It is time to start thinking about which piece to submit for the 2025 COUTURE Design Awards! With that in mind, we put together some of the most frequently asked questions to answer all of your inquiries about the submission process.
What are the COUTURE Design Awards? What are the benefits of participating?
COUTURE Design Awards is an internationally recognized design competition. A unique panel of judges selects finalists and winners each year, and the winners in each category will be announced on the evening of Saturday, June 1 during The COUTURE Show at a high-energy event in the Encore Ballroom. Winners and finalists are celebrated for years following the competition, both from within and outside the COUTURE community, and a number of international media outlets feature the winners and finalists each year.
Is there a cost involved to participate?
As a participating COUTURE Designer and/or Brand, there is no cost to participate in the COUTURE Design Awards competition. COUTURE Design Awards are open only to participating COUTURE Designers and/or Brands.
What is the submissions process?
Information, including materials used, replacement value of the piece, and submission category are due to COUTURE by May 1. An image of the submission piece (on a plain white background) is due to COUTURE by May 26. The piece must be delivered to the COUTURE Design Awards Desk at the Wynn Las Vegas by 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 4. We will be sending you more specific submission information in mid-May
Can I submit more than one piece?
Each designer/brand is allowed to submit only one (1) piece into the COUTURE Design Awards each year. In addition to submitting in one (1) primary category, those designers who are NEW to COUTURE will also be eligible for the “Best in Debuting at COUTURE ” category. All submissions will be considered for the “People’s Choice” and “Editors’ Choice” categories.
Can I submit in more than one category?
Each designer/brand can only submit one (1) piece in one (1) category each year. In addition to submitting in one (1) primary category, those designers who are NEW to COUTURE will be eligible for the “Best in Debuting at COUTURE ” category. All submissions will be considered for “People’s Choice” and “Editors’ Choice” categories.
What are the categories?
The primary categories for submissions are, Best In: Haute Couture, Innovative, Bridal, Colored Gemstones above $40,000 Retail, Colored Gemstones below $40,000 Retail, Diamonds above $40,000 Retail, Diamonds below $40,000 Retail, Gold, Platinum, Pearls and Silver. NEW as of 2023, we have eliminated Best in Men’s and Best in Silver and have added Best in Under $10,000 Retail.
NEW designers/brands will also be eligible in the “Best in Debuting at COUTURE,” category, and all submissions will be considered in “Best in People’s Choice” and “Best in Editors’ Choice.”
Please note, pieces submitted must be new to a brand’s collection and must not have been previously used in an advertising campaign.
When do I know if I won?
You will be informed if you are a finalist on Saturday afternoon, June 7. Winners are announced at the COUTURE Design Awards on Saturday evening, June 7 in the Encore Theater from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.
What are submissions deadlines?
Information, including materials used, replacement value and submission category are due to COUTURE by May 1. An image of the submission piece is due to COUTURE by May 26. The piece must be delivered to the COUTURE Design Awards Desk by 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 4. We will be sending you more specific submission information in mid-May.
Who are the judges?
Each year, the COUTURE team assembles a unique panel of judges that includes two retailers, two members of the press, and one designer. As soon as the judges are finalized we will send out an announcement.
What happens if I can’t submit by the deadlines?
We strongly encourage you to meet the aforementioned deadlines however, if you’re having difficulty doing so, please be in touch with Erin O’Donnell, [email protected] to discuss your options.