Can the materials we throw away become the fashion statements we admire? Can newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles, fabric scraps, and other everyday waste be transformed into runway-worthy couture that challenges how we see sustainability?
These questions lie at the heart of Vision & Vogue, a unique platform that challenges young creators to rethink fashion through the lens of sustainability, creativity, and storytelling.
Organised by the Department of Fashion Promotion & Marketing at Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD), Vision & Vogue invites participants to design a Bangladeshi-themed outfit using recyclable materials. But creating an eye-catching ensemble is only part of the challenge. Participants must also develop a brand concept, define its identity, and present the story behind their creation—reflecting the realities of today’s fashion industry, where successful brands are built on purpose as much as design.
Open to Grade 11, Grade 12, and GED students aged 15-23, the competition welcomes individual participants or teams of up to three members, giving aspiring creatives the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and bring bold ideas to life.
The competition will take place on 1 August 2026, where shortlisted participants will present their creations on the runway before a panel of judges. With a prize pool of BDT 60,000, Vision & Vogue promises not only recognition for outstanding creativity but also a platform to showcase talent at the intersection of sustainable fashion, branding, and innovation.
Beyond showcasing creativity, the competition serves as a tribute to Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. Participants are encouraged to explore the country’s traditions, artisanal crafts, colours, and cultural identity, creating designs that honour the past while reimagining it through the lens of contemporary fashion, sustainability, and innovation.
More than a competition, Vision & Vogue reflects UCBD’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators. It showcases a philosophy that values creativity, strategic thinking, and sustainability as the driving forces behind successful fashion brands. This approach is championed through UCBD’s Bachelor’s in Fashion Promotion & Marketing, offered in partnership with the University of Lancashire, UK. Combining industry-focused learning with real-world application, the programme prepares students to excel across every dimension of the modern fashion ecosystem, from branding and digital engagement to retail, styling, creative direction, and consumer experience. Graduates emerge ready to shape trends, build impactful brands, and lead the future of fashion with confidence and purpose.
Vision & Vogue showcases a modern vision of fashion, where creativity extends beyond aesthetics to include brand building, cultural storytelling, and sustainable innovation. It celebrates fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression, communication, and positive change.
For aspiring fashion enthusiasts, the competition is more than a showcase of talent. It is a unique opportunity to turn imagination into impact, transforming recyclable materials into striking wearable art and innovative ideas into unforgettable stories.
Published in: Campus, The Daily Star