The Design Trust Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications, heralding a career-defining opportunity for a visionary creative to delve into the rich narratives woven into our garments. This prestigious, fully-funded one-year fellowship, a collaboration between the esteemed Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) East in London and Hong Kong’s forward-thinking Design Trust, invites designers, artists, and researchers to unearth and re-imagine “The Stories of Clothes.” If you are a practitioner with a passion for object-based research and a desire to create a groundbreaking new work, this guide will provide a comprehensive roadmap to navigating the application process with confidence and clarity.
For many creatives, securing the time, funding, and institutional support to bring a passion project to life can feel like an insurmountable challenge. In my experience advising emerging talents, it is often this practical barrier, not a lack of ideas, that hinders progress. The Design Trust Fellowship magnificently dismantles this obstacle, offering not only substantial financial backing but also access to world-class archives and cross-cultural fieldwork. This article will break down everything you need to know—from eligibility to crafting a standout proposal—to seize this exceptional opportunity.
A Fellowship Forged in Global Collaboration
Before diving into the application specifics, it’s crucial to understand the ethos of the institutions behind this fellowship. The Design Trust, based in Hong Kong, is a dynamic grant-making platform that has been instrumental in nurturing creative projects that engage with the cultural and social fabric of the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Their work is characterized by a commitment to research, collaboration, and positive societal impact.
Partnering with them is the globally revered Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), specifically its new V&A East campus. A beacon of art and design, the V&A’s collection is a treasure trove of human creativity. This fellowship is a testament to their mission to make their archives accessible and to foster new interpretations of design history and practice. This collaboration ensures the chosen Fellow will benefit from a rich, multi-faceted perspective, bridging London’s historic collections with the vibrant contemporary design scene of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
What the Design Trust Fellowship 2025 Offers
This is more than just a research grant; it is a fully immersive, career-propelling experience. The successful applicant will receive a generous funding package of HKD $275,000 (approximately USD $35,000). According to the official announcement, this stipend is intended to cover the Fellow’s time, travel to and from London and Hong Kong, accommodation, and all research and production costs for a new commissioned work.
The fellowship is structured around two key research pillars:
- Archival Deep Dive: At least three weeks of in-person research at the new V&A East Storehouse in London, offering unparalleled access to its extensive fashion and textiles collection.
- International Fieldwork: Hands-on research in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and mainland China, allowing for a contemporary and cross-cultural investigation of the fellowship’s theme.
The culmination of this year-long fellowship will be the exhibition of the Fellow’s commissioned piece for six months at the V&A East venue between Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027. This provides an incredible platform for the Fellow’s work to be seen by a global audience.
Are You the Right Fit? Eligibility and What They’re Looking For
This is a global call for applications; designers, artists, researchers, and other creative practitioners from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply. The fellowship seeks a bold and thought-provoking response to the theme, “The Stories of Clothes.”
The selection panel, comprising members from both the V&A East and Design Trust, will be looking for proposals that explore:
- The emotional and political lives of garments.
- The intricate relationship between our bodies and the clothes we wear.
- The historical and contemporary narratives embedded in textile design, production, and disposal.
- Overlooked archives and counter-narratives, drawing inspiration from the work of scholars like Saidiya Hartman.
While there are no rigid disciplinary constraints, your practice should have a strong research-based component, with a focus on archival storytelling and experimental making. A keen interest in cross-cultural dialogues, particularly in relation to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, will be a distinct advantage.
Crafting a Winning Application: A Forge Your Legacy in Fashion Guide
The application process is straightforward, requiring you to submit three key documents in English via email to [email protected] by the deadline of Friday, 22 August 2025 (midnight GMT). Let’s break down each component to help you put your best foot forward.
1. The Research and Conceptual Proposal (Max 500 words and up to 5 images)
This is the heart of your application. It is your opportunity to convince the selection panel of the originality and feasibility of your proposed project.
- Deconstruct the Theme: Start by deeply engaging with the theme, “The Stories of Clothes.” What unique perspective can you bring? I’ve seen many successful applicants excel by finding a niche within a broad theme that resonates with their personal and professional history.
- Outline Your Vision: Clearly articulate what you plan to investigate and what you hope to create. Be specific about the questions you want to explore. For instance, instead of saying “I will study old fabrics,” you could propose to “investigate the material culture of ‘Cheongsam’ in 1960s Hong Kong through the V&A’s collection and oral histories from the Greater Bay Area.”
- Methodology is Key: Explain how you will conduct your research. Mention specific objects or collections at the V&A you are interested in (if known) and outline your proposed fieldwork in Asia. This demonstrates that you have thought practically about the fellowship’s structure.
- Visuals Matter: Your five images should complement your proposal, showcasing either previous work that highlights your skills or conceptual images that help to visualize your proposed project.
2. The Budget Plan (Outlining the use of HKD $275,000)
A well-considered budget demonstrates professionalism and the viability of your project. Break down how you intend to allocate the funds. Consider the following categories:
- Artist Fee/Stipend: A portion for your living expenses.
- Travel and Accommodation: Flights to London and Hong Kong, and accommodation for your research periods.
- Research and Production Costs: Materials, fabrication, local transport, translation services, etc.
- Contingency: A small percentage (around 10%) for unexpected costs.
Presenting a realistic and detailed budget shows the panel that you are a capable project manager.
3. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Max 500 words)
Your CV should be a concise summary of your career to date. Highlight experiences that are most relevant to this fellowship, such as:
- Education and relevant qualifications.
- Exhibitions, publications, and awards.
- Previous research projects or residencies.
- Any experience related to fashion, textiles, or cross-cultural design.
What Happens After You Apply?
The selection panel will review all applications after the August 22nd deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview before the final selection of the Fellow is made by September 2025.
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FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Design Trust Fellowship 2025?
The fellowship is open to designers, artists, researchers, and other creative practitioners of all nationalities and from anywhere in the world.
Q2: What is the theme of the 2025 fellowship?
The theme is “The Stories of Clothes,” encouraging a deep exploration into the narratives, histories, and cultural significance of garments and textiles.
Q3: What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is Friday, 22 August 2025 (midnight GMT).
Q4: What does the fellowship funding cover?
The HKD $275,000 (approx. USD $35,000) funding is comprehensive, intended to cover the fellow’s time, international travel and accommodation, and all research and production expenses.
Q5: Does the fellowship require a specific outcome?
Yes, the fellow is expected to produce a new commissioned work that will be exhibited for six months at the V&A East between Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027.
