ITS#ACCESSORIES FAQ

How do I enter the competition?

It is all spelt out in the HOW TO ENTER. Just download the How-to-Enter PDF packet and read the How to Enter section and the Entry Requirements carefully.

What do I need to send with my portfolio?

Again, it is all spelt out in the HOW TO ENTER section. So, download the How-to-Enter PDF packet and read the How to Enter section and the Entry Requirements, where it is all explained.

Can I enrol in ITS#ACCESSORIES even if I enrolled in previous editions of ITS?

Yes, you can.

Can I enter in more than one category?

Yes, you can.

Can I enter even if I am not a student?

Yes, you can, as long as you can prove you have recently worked or are working as a fashion and/or accessories designer in Fashion Houses or for your own fashion and/or accessories company (certificate required) or work freelance.

Where and when will the event take place?

The event will take place in TRIESTE (ITALY) from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 July 2010. The Accessories Vernissage will take place on Friday 16 July 2010 at 9:00 pm.

Can more than one person enter as a team?

Yes, they can. A maximum of two people may enter one collection together, but both applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. Please note that each person must fill in their own information and sign their part on the ITS preregistration form.

What are the age restrictions for enrolment in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

There are no age restrictions. Eligibility, however, is restricted to students and fashion/accessories designers. Students must be either Fashion/Accessory Design graduates or in their last year of a Fashion/Accessory Design course (BA or MA) at college and be graduating in 2010 as Fashion/Accessory Designers. Young talents not in possession of a diploma in Fashion/Accessory Design must be working as Fashion Accessory Designers for a Fashion house or label or have their own label or work freelance.

How much will it cost me to participate?

Entry is free of charge. Entrants are, however, entirely responsible for all entry-related costs, such as duplication of documents, materials, and postage.

Can I send my material for ITS#ACCESSORIES via e-mail in addition to or instead of by post?

No. All material will be accepted by post only. Do not send any material by e-mail.

What are the judging criteria for the collection enrolled in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

CREATIVITY, FEASIBILITY, INNOVATION and EXECUTION OF THE ITEMS.

What is the YKK® project?

The YKK® project is a mandatory part of enrolment in ITS#ACCESSORIES. On top of your 3-5 piece collection enrolled, you must also present a design for at least one of the following three categories:

  1. A creative use, in a footwear, softwear or hardwear accessory, of any of the YKK fastenings provided in the Sample Book.
  2. A creative response to the following statement: "The Zipper in Next Generation Art".
  3. A tailor-made fastening project utilising existing YKK products.
A detailed explanation of each category is included in the ITS#ACCESSORIES entry requirements PDF, Point 5, which you can find at this page.

Does the YKK® project also have to be part of my collection?

No, not necessarily. Your YKK® project can have a completely different concept from your collection, OR, it can somehow be tied in to your collection (see next question).

Can’t I just put a zipper on one of my collection items sketches and call it the YKK® piece?

No. The YKK® project has completely different rules and you would not be accepted. YKK® wants to see a creative and innovative use of their fastening in each of the three categories of the project. Please read very carefully all of Point 5 in the entry requirements for all the details.

Where do I find the material I must imagine using when I am doing the YKK® project?

For category 1, you can refer to the YKK online sample book here, where an assortment of fastenings have been hand picked. For categories 2 and 3 you can use any kind of fastening in the YKK range. See here for an overview of YKK fastenings!

Are there any limitations in the development of an artwork for Category 2 of the YKK® project?

The only limitation you have is dimensions. These must not exceed 30cm (height) x 30cm (length) x 30cm (depth). Apart from this, you have complete freedom in choosing any form of media to produce your artwork.

What is the YKK Award?

The YKK Award will be assigned to one of the ITS#ACCESSORIES finalists during the prize giving ceremony using the special judging criteria for this item. The winner of the YKK Award will receive €10,000 and a professional photographer will shoot an image of the winning YKK project to be used for promotional purposes. YKK® might also award €1,000 to another two finalists for the quality of their project.

Is it mandatory to use CRYSTALLIZED™ —Swarovski Elements in my collection?

No, however CRYSTALLIZED™ —Swarovski Elements will provide, upon request, all accessories finalists with CRYSTALLIZED™ —Swarovski Elements for their collections. The selected accessories finalists will choose the CRYSTALLIZED™ —Swarovski Elements from an online sample book (you can find it at this page).

What is the judging criteria for the YKK® item?

  1. The ability to apply a YKK® fastening system to an accessory in an original, creative and technically advanced way.
  2. The ability to use a YKK® fastening system as the main factor to enhance the overall quality and look of an accessory.
The overall winner's accessory must combine functional meaning with an element of beauty.

Can I attend the ITS#ACCESSORIES exhibit?

Yes. Contact booking@itsweb.org after 3 May 2010 to get a ticket. Seats are limited, get them while they last!

Who can be part of the ITS TALENT database?

ITS Talent contains the data of all the finalists who participate in ITS. It started with the first edition competitors and continues with all finalists of every consecutive edition.

How long will the competitors data remain in the database?

As long as ITS exists.

Can I send material in a format differing from A4 or letter size paper?

Yes, but only as additional material. The enrolling portfolio must be in either A4, or letter (8" 1/2 x 11") format.

How many sketches do I have to enrol in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

You must enrol:

  • from 3 (minimum) to 5 (maximum) sketches of your collection.
  • 1 overview sketch showing all collection pieces on the same page.
  • an entry for at least 1 of the 3 categories for the YKK project, following all specifications clearly stated in the entry requirements, Point 5.

Is it possible to participate with less than 3 pieces or more than 5?

No, it is not. But if your collection is bigger, you can put in the other pieces as additional material (See question below for more details).

What if I have more than 5 items as a part of my collection?

You must choose just 5 items to present as your collection enrolled in ITS. If you send sketches of your entire collection without specifying the 5 items you wish to enrol, in case you are selected as a finalist the preselection jury and EVE will choose the 5 items that will compete in the finals.

Do shoes count as 1 or 2 pieces?

If they are of the same pair, shoes count as one (1) piece. If you are entering 2 different shoe models then they count as two (2) pieces. Alternately you may enter only one left or right shoe, as you wish: sketches

Do I have to enrol accessories already made or simply the sketches?

The pre-selections are made based on the sketches. You will have to create the collection only if selected as a finalist.

What if I do not have any photographs of my collection, because it has not yet been made?

Then you MUST send us photos of previous collections or accessories that you have made. It is mandatory to send photographs of previous collections or work-in-progress photos of the collection you are presenting for ITS#ACCESSORIES.

Can one collection have more than one category or type of accessory?

Yes. A collection can include many different types of accessories as long as they are of the same collection, and tied together by a common theme.

Can I enrol more than one collection in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

No, you cannot. You can enrol only one collection in ITS#ACCESSORIES.

Is there a theme of inspiration to which I have to refer to create the collections I want to enrol in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

The collections can be completely free inspired, there is no given theme.

Is there a theme of inspiration or briefing to which I have to refer to create the YKK® project proposal/s I want to enrol in ITS#ACCESSORIES?

A very detailed briefing of the YKK project is included in the entry requirements, Point 5. Everything you need to know about what is required from you is there.

Can I enter ITS#ACCESSORIES with my graduation collection?

Yes, but also remember the YKK® project!

What is the definition of hardwear? What is the definition of softwear? Footwear?

Hardwear means glasses, jewellery and metalwork. Softwear means bodywear, gloves, belts, hats and bags. Footwear is outerwear for feet. If there is something that you would like to enrol that is not listed above write the Schools & Contestants Office and they will help you out.

How will I know the results of the pre-selections?

The results will be published promptly after pre-selections (15-16 April 2010) on the ITS website. Only selected finalists will be contacted personally by EVE.

What will I have to do if I am selected?

You will receive detailed instructions shortly after the pre-selections.

What if I have problems uploading my final page overview sketch?

Be sure to complete the entry form in its entirety. Then, make sure that the final page sketch is low-resolution, max 500Kb and jpeg format. If you have any problems, please write to or call the Schools and Contestants Office.

What if I have problems pre-registering online?

Make sure you've filled out all the necessary fields to complete your registration. And remember you can save and go back to your registration as many times as you want before finally submitting, in case you do not have all of your data on hand when you register.

Where do I send my portfolio for ITS#ACCESSORIES?

After pre-registering online, you will need to print out your application form and include it with your complete portfolio. The last page of your entry form contains a CD label and an address label.
Just in case, our postal address is:
ITS#ACCESSORIES ITS#NINE
EVE srl
Piazza Venezia, 1
34123 Trieste
Italy
But remember to follow the online preregistration process first!

What is the deadline to enter the competition?

All enrolling material must reach our offices by and no later than 25 March 2010.

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