with proceeds going to breast cancer organizations around the region.

Entry guidelines

1. Contest is open to the public, regardless of design background. Participants are requested to select a design category based on their skill level and interest.

2. For Bra Design Categories, participants must submit detailed sketches (A4 size) to best represent the designs they have in mind, including one sketch of the front view and second sketch of the side or back view. Only one sketch required for t-shirt designs.

3. For T-shirt Design Categories, participants will be expected to submit the following:

- One A4 or A3 size layout with the design that will go on the T-shirt

- One A4 size layout of design on T-shirt template to show where the design will be positioned on the T-shirt

4. Alongside the design sketches mentioned above, ALL entries must be accompanied by:

- Title for the designed piece 

- Description about the design

- A mood board or description what inspired the design

- Detailed list of fabrics, colors and other design requirements

- Target audience: Who is this bra or t-shirt designed for?

5. Each participant has the right to submit up to (3) different designs within any of the contest categories.

Contest Schedule:

Contest Launch: May 19, 2011

Contest Deadline: June 26, 2011 at 11:59PM

Online Voting Period: June 29, 2011 until July 10, 2011 at 11:59PM

Winners Announced: July 14, 2011

For more information on the contest and to download the tshirt template click here.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to help breast cancer sufferers and survivors across the Middle East as well as get your bra or tshirt design on the catwalk and worn by women across the region!

For more information about the contest and to find out a bit about the jury, make sure you check out the Bras for a Cause website. And don't forget to click "Like" on the Facebook page too!

Now get designing!