The Patterns of Fashion Award honours the work of the dress historian Janet Arnold (1932-1998), a founder member of the Society.
The Awards are an important part of the Costume Society’s output that promotes the high standard of craft and artistry that they produce.
See more of our 2024 finalists on our dedicated 2024 page.
You can see more of our finalists' designs and hear more from each finalist soon on our YouTube channel.
An award of £500 is open to students studying on costume and fashion-related education courses that involve the design and realisation of costume. You should enter this competition not only for the possibility of winning but for the experience that will leave you with a portfolio of skills and an excellent example of your own workmanship. The competition is about your development and understanding of period craft skills in pattern cutting and sewing.
Awards are given to those students that produce a garment with the best feel for their chosen period, with the winner receiving £1500, with £1000 for the highly commended, and £500 for the runner up. For details of eligibility and application forms see below.
If you have any questions you can email the Patterns of Fashion Award Team
Please submit your application via the dedicated Google Form.
The history of the award: The Patterns of Fashion award was first launched in 2001 and you can see a selection of our past winners below.
