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Fetel Designers Competition TV Program
A Collaborative Initiative by Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX) and ARTS TV
Executive Summary
The Fetel Designers Competition is a groundbreaking national fashion initiative launched through a strategic collaboration between Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX) and ARTS TV. Designed to spotlight emerging talent, promote cultural creativity, and strengthen Ethiopia’s fashion industry, the program attracted 250 designers from across the country. Through rigorous screening, immersive training, and competitive showcases, the program culminated in the selection of three outstanding winners.
Hosted in Bahir Dar, the competition unfolded in multiple phases: technical screening, design camp, cultural immersion, semi-final and final challenges. The initiative not only elevated young designers but also positioned Bahir Dar as a creative hub and EiTEX and as a national leader in fashion innovation. This report outlines the program’s structure, objectives, outcomes, and long-term significance.
Introduction
The Fetel Designers Competition was conceived as a national platform to discover and nurture Ethiopia’s next generation of fashion innovators. ARTS TV, known for its commitment to cultural programming, partnered with EiTEX to ensure technical excellence and institutional credibility.
The program was designed to:
l Promote Ethiopian fashion rooted in heritage and sustainability
l Provide young designers with mentorship, exposure, and production resources
l Strengthen the link between academia and industry
l Showcase Ethiopia’s creative potential to local and global audiences.
Bahir Dar was selected as the host city for its vibrant cultural landscape and EiTEX advanced facilities.
Program Objectives
The competition aimed to achieve the following:
l Talent Discovery: Identify promising designers from all regions of Ethiopia.
l Capacity Building: Provide hands-on training, mentorship, and technical support.
l Cultural Promotion: Encourage designs inspired by Ethiopian heritage and landscapes.
l Industry Linkage: Connect designers with manufacturers, retailers, and media.
l Institutional Visibility: Promote Bahir Dar university and EiTEX as a center of excellence in fashion education.
l Youth Empowerment: Create career pathways for young creatives, especially women.
Program Structure and Phases
Phase 1: Registration and Screening
l 250 designers registered nationwide
l Technical and practical screening reduced the pool to 32 competitors
l Criteria: originality, technical skill, sustainability, cultural relevance
Phase 2: 15-Day Design Camp in Bahir Dar
l Hosted at EiTEX with full access to labs and studios
l Designers developed initial products under mentorship
l Daily workshops, critiques, and peer collaboration
l 16 semi-finalists selected based on performance
Phase 3: Cultural Immersion
l Two-week residency for semi-finalists
l Visits to Lake Tana, Blue Nile Falls, and traditional weaving communities
l Designers drew inspiration for their collections from local heritage
Phase 4: Final Challenge
l 10-day design sprint based on judge-assigned themes
l Designers created cohesive mini-collections
l Final runway shows and judging ceremony
l Top 3 winners selected
Outcomes of the program
l Top 3 Winners: Received awards, media exposure, and career support
l 5 Finalists: Developed full collections and gained national recognition
l 16 Semi-Finalists: Completed cultural immersion and technical training
l 32 Designers: Participated in intensive design camp
l 250 Applicants: Engaged in national creative mobilization
Additional outcomes:
l Broadcast reach across Ethiopia via ARTS TV
l Social media engagement and diaspora interest
l Strengthened EiTEX role in national fashion development
Significance of the Program
The Fetel Designers Competition holds national significance in several dimensions:
l Cultural Preservation: Designs reflected Ethiopia’s diverse traditions and landscapes
l Creative Economy: Stimulated interest in fashion entrepreneurship
l Gender Empowerment: Majority of participants were young women
l Regional Inclusion: Designers represented all corners of Ethiopia
l Innovation: Introduced sustainable practices and modern techniques
The program also served as a model for future creative competitions and incubators.
Institutional Promotion
EiTEX role was central to the program’s success:
l Provided infrastructure, faculty mentorship, and technical support
l Hosted all phases of the competition in Bahir Dar
l Strengthened its reputation as a national leader in fashion education
l Attracted interest from media, government, and international partners
l Positioned Bahir Dar University as a hub for creative innovation
ARTS TV amplified this visibility through high-quality broadcast and storytelling.
Impact on Young Designers
The competition had a transformative impact on participants:
l Skill Development: Improved design, production, and presentation capabilities
l Exposure: Gained national media attention and industry connections
l Confidence: Built professional identity and creative voice
l Career Pathways: Opened doors to internships, collaborations, and entrepreneurship
l Community Building: Fostered peer networks and mentorship relationships
Many participants expressed interest in launching their own brands or continuing education.
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