For 3D Digital Creators

Be a national of any country in West Africa

Must be skilled in the use of design software such as Clo3D, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.

Must have been in existence for 1-5 years 

Must possess experiential knowledge of the African-global fashion market 

Must be experienced in developing collaborative work briefs

Must be available to participate in full for the entire duration of the programme (13 weeks)

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For Fashion Entrepreneurs

Be a national of any country in West Africa

Must have been operating a fashion business or individual practice for 2-5 years

Must possess experiential knowledge of the African-global fashion market 

Must be experienced in developing collaborative work briefs

Must be available to participate in full for the entire duration of the programme (13 weeks)

DSNFWD is aimed at West African 3D digital creators and fashion entrepreneurs working in garment, textile and accessory design, styling, merchandising and brand management.

Once matched with students from Ravensbourne, resident teams will work collaboratively to an open brief by engaging in in-depth research into each other's brands and practice. Using the findings of their research, each resident team will develop an independent and innovative digital fashion product, service or experience that involves the use of 3D Techniques, high-tech design and fabrication.

The program will provide training support and digital infrastructure for resident creatives throughout its duration. Training modules will be facilitated by a global faculty and include NFTs, Partnerships and Collaborations, Creative Direction, Pitching, Pricing, Profitability and Marketing.

About The Assembly

Launched in 2017, The Assembly is a community and platform for ambitious young talent, entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives in the fashion industry. Based in Nigeria, The Assembly is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and creatives from Africa and its diaspora to succeed in the global creative industry. The organisation’s capacity building programs are focused on the development of entrepreneurial and creative skills and to date, the Assembly has directly impacted over 3000 individuals and enterprises in sub-saharan Africa.

Having an excellent understanding of the local ecosystem and of the specific challenges that creative young people face, The Assembly also operates as a project management and development consultancy providing educational, business and professional development opportunities as well as technical skills development in the creative industry. With an established track record of five years providing consultancy in some of the world’s largest and most notable organisations, The Assembly partners with Acumen, British Council, Condé Nast College of Fashion, International Trade Center, Mastercard Foundation, Creative Enterprise Office, Scotland, Ventures Platform, Google and Facebook to deliver its work. 

About Ravensbourne University

Established in 1962, Ravensbourne University London is an innovative, industry-focused university collaborating with the creative and digital industries to give its students the skills and opportunities needed to kick-start their careers.

With a community of approximately 2,600 students, Ravensbourne offers practically focused digital media and design courses from pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate to professional short course level. Driven by industry standards and supported by the latest high-performance technology, the university produces highly employable and enterprising graduates. Ravensbourne also hosts alongside its student community more than 100 creative technology businesses that utilise its leading edge technologies and media resources, and collaborate with its student body and industry partners.

What is DSNFWD all about?

DSNFWD is a digital fashion residency for 3D digital creators and fashion entrepreneurs in West Africa and university students in the United Kingdom.

Fashion and Creative entrepreneurs will be matched with students from Ravensbourne University London to work together to create a digital concept that fills gaps in their business/brand or individual practice. Students and Creatives will engage in in-depth research into each other's brands and practice. They will then use this research to inform a digital fashion collaborative product or service. 

For 4 months, using the findings of their research, each resident team will develop an independent and innovative digital fashion product, service or experience that involves the use of 3D Techniques, high-tech design and fabrication.

At the end of the residency, the teams will participate in a virtual showcase to exhibit the end products of their creative collaboration to an audience of industry experts and programme faculty.

Who is a 3D Digital Creator?

A professional in the field of three-dimensional graphics, who customizes computer characters for game animation, provides movement of drawn models and objects but for this project, we’re seeking specific skills in 3D garment and space rendering. A 3D digital creator should be skilled in the use of design software such as Clo3D, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite and others.

Who is a Fashion Entrepreneur / Creative?

A fashion practioner who has possession of a fashion enterprise or operates a professional practice in the sector. Some areas of specialisation include, Garment design/making, Textile design, Accessory design, Styling, Merchandising, Luxury Brand management etc

I’m a pretty established brand, what benefit is there for my brand?

There are some really great ones. As a digital / fashion brand, the programme will provide you the opportunity to:

• Develop your skill in fashion Innovation and collaboration 

• Develop confidence when dealing with cross cultural collaborations, approaching open creative briefs and working with creative industry professionals.

• Gain access to a global Faculty of thought leaders and creative industry practitioners dedicated to the growth of your brand

• Grow your network across borders and cultures

• Access to an international community of innovative creators

• Access to digital infrastructure for the duration of the program

Is this a fully virtual programme?

Yes. The programme is 100% virtual.

I am not Nigerian but I own a creative brand in West Africa, can I apply for DSNFWD?

Yes. The program is open to digital creatives and fashion entrepreneurs from any country in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo).

I am not African but I own a registered creative brand in Africa, can I apply for DSNFWD?

Unfortunately No, you must be a national of any country in West Africa to be eligible for the programme

I’m not a fashion designer or 3D designer, can I still apply?

Yes! DSNFWD is also for textile and accessory designers, stylists, merchandisers, and fashion brand managers. 

I would like to apply as a business owner but my business is not registered, can I apply for the programme?

Unfortunately not. Your business must be registered and your certificate of registration available but you are welcome to apply as an individual if you don't have legal registration.

How do I apply as a 3d Digital creator/artist?

Apply to join DSNFWD here

How do I apply as a Fashion entrepreneur/ Creative?

Apply to join DSNFWD here 

What is the entire duration of DSNFWD? 

It’s an amazing 4-month long program from 9th May to 5th August 2022

When is the application deadline? 

Applications must be submitted on or before 21st April 2022

Phew! I’ve completed my application before the deadline. What’s next?

Well done for successfully submitting your application! We’re now screening your application and only selected applicants will be contacted by April 28th. 

As a successful applicant, keep these start dates in mind: 

Program Onboarding                 6 May 2022

Official Program Kick-off            9 May 2022