Liu Minxia

    mllmx@msn.com

    DESIGNERS from all over the world are invited to participate in a design competition initiated by the Shenzhen Underwear Association (SUA). The winner will be given the chance to work with the world’s top garment designers in addition to financial prizes.

    It’s the third time for such a competition to be held, and registration for the competition will close Dec. 15, according to the SUA. Winners can obtain awards from 2,000 yuan (US$325) to 50,000 yuan.

    At a press conference yesterday, the underwear association signed a deal with Shenzhen Xusany Garments Ltd., a local underwear maker, and another organizer of the competition to train young garment designers.

    To support the project, called “Chinese Underwear Design Silicon Valley,” Shenzhen Xusany will provide office areas of up to 1,000 square meters and invite 20 to 30 of the world’s top underwear designers to set up workshops there. The workshops, including one by renowned French brand Stella Cadente, will offer consultation services to China’s underwear brands and provide opportunities for them to work as assistants, according to Sun Fengwei, secretary general of the SUA.

    More than 1,000 people have entered the competition, and 20 entries will enter the final stage, according to the association. The final competition will be held at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center on May 8.