Who we are:

SHIMA SEIKI was founded on the development of the world's first fully automated glove knitting machine, today more than 60 years on SHIMA SEIKI is highly regarded as a top manufacturer of computerized flat knitting machines and design systems. SDS-ONE APEX/ APEXFiz virtual design series supports various stages within the fashion supply chain from planning and design, production and even sales promotion. Its super-realistic simulation can be used for Virtual Sampling, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming sampling.

 

Entry Requirements

The competition is open to all final year and MA fashion and textiles students in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands. Please note all applicants must have access to a Shima Seiki design system such as the SDS-ONE APEX or APEXFiz.

 

The Prize

Two weeks training at Shima Seiki Headquarters in Wakayama, Japan – all expenses paid. Date to be confirmed but either end of July or beginning August 2024

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For the first week, you will receive training on the latest APEXFiz Design Software and have the opportunity to further develop aspects of your winning project.

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For the second week, you will receive an insight into knit programming helping to deepen your knowledge of knit production.

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Your Challenge

Demonstrate an innovative approach to fashion or textiles, showing originality, creativity, and quality, as well as a good working understanding of the Shima Seiki design software, such as the SDS-ONE APEX or APEXFiz.

 

The Brief

Choose one from the following three themes and relate it to your specialism (Knit, weave, print, embroidery etc.)

 

Craftsmanship:

Textile design and creation is a craft. The process of crafting a piece of textiles requires skill, knowledge and patience. Crafted textiles can last and span generations becoming more than just clothing. With this in mind, create a project exploring this theme.

 

Heritage

From FairIsle patterns originating in the Shetland Isles to tartan fabric dating back to the 7th Century AD, textiles have a long place in history. Developing this concept, either create a project exploring textile history or explore your own heritage and how textiles relate to you.

 

Digital Future

In a world where technology is constantly evolving can there be a balance between craftmanship and technology? Can we harness technology to help solve issues the industry is facing? With these questions in mind produce a project showcasing your opinion or forecast of what the future looks like, is it digital?

 

What we are looking for:

• Inspiration/ Mood Board indicating your colour palette.

• Development of designs working from concept to final outcome explaining your design process

• Develop a range of digital fabrics as well as physical ones exploring pattern, structure, colour and yarn.

• Innovative experimental use of the Shima Seiki Design Software and other CAD software

• Experiment with multiple techniques, processes and machinery  

• Use digital or drawn or a combination of illustrations to visualize your designs.

• Excellent Presentation and clarity of Ideas

 

Submission

We expect to see the following:

• a written statement explaining your design ideas/ process, inspiration and where you see yourself within the textile industry (max. 500 words).

• Portfolio of the project Maximum of four pages (please share by post or electronically) including evidence of your use of a Shima Seiki Design System (If too large can be sent by WeTransfer)

 

Judging Criteria

Work will be judged on originality, overall concept and the innovative use of Shima Seiki software and machinery, considering technique, yarns, materials, and colour using both virtual and real sampling.

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The judging will take place over two stages.

At the first stage, the judges view all submitted work and draw up a short-list.

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For the second stage, short listed students will be invited to attend individual online interviews, where students will have the chance to discuss their competition entry with the judging panel.

 

The judging panel will consist of Shima Seiki Staff and 2 x independent judges from industry.

 

Please Send submissions to:

sales@shimaseiki.co.uk

 

Postal entries please send to:

Shima Seiki Europe

Unit 1

1A Sills Road

Willow Farm Business Park

Castle Donington

DE74 2US

 

*On both email entries or postal entries please state your Name, email address, University and year of study.

 

 Closing date

Closing date for final submissions is Friday 12th April 2024, work will not be considered after this date.

 All applicants will be notified by email.