Tenerife is looking for young designers: an international competition with a prize fund has been announced

The Cabildo of Tenerife (which is like our regional council) has announced the XV International Competition for Young Designers "Tenerife Moda 2026". The organizers promise three cash prizes and assistance in promotion for those who are just starting their journey in textile design.

Efraín Medina, who is responsible for employment and education, emphasized that the competition has been helping young talents for 15 years and is an important benchmark for the entire industry. He said that this competition is a great start to a career, and fashion is a part of culture that helps develop the island's economy and showcase it to the world.

According to the organizers, the main goal of the competition is to support young designers who dream of working in the fashion industry, as well as to help the textile industry develop and create new jobs for young people.

Anyone over 18 but not older than 40 (as of December 31, 2026), regardless of citizenship and place of residence, can participate. You can apply independently or on behalf of a brand. The rules of the competition can be found on the organizers' website.

Applications are accepted until March 6, 2026. They must be submitted in person or sent by registered mail to the following address: Empresa Insular de Artesanía, S.A., C/ Tomas Zerolo 27, La Orotava 38300 (Tenerife, Spain).

Serafín Mesa, who is in charge of youth issues, congratulated the "Tenerife Moda" team for supporting young talents and for giving them the opportunity to express themselves in this important field. He added that thanks to the Cabildo of Tenerife, young people are one step closer to realizing their dreams.

Initially, the organizers will determine the finalists, and then open the envelopes with their data to check whether they meet the requirements of the competition. The jury will select seven finalists, one of whom must be a resident of Tenerife.

The finalists will present their collections at a show to be held at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife exhibition complex in June 2026. The winners will be announced there.

Kristen Martín, who is responsible for trade issues, noted that such events help develop support programs for entrepreneurs. She announced a special assistance program for young designers that will help them open their own store on the island, where they can sell their work. According to her, it is important to support them at the beginning of their careers.

Each of the seven finalists will receive up to 1,500 euros to create their collection (for fabrics, tailoring and accessories). In addition, designers from other regions will be reimbursed for travel expenses (including transportation of the collection) and accommodation on the island so that they can attend the show and awards ceremony.

At the final gala ceremony, the jury will select two winners who will receive cash prizes of 5,000 and 3,000 euros. A prize of 2,000 euros will also be awarded for the most commercial collection. This prize can be won by one of the winners.

Last year, Annaiss Yucra from Peru took first place in the "Tenerife Moda" young designers competition. María de Ara Pérez from Badajoz took second place, and María de la Calle Arroyo from Bilbao was awarded for the most commercial collection.