On September 22nd, the prestigious ceremony for the first-ever International Folk Gifts Innovative Design Contest, known as the 2023 ISFS Award, unfolded at the Consinee Shanghai Center. The event, co-hosted by Donghua University’s School of International Cultural Exchange and Shanghai International Fashion Innovation Center, showcased a remarkable array of award-winning works from talented participants. Following a grand launch on November 18th, 2022, the contest quickly attracted 227 international students from 28 renowned universities spanning 53 countries. After rigorous selection procedures, the works of 45 finalists, representing 20 universities and 31 countries, made it to the grand stage.
Zooming in on the tapestry of global folk customs, the competition served as a catalyst for cultural exchange among domestic universities’ international student communities. Through their innovative designs, participants passionately explored and celebrated the rich cultural elements embedded within various folk customs. After initial and final evaluations, the contest was climaxed by one grand prize winner for international fashion, three best creative awards, ten best design awards, 31 cultural exchange awards, 17 outstanding mentoring teachers, and 13 universities with the best organization. In addition, the contest had collaborated with the intangible cultural heritage embroidery of Yunnan, presenting the award-winning works in the form of static exhibitions at the awarding ceremony.
At the awarding ceremony, distinguished guests presented awards to the winning participants and teacher representatives, and also launched a new round of the contest. The upcoming contest will expand the scope and seek more creative design talents in the field of folk custom gifts, both domestically and internationally.
(Awarding ceremony and exhibition of works)
