One of my favorite people in the digital world, Sita Wadhwani, is the new editor of Vogue.in, yay! She’s here now to share an incredible opportunity for Indian designers to speed track their careers via the Vogue Fashion Fund, hurry! xoxo

Sita Wadhwani
Sita Wadhwani

Every once in a while an opportunity comes along that’s so great it makes you jealous. Jealous that you’re not eligible. So instead you end up tweeting your thumbs off about it (deadline is May 21) to your friends in the hope that at least someone you know wins it.

Today made me wish I was an ambitious fashion designer. Someone like Alexander Wang in New York or Christopher Kane in London, creative entrepreneurs who would come to represent the future of fashion for their countries, even if they didn’t know it back then.

photo courtesy | vogue.in
photo courtesy | vogue.in

Because in 2003 the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and US Vogue, headed by Anna Wintour, invented a launch pad called the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, now a global initiative. Wang won it in 2008, Kane won the British version in 2011. Joseph Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler and Erdem Moralioglu (2009) are all previous winners of the Vogue Fashion Fund.

Vogue India, May 2012
Vogue India, May 2012

You guessed it. India is next. On the occasion of Vogue India’s fifth anniversary this year we’re launching our own Vogue Fashion Fund in association with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

Are you eligible? Up to May 21 Vogue India is encouraging entries from emerging fashion designers with degrees or diplomas in fashion. Applicants require the experience of showcasing at fashion week and retailing their collections. For complete eligibility criteria visit the Vogue India Fashion Fund Page.

photo courtesy | vogue.in
photo courtesy | vogue.in

Show me the money! The winner of India’s first Vogue Fashion Fund wins a cash prize (I can’t tell you the amount but I can tell you it made my stomach flip), along with a one-year mentorship with an industry professional in business, retail or marketing and PR. You’ll get a shelf to retail your collection at a major Indian retailer and all-access to Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) where you will present your own solo show. And of course your face and your work in Vogue India’s magazine and on our website Vogue.in

How to apply? Click of a mouse really. Register via www.vogue.in/promotions/Vogue-Fashion-Fund by May 21, 2012. Good luck!