Trillion Looks Store has announced the return of the Inter-University Fashion Challenge for its second edition, scheduled to take place on August 28, 2026.
The initiative, which aims to empower emerging designers and promote sustainable African-inspired fashion, is expected to bring together students from universities and institutions offering fashion, art and design programmes across Uganda.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will build on the success of the inaugural challenge held in August 2025, which showcased creativity, innovation and cultural storytelling through fashion.
The first competition highlighted the growing potential within Uganda’s fashion schools, with participants demonstrating technical skill and originality through designs inspired by culture, sustainability and contemporary trends.
Among the standout institutions in the inaugural edition was Kyambogo University, whose students impressed judges and audiences with collections that blended traditional inspiration with modern fashion aesthetics.
One of the major highlights of the 2025 competition was the victory of Angella Niyingena from the Michelangelo School of Creative Art and Design. Her winning design under the “Urban vs Ghetto” category featured an outfit creatively upcycled from worn denim, earning recognition for its originality and social commentary.
Another notable entry came from a student at the University of Kisubi, who stood out in the Eco-Fashion category with a design made from recycled car tyres, highlighting the growing role of sustainability in Uganda’s fashion industry.
Several participants also incorporated bark cloth and other traditional materials into their collections, reflecting renewed interest in preserving cultural heritage through fashion.
According to organisers, the Inter-University Fashion Challenge is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry exposure by providing students with opportunities to showcase their work, collaborate with peers and connect with professionals in the fashion sector.
Participation will require each institution to register a team of seven students, with every member assigned to a specific category. Organisers say this structure is intended to encourage teamwork while ensuring diversity in design concepts and presentation.
This year’s challenge will feature several categories, including Heritage, Modernity, Eco-Fashion, Inclusive Fashion, Urban vs Ghetto, Color Your World and Accessories Design.
The Heritage category will focus on integrating traditional fabrics such as bark cloth, sisal, raffia and cotton into contemporary fashion designs, while the Modernity category will encourage participants to explore global cultural influences.
Eco-Fashion will emphasise sustainability through the use of recycled materials and upcycled clothing, while Inclusive Fashion will challenge students to design for diverse body types and identities.
Under the Urban vs Ghetto category, participants will use the same fabric to create contrasting designs inspired by urban and ghetto lifestyles.
The Color Your World segment will allow students to create their own fabrics and prints, while Accessories Design will focus on wearable art including jewellery, handbags, footwear and headwear.
To qualify, participants must be enrolled in universities or institutions offering fashion, art or design-related programmes. Interested students are required to form teams and complete individual application forms.
Selected participants will also take part in virtual orientation sessions and fashion exposure visits to selected fashion and art businesses to gain practical industry insights before beginning their projects.
Beyond competition, organisers say the challenge is intended to create opportunities for mentorship, internships and employment within Uganda’s growing creative industry.
Awards will include recognition for Best Team and Best Student Designer, while all participants will receive certificates of participation.
The competition will culminate in a runway showcase where students, alongside professional models, will present their collections before judges, fashion industry stakeholders and the public.
Organisers describe the Inter-University Fashion Challenge as a platform that celebrates creativity, culture and collaboration while nurturing the next generation of Ugandan fashion talent.
As preparations for the 2026 edition continue, students across the country are being encouraged to participate and use fashion as a medium for storytelling, innovation and cultural expression.
